Former Margaret Thatcher aide Nile Gardiner insisted the European Union made "extortionate demands" during the Brexit negotiations, suggesting the bloc had never intended to grant Britain a deal. Mr Gardiner branded Theresa May as "weak" as he accused the British Government of giving away "too much" earlier in the talks and losing the advantage over Brussels. Speaking to CNN, the Conservative commentator said: "This has not been a good faith negotiation.
"I think there have been extortionate demands from Brussels, with Britain being forced to hand over £39 billion to the EU.
"My former boss, Margaret Thatcher, would never have accepted this kind of arrangement and she would have walked away from these talks a long time ago. It’s very clear the EU just isn’t interested in doing a fair, balanced deal here that would benefit both sides."
The Prime Minister has been seeking to secure additional concessions from Brussels to ensure the divorce deal is passed in Parliament but has so far failed to pressure the bloc into giving into her demands.
Mr Gardiner continued: "Theresa May just doesn’t accept the reality of the situation and she also has been, it has to be said, very weak in terms of her approach.
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Brexit news - May has been warned the EU does not want a "fair deal" with Britain (Image: PARLIAMENT • EC AUDIVISUAL)
"Far too many
