France warns Britain against harming 'trust' on Brexit

PARIS: France on Monday warned Britain against seeking to revisit key parts of the deal on its exit from the European Union, saying any undermining of trust would affect talks on London's future relations with the bloc.

The foreign ministry said that the proper implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement for Brexit agreed in October 2019 was a "question of trust" between the sides.

"If that trust is called into question, negotiations over the future relationship will be affected," it said in a statement.

Britain said Monday it was seeking to "clarify" key parts of its EU divorce deal setting off alarm bells after reports that Prime Minister Boris Johnson was planning new legislation that would override parts of the deal he signed last year.

The government said it was taking steps to make clear how Northern Ireland's trade will be handled after Brexit, but insisted it remained committed to its EU withdrawal agreement and the province's peace process.

President Emmanuel Macron said on Twitter Monday he had had "very good" telephone talks with Johnson on issues including Britain's future relationship with the EU but did not give further details.

Downing Street said that in the talks the two men "agreed on the importance of making progress this month and reaching a conclusion on talks quickly."