British Prime Minister Theresa May has indicated that she will not enact Article 50, the mechanism which would legally sever Britain from the European Union, until a suitable departure is arranged.
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Mr Tusk is holding a series of meetings with leaders ahead of an informal summit of 27 European Union heads of state and government in Bratislava later this month.
Tusk told May that the summit members would not discuss future relations with the seceding island-nation and reiterated that Britain would need to submit its official request to exit.
Before the meeting, Tusk told May that “the ball is now in your court” to start negotiations.
“Our goal to establish (the) closest possible EU-UK relations”, Tusk wrote on Twitter before the meeting.
The Prime Minister said she wanted control over European Union immigration to the United Kingdom, but Brexit secretary David Davis said on Monday it was “very improbable” that the country could control its borders while staying in the single market.
“By building on existing partnerships, forging new relationships and shaping an ambitious global role, we will make a success of Brexit – for Britain and for all our partners – and we will continue to strengthen the prosperity and security of all our citizens for generations to come”.
“I’m sorry to say that in her first PMQs in July, you put Theresa May under no pressure at all”, wrote Mr Smith to the Labour leader.
And today the message from European Council President Donald Tusk was: get on with it.
The issue of Britain remaining in the European Single Market is central to Brexit negotiations.
Prime Minister Theresa May answers Prime Minister’s Questions.
Asked whether Mr Davis was speaking for the Government, the Downing Street spokesperson said it was the minister’s opinion and that there were “differing views” on the subject.
Mrs May is heading straight to a meeting of the Cabinet after landing back in the country following the brief trip to China for the G20 meeting of world leaders, where she sought to win support for the United Kingdom as it prepares for life outside the EU. She has said that she wants the country to regain control of its borders – a “red line” that would appear to limit Britain’s hopes of access to the single market.
“Any new deals will be more comprehensive if the United Kingdom has maximum access to European markets, which means membership of the single market”.
“The EU also needs to take time to prepare for the negotiations in terms of what approach the 27 will take”.
He said: “I think we are in it with the United Kingdom for the long term in terms of the stability of this continent”.
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Davis was, however, accused of “waffling” by opposition lawmakers, a number of whom said his “optimistic tone” would not give a clear picture of what Brexit will look like.
