The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
PM wants co-operation from EU as she seeks smooth exit
Demand for Britain to play full role in Europe sparks anger
Theresa May has called for a “mature and co-operative” relationship between Britain and the EU, as she seeks a “smooth” Brexit whichshe saidcanbein 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 EuropeanUnion 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 theendof 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 50of theEUtreaties iscompleted.
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 challenges to our European neighbours, we will continue to share the same values, so I want amature, 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 differe n c e s w ith 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.”
MrsMay said shewanted to develop a new relationship for the UK with the EU.
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