BREXIT TALKS COLLAPSE IS JUST A BLUFF
Merkel’s ‘on Britain’s side really’
THE Germans are only bluffing over claims that Brexit talks are in danger of collapse, it is claimed.
Angela Merkel is keen to cut a trade deal with Britain, leaked documents show.
German leader Mrs Merkel is plotting a “close partnership” between the UK and Europe, according to the secret papers.
European Union bosses are also putting pressure on officials to speed up talks.
The paper includes proposals for a “comprehensive free-trade accord” – exactly what Britain is seeking from the EU.
The deal Germany wants would also include counter-terror operations, security, energy and farming.
And Britain has received a double Brexit boost as Hungary warned the EU not to take a hard line on talks.
Hungarian foreign minister Peter Szijjarto told Eurocrats to get on with it after meeting with Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson this week in London. He said: “It is in the interests of the whole of the European Union for the strategic relationship with the United Kingdom to continue to exist even after Britain’s exit.
“In view of the fact that the British economy provides one seventh of the EU’s economic performance, failure to conclude a free trade agreement would have tragic consequences for the European economy – and also cause major damage to the Hungarian national economy.”
Realistic
Meanwhile, EU leaders continued to create tensions ahead of today’s crucial summit in Brussels – dismissing Theresa May’s offer to pay 20billion Euros as “peanuts”. President of the European parliament Antonio Tajani has demanded at least 60billion Euros.
The issue is holding up talks as the EU refuses to discuss trade until the financial deal is agreed.
On BBC Two’s Newsnight, Mr Tajani said: “We are realistic. The UK government is not realistic. We need our money back, as Mrs Thatcher said 30, 40 years ago.”
Today’s meeting comes as it was revealed young people are angry and resentful at the decision to leave the EU and blame older people for the decision.
The London School of Economics said there was “deep concern” from last year’s referendum vote.