PM May affirms ‘special’ status

Theresa May has had “constructive” talks with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker on Brexit, Downing Street said.

The prime minister hosted Mr Juncker and Brussels’ chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier for a working dinner in Number 10 ahead of a summit on Saturday where the leaders of the 27 other EU countries will consider their approach to the talks on the UK’s withdrawal.

Downing Street said the prime minister used the dinner to restate the UK’s commitment to a “deep and special partnership” with the EU after Brexit. A Number 10 spokesman said: “Following the UK’s letter of notification under Article 50, she reiterated the UK’s commitment to

“A deep and special partnership with the EU”

achieving a deep and special partnership with the European Union.

“The PM and president Juncker also discussed a range of other international issues in a useful working dinner.”

A European Commission spokesman said: “They discussed the broader geopolitical agenda and issues of strategic interest to both.”

The meeting came after Mrs May’s predecessor David Cameron said Britain must agree a “divorce bill” with the European Union before trade talks can start.

Mr Barnie has insisted the UK must “settle the accounts” first.

Sealed with a kiss for Theresa May and Jean-Claude Juncker