For brexit negotiations, arguing for a phased approach to the talks. The president of the European Council, donald tusk, insisted the first stage would concentrate on the uks divorce from the union and only when there was sufficient progress would the talks move on. The government had said it wants to discuss its separation and a Future Trade Deal at the same time. Donald tusk appeared to concede that Talks On Trade could begin before the divorce settlement was agreed and said that the European Council will monitor progress closely and determine when sufficient progress has been achieved to allow negotiations to proceed to the next phase. There was a warm tone on a possible future relationship with the document stating that although the uks relationship with the eu. Cannot offer the same benefits as union membership, strong and constructive ties will remain in both sides interest and should encompass more than just trade. But one phrase in the document is likely to cause considerable c