May clashes with Juncker, but EU agrees to more Brexit talks
brussels — British Prime Minister Theresa May and EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker sparred on Thursday during “robust” talks on the UK’s Brexit plans, and agreed to hold more negotiations that could push the sealing of any deal to within a month of Britain’s scheduled departure.
Looking at the ever tighter deadline and yawning divisions, May said “it’s not going to be easy” but vowed: “I am going to deliver Brexit. I am going to deliver it on time.”
The two leaders agreed to meet for more talks “before the end of February to take stock of these discussions,” a joint statement said. Two years ago, May set Brexit day as March 29 — and originally plans were to have a deal in place six months ahead of time.
Both sides still fundamentally disagree on whether a draft legal withdrawal agreement could be changed to take the latest British objections into account, greatly reducing the chances of a quick breakthrough.
“The EU27 will not reopen the Withdrawal Agreement, which represents a carefully balanced compromise between the European Union and the UK, in which both sides have made significant concessions,” the joint statement said.
The simmering tension was evident in the leaders’ body language as they met in a stiff ceremony.
Instead of his usual jovial kisses, Juncker held out his hand for May to shake and quickly ushered her off into his offices.
Highlighting the sensitivities, a public welcome appearance on camera between May and Tusk was cancelled hours before the encounter.
UK officials said May’s primary concern was not to be “trapped” in a system that could see Britain linked to the EU in a customs union for an indefinite time.
Thursday’s statement said that May “raised various options for dealing with these concerns in the context of the Withdrawal Agreement”. Many pro-Brexit British lawmakers say they won’t vote for the withdrawal agreement unless the backstop is removed.