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Swedish MEP turns on 'bullying' Brussels rivals - admits UK being targeted for Brexit

Daily Express logo Daily Express 5 days ago Bill McLoughlin
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Speaking to Express.co.uk, Swedish MEP Charlie Weimers, claimed the new Trade and Cooperation Agreement and the UK's departure from the bloc have left Sweden weakened without a key ally in Brussels. Amid the fallout over vaccine supplies and the ban on live shellfish imports from the UK, the Swedish MEP also criticised the behaviour of the bloc. Mr Weimers said: "I've been following some of the issues that have arisen between the EU and the UK.

"In the last days, we've seen issues such as the shellfish spat and it's part of a continuing effort to try to bully Britain on several issues.

"I mean, you have these small technical issues like shellfish, but you also have large issues such as the threat to stop vaccine delivery.

"It seems to me like the EU is trying to score points by behaving like a sore ex-girlfriend."

Throughout the UK's membership of the EU, states such as Sweden, Holland, Denmark, and Austria looked to Britain for support in Parliament.

Ursula von der Leyen wearing a suit and tie: Brexit © PA/Youtube Brexit a man wearing a suit and tie: EU © GETTY EU

Not only is the MEP concerned over losing a key ally but he also expressed his fear that Brussels is driving away an important trading partner.

He added: "In general the Brexit deal has put Sweden in a weaker position within the European Union.

"It would have been in our interests in the short run to tag along with the Brits within the council.

"But we also live with the concern on the efforts of Brussels trying to the punish the UK for leaving the EU.

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a man wearing a suit and tie: EU © Youtube EU

"As a Swede, in an export-reliant nation, we are concerned the EU is driving away it's best customer."

While criticising the EU for attempting to bully the UK, Mr Weimers revealed his opinion that Britain could be a stronger nation due to Brexit.

Indeed, the MEP referenced the already vast number of trade deals the UK has signed with multiple states around the world - although some have copied existing arrangements with the EU.

The UK reconvened trade talks with Australia this week in the pursuit of signing a £17.5billion deal.

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a box filled with different types of food: EU © GETTY EU a man wearing a suit and tie: EU © GETTY EU

With the fourth round of talks starting this week, there is hope International Trade Secretary Liz Truss, may have a deal signed by Easter.

Ms Truss said yesterday: "Fourth round trade talks start today with our great friends Australia.

"We want a deal that strengthens the global consensus for free trade, cuts tariffs for business and helps propel an exports-led, investment-led recovery across the UK."

A deal with Australia is seen as the most important for the UK's trade portfolio.

graphical user interface, text: Brexit © Express Brexit

As stated throughout negotiations with Japan, the UK hopes this trade agreement will ease its transition into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

The CPTPP is made up of 11 nations and will open up the UK's trade with states such as Mexico, Vietnam and Malaysia.

a group of people posing for the camera: EU © GETTY EU

In 2019, the UK's trade with the alliance accounted for £111billion and has grown eight percent every year since 2016.

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