PM: Brexit ambition is ‘prosperity for all’
THERESA May last night hailed a “new dynamic” in the push for a Brexit deal that can deliver prosperity to Britain and the rest of Europe.
The Prime Minister told the leaders of the 27 nations staying in the EU that a “decisive step” had been taken towards building a future partnership between the UK and the bloc.
She revealed there had been “compromises on both sides” in the negotiations for Britain’s transition and exit.
Mrs May addressed EU leaders in Brussels ahead of a session today that is expected to approve the exit proposals agreed between the two negotiating teams.
New guidelines for the next stage of the talks – which will focus on thrashing out details of a future trade partnership between the UK and the EU – are also expected to be released by European Council President Donald Tusk today.
Mrs May said she was optimistic any sticking points to the deal could be resolved, including how the Northern Ireland border will work after Brexit.
She said: “We have the chance now to create a new dynamic in the talks and work together to find workable solutions – in Northern Ireland, on our future security co-operation and in order to ensure the future prosperity of all our people.
“This is an opportunity it is our duty to take and to enter into with energy and ambition.”
Mrs May told her 27 European counterparts that the UK and EU negotiating teams had taken a “decisive step” towards Britain’s withdrawal from the bloc by agreeing the 21-month transitional “implementation period” and a large part of the withdrawal agreement.
The Prime Minister also re-iterated her “personal commitment” to the draft blueprint for a deal agreed by the two sides last December.