The pay-to-visit plan emerged yesterday and is expected to be compulsory for all visitors to the 26-nation Schengen zone – which excludes Britain – from any countries that do not need a visa.
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Speaking on the Andrew Marr Show, she reiterated the prime minister’s dismissal of a points-based system to control European Union migration championed by Brexit campaigners in the build-up to the referendum, saying it “simply doesn’t work”.
This is similar to the US ESTA scheme, in which people visiting from countries that do not need full visas have to to apply online for permission to travel at a cost of $14 (£10).
May has said Britain will not trigger Article 50 of the EU’s Lisbon Treaty to start the exit procedure this year to give her government time to come up with a negotiating stance for the complicated talks that will shape the country’s future standing.
On Wednesday, May’s spokeswoman said the meeting with Tusk would not only cover Britain’s exit, or “Brexit”, but would also discuss issues on the agenda for the October meeting of European Union leaders, suggesting that Britain still plans to play a role.
Ms Rudd also addressed her comments from the referendum campaign when she said Boris Johnson was not the person you want to drive you home at the end of an evening out.
The shrinking of the trade deficit will boost hopes that the economy can continue to grow in the third quarter despite initial fears that Britain was on course to enter recession.
Tusk is touring European capitals ahead of a summit in Slovakia this month where the 27 EU leaders – the entire bloc, except Britain – will gather to discuss the fallout from Britain’s EU referendum.
“As we forge a new global role for the United Kingdom, we can and will seize the opportunities that Brexit presents, and make a success of it”, she said.
However, he also touched upon what will become one of the most hard topics for negotiation, the relation between the so-called four freedoms in the European Union: freedom of movement of goods, services, capital, and people.
Migration controls are likely to form one of the most contentious negotiating points in talks with the European Union on leaving the bloc, as Britain looks to tighten border controls without losing access the European Union single market.
Having to turn up to passport control with extra documents for work-place proof, she says, would be too complicated.
Video: Brexit Trade Deal: What Does A “Bum Wriggle” Mean?
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“She is very clear that we are all focused in the same direction and we are all going to deliver on what she has asked us to do”. “In fact, it is there to protect the interests of the countries remaining in the EU”, Tusk said.
