No way to treat friends in Europe

THE current mantra of Theresa May that the Brexit negotiations will be tough is the exact opposite of what Leavers told us during the referendum, when the line was that getting a trade deal would be easy because the EU needed us more than we needed them.

This was always wishful thinking. Now the Conservatives are whipping up hostility against the EU for two reasons.

One is to prepare the ground for blaming Europe if we crash out with no deal (and let’s all hope that doesn’t happen) and the other is to boost their claim that the Tories need a big mandate to strengthen their negotiating hand.

What Britain actually needs in the talks is a government that understands reality, is on top of its brief and tries to negotiate on the basis of goodwill.

Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, has tried to end the slanging match between London and Brussels by calling for discretion, moderation, mutual respect and goodwill and has been denounced here as patronising and sexist for his pains.

As Tusk said, the negotiations are going to be difficult enough as it is; arguing like this before they even start will make them nigh impossible.

What a way to deal with people I thought were our friends and, whether we like it or not, will remain our neighbours.