European Council president Donald Tusk told Theresa May “the ball is now in your court” as the pair discussed the Brexit process at Downing Street.
Advertisement
But these talks could be important because they could help to set the tone for the opening phase of the more serious negotiations on Brexit whenever they might begin – and when they do it’s worth noting Mr Tusk will be representing the interests of the 27 states remaining in the European Union, rather than the one that’s leaving.
The minister also stated it would “take a little while” to work out how to disentangle the corpus of European law from United Kingdom law, saying that, although his “starting position” was simply to put all of EU law into British law and “take it from there”, he conceded “it does not quite work like that”.
“I told Prime Minister May that I am convinced that it is in everyone s best interests that we start the negotiations soon to reduce and eventually end the uncertainty”, said Tusk.
She said she is committed to free trade but that she told the other G20 leaders in China that they must do more to ensure that its benefits are enjoyed by citizens as well as corporations.
Britain can not formally agree trade deals with other countries until it has left the European Union, a process which will take at least two years from when it kicks off divorce talks.
The talks in Downing Street followed claims from opponents that Mrs May is being vague and contradictory over the Government’s position on staying in the European single market.
She said Wednesday that her government would “think through the issues in a sober and considered way” and “will not take decisions until we are ready”.
May has said Britain will continue to play a full role in the European Union until it leaves the bloc, a process which will take at least two years.
Theresa May was accused of being clueless and damaging the national interest after she repeatedly refused to be drawn on her Brexit plans although almost 11 weeks have passed since the historic referendum vote to leave the European Union.
Angus Robertson, the SNP’s leader in Westminster, accused the Government of offering only “waffle” on its plans for Brexit and told Mrs May single market membership was a “fundamental” issue and it was unrealistic to expect ministers to remain silent until years of Brexit talks have been completed.
That prompted the Labour leader’s team to stress that he backed “full access” to the single market for goods and services but opposed certain directives linked to it, such as state aid rules and requirements to deregulate and privatise public services.
May’s spokeswoman, Helen Bower, denied that Tusk’s comments were an attempt to put pressure on Britain.
Advertisement
However, whilst not wanting membership of the Single Market, the minister did state that the United Kingdom wanted the “the best possible access” to the market. “I hope our party clarifies its position in support of United Kingdom membership of the single market, and continued close engagement with Europe”.
