UK's May tries to reassure EU on Brexit
Updated: 2016-10-21 09:37
(Agencies)
|
|||||||||
BRUSSELS - Attending her first European Union summit since Britain's vote to leave the bloc, Prime Minister Theresa May tried to reassure EU leaders over Brexit but was told by French President Francois Hollande to prepare for tough negotiations.
At a gathering in Brussels where EU leaders had robust debates on Russia, migration and trade issues, May was allotted a short time slot at the end of dinner on Thursday to lay out her plans for taking Britain out of the EU after more than four decades as a member.
May has said she will formally notify the EU of Britain's plan to leave by the end of March, but she and her ministers have sent conflicting signals about what kind of relationship they envision once the divorce talks end.
Her speech at a conference of her Conservative Party in early October suggested to some that she was leaning towards a so-called "hard Brexit" in which Britain would place limits on immigration and lose access to Europe's lucrative single market.
"This is my first European Council and I'm here with a very clear message," May said at the start of the summit. "The UK is leaving the EU but we will continue to play a full role until we leave and we'll be a strong and dependable partner after we have left."
Despite the conciliatory tone, Hollande warned May that "the negotiations will be hard". And German Chancellor Angela Merkel, while welcoming May's message that Britain would try to avoid causing damage to the EU in the looming talks, said the two sides faced a "difficult path".
Leaders from across the bloc also made clear that they would not bow to May's suggestion that preparatory talks take place before she invokes Article 50 of the EU treaty, starting the two-year countdown to Brexit.
"There will be no negotiations before Article 50 is triggered by the UK," said European Council President Donald Tusk. "However, the basic principles, namely the single market and the indivisibility of the four freedoms, will remain our firm stance."
An aide to May said: "The message that no negotiation (will take place) pre-notification has been pretty loud and clear."
Related Stories
UK falls out of top five investment sites post Brexit 2016-10-18 08:16
IMF sees Brexit damage to British growth 2016-10-05 16:35
May acts to quell Brexit fears, but will her strategy work? 2016-10-04 17:42
Firms fleeing Brexit getting tangled up in Berlin's red tape 2016-10-21 08:06
Post-Brexit, Britain's Jews look to return to Germany 2016-10-18 07:46
Today's Top News
EU leaders mull new trade rules
English cities hope to woo Chinese investment
UK's May tries to reassure EU on Brexit
Lawmakers stage walkout to protest anti-China acts
Syrian army declares 3-day truce in Aleppo
BBC report on Terracotta Warriors refuted
Iraqi forces recapture more villages around Mosul
Greeks rally against labor reforms
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Hollywood snaps up rock star's dog film |
Chinese people welcome dispossessed |
The can-do generation to the fore |
Riding the wave |
Leisure giants buoy cruise market |
She followed her heart |