Merkel hints at ‘compromise’ as she pledges to smooth UK divorce

in Berlin and ANGELA MERKEL suggested the EU had a responsibility to ensure a smooth Brexit, pledging to work “until the very last day” to secure a deal with the UK. The German chancellor told a regional party meeting: “I will work until the very last day to get a solution with a deal for Britain’s exit from the EU and I will work towards having the best relationship. We have a responsibility to shape a divorce process so that people don’t shake their heads at us in 50 years’ time and ask ‘why weren’t they in a position to make a compromise?’”

The comments, which follow a letter from German political and business leaders urging Britain to stay in the EU, are a clear sign of growing concern in Berlin at the Brexit deadlock.

Mrs Merkel has begun to engage more directly with the process in recent weeks, having long calls with Theresa May and other EU leaders. But sources in Berlin say Friday’s Brexit love letter is not a sign that Germany is about to ride to Mrs May’s rescue. The letter may have been signed by Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, Mrs Merkel’s anointed successor, but neither the chancellor nor her protégé were its instigators It was the brainchild of Norbert Röttgen – sacked as a minister by Mrs Merkel and far from close to her. Judging by his comments on Friday, it was a sincere attempt to push for a second referendum.

“There seems to be no constructive majority in the Commons for any way of implementing the referendum,” he said. “Therefore only two options are on the table: a hard Brexit or Remain.”

EU diplomats report that Mrs Merkel has started actively to engage in the Brexit process.

Diplomats, however, cautioned against over-reading German willingness or ability to “fix” Brexit, citing erroneous reports that Mrs Merkel had offered to broker fresh concessions during a phone call with Mrs May.