Thread by @OpenEurope

At our #CPC18 fringe event #Brexit Secretary @DominicRaab tells @HenryNewman that there is "no such thing as pure independence," and the UK recognises its interdependence with EU in trade and security

Raab says there is a distinction to make: does the EU reject Chequers because it cannot separate goods and services or because it does not want to? #CPC18

Raab on possibility of extension of CU beyond 2020: We recognise the need for backstop as a bridge to future arrangements...but it would need to be short and time-limited... If this is a ruse to keep UK in a CU, that's not acceptable #CPC18

Raab: NI issue has been viewed as weak point that can be used in order to apply pressure on the UK... We will not give into this pressure #CPC18

Raab on future security relationship: UK and EU have broad agreement (✅), EU is moving positions on several issues (extradition, Galileo, databases)... the gap is in areas linked to Schengen #CPC18

Raab: Security is an area too important for dogmatic politics #CPC18 #Brexit

On no deal #Brexit, Raab says most risks are manageable... It would be difficult to manage if the EU takes totally uncooperative approach #CPC18

Raab: UK will not put a border in NI in the case of no deal #Brexit #CPC18

Q&A.
Q: Do you accept Commission logic about indivisibility of goods and services?
Raab: No. There are plenty of examples to suggest they are not inextricable.
[Read our blog on this topic to which @HenryNewman referred to: openeurope.org.uk/today/blog/doe…]

Raab on Chequers: We did not say there is no flexibility on our proposal... but EU needs to put forward credible answers #CPC18

.@HenryNewman: In which area of negotiations were we successful?
Raab: We have some finality in implementation period and will be able to negotiate FTAs, which gives DIT some time to start #CPC18

Raab: There is a case for regaining control on immigration, but also follow a global perspective and be a global player - this is an attractive idea for young people today #CPC18

Raab on NI: In a no deal scenario, we will not return to hard border, it is difficult to imagine that EU would force that upon Ireland

Raab on vote in House of Commons: We want to get a deal through... The choice between Chequers [if we manage to secure it] and no deal #Brexit is clear... Labour's position to vote against any non-CU deal is inviting many MPs to take more balanced approach

Thank you to everyone who attended and followed online! /END