The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)

PM wants co-operation from EU as she seeks smooth exit

Politics: Demand for Britain to play full role in Europe sparks anger

- BY SAM LISTER

Theresa May has called for a “mature and co-operative” relationsh­ip between Britain and the EU, as she seeks a “smooth” Brexit which she said can be in the interests of both sides.

The prime minister was speaking at the conclusion of her first European Council summit, at which she was given just five minutes at the end of dinner in the early hours of the morning to set out her position on Brexit.

Her demands for Britain to play a full role in the European Union while it quits

“We will continue to share the same values”

the bloc have sparked anger in Brussels, with some senior figures saying it was wrong for the UK to try to shape the future of the EU while it is trying to leave.

In a press conference at the end of the two-day summit, Mrs May said she had made clear that the UK “will continue to play a full and active role within the EU” until the process of withdrawal under Article 50 of the EU treaties is completed.

The prime minister said she wanted to “cement Britain as a close partner of the EU once we have left”, able to control immigratio­n as well as trading freely with the continent.

She said: “The UK will continue to face similar Canada has walked out of talks meant to save a trade deal with the European Union, unable to break a deadlock with a small Belgian region that was blocking next week’s official signature.

The departure of Canada’s internatio­nal trade minister was a stunning setback and leaves it unclear whether the rest of challenges to our European neighbours, we will continue to share the same values, so I want a mature, cooperativ­e relationsh­ip with our European partners. the EU will be able to persuade the region of Wallonia to sign up to the agreement.

Canadian internatio­nal trade minister Chrystia Freeland said it had been impossible to overcome the difference­s with Wallonia, a region of 3.5million people, which wanted to protect its farmers.

“I recognise the scale of the challenge ahead. I’m sure there will be difficult moments. It will require some give and take.

“But I firmly believe that if we approach this in a constructi­ve spirit – as I am – then we can deliver a smooth departure and build a powerful new

relationsh­ip that works both for the UK and for the countries of the EU looking for opportunit­ies, not problems.

“That’s in British interests and it’s in the interests of all our European partners too.”

Mrs May said she wanted to develop a new relationsh­ip for the UK with the EU.

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 ??  ?? WELCOME: EC President Jean-Claude Juncker greets Theresa May on her arrival at EU headquarte­rs in Brussels yesterday
WELCOME: EC President Jean-Claude Juncker greets Theresa May on her arrival at EU headquarte­rs in Brussels yesterday
 ??  ?? Brexit Secretary David Davis
Brexit Secretary David Davis

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