Poles still ‘welcome and valued’ in UK, says PM

Theresa May visits Poland and Slovakia for talks with premiers

Theresa May has condemned “shameful and despicable” attacks on Poles in the wake of the Brexit vote and insisted they continue to be welcome in Britain.

During a visit to Warsaw for talks with counterpart Beata Szydlo, the Prime Minister said she will “seek to address the concerns” of voters about free movement while “recognising” the economic ties between the UK and EU.

Mrs May said: “I will seek to address the concerns of the British people about free movement, while recognising the importance of a close economic relationship between the UK and the EU.

“Of course, there will be different interests and complex issues to resolve but I firmly believe that if we approach this in a constructive and positive spirit then we can pave the way for a calm and orderly departure.

“In that context, I want to be clear that Poles living in the UK continue to be welcome and we value the contribution that they make to our country.

“We condemned the shameful and despicable attacks against Polish communities and others in the wake of the referendum result.”

The meeting came just hours after the PM held talks in Slovakia with counterpart Robert Fico.

Brexit offers the UK the opportunity to “intensify” its relationships with European allies, she said.

The Prime Minister said: “It is important to underline that while the UK is leaving the EU, we are not leaving Europe or withdrawing from the world.

“Britain will remain an outwardlooking nation, a strong voice for liberal, free market principles and democratic values.”

Picture: AP. Theresa May is welcomed by Slovakia Prime Minister Robert Fico ahead of their meeting in Bratislava yesterday.