Merkel expects Britain’s May to ‘quickly’ define EU ties
German Chancellor Angela Merkel expects Britain’s new government to “quickly” define its relationship with the European Union after conservative Theresa May becomes prime minister on Wednesday.
“The United Kingdom will need to quickly clarify how it wants its ties with the European Union to be in future,” Merkel said late Monday at a reception for diplomats north of Berlin.
She was speaking just hours after it became clear May would lead Britain into talks to quit the European Union when her last rival in the bid to succeed David Cameron pulled out.
Merkel reiterated that it was now up to London to formally trigger Article 50 to leave the EU following last month’s shock referendum backing a “Brexit” or British exit from the Union.
Only then could negotiations on any future relationship between Britain and the EU begin, she added.
Merkel stressed that Britain would remain an important partner for Germany, Europe’s top economy, but underlined that its access to the EU’s single market depended on respect for key principles including the freedom of movement of EU citizens.
May has said immigration controls would have to be included in any deal for Britain to access the EU’s single market.
Merkel once again expressed her regret that Britons had opted to turn their backs on the EU.
“It’s a bitter turn of events,” she admitted.
“Yet I am firmly convinced that the European Union is strong enough to survive this turning point.”
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1 Comments
A very simple but smart strategy is for Britain to mainstream its relationship with her former colonies. The Commonwealth covers approximately 30 million square kilometres in 6 continents. That is equal to about 25% of land area of the world, while it holds over 30% of the world population. The Commonwealth GDP was about $US10.5 Trillion in 2014, almost 17% of World GDP. So what is GB waiting for? Formulate holistic strategies to strengthen the Commonwealth, build structures and institutions and have a market for life!
We will review and take appropriate action.