Two of Europe’s most powerful women met in Berlin on Wednesday (20 July) for a first discussion on how and when the United Kingdom should start the painful process of leaving the EU.
Advertisement
On her first foreign trip since taking office in the wake of Britain’s seismic referendum, May told German Chancellor Angela Merkel that her government would not ask to leave the European Union before the end of 2016 in order to plan a “sensible and orderly departure”.
“The prime minister suggested that the United Kingdom should relinquish the rotating Presidency of the Council, now scheduled for the second half of 2017, noting that we would be prioritising the negotiations to leave the European Union”, a Downing Street spokeswoman said. All the same, the EU’s patience isn’t limitless. What we need to do in negotiating the deal is ensure that we listen to what people have said about the need for controls on free movement.
Merkel replied: “Exactly. I can only subscribe to that”. “I can only subscribe to that and endorse it in full”.
She later had dinner with Merkel to further discuss Brexit over a meal of tuna with mango chutney and veal with mushrooms.
In Westminster, one MP said it was a case of “two vicars’ daughters swapping notes”.
Given the importance of a relationship seen as key to the future negotiations, both leaders were at pains to stress their desire for good relations.
May is likely to have an easier ride with Merkel than with France’s Socialist leader, although both have their own domestic election cycles to think about.
“But I think it is important to provide clarity on that now”.
Yet May herself is not as clear on the issue as some would like.
May said the referendum had sent “a very clear message about immigration” that must be addressed.
“A lot of people have “climbed up trees”, people like David Davis and Liam Fox”, said one of the German officials, referring to the new Brexit and trade ministers in London.
Britain is giving up its presidency of the European Council next year. “But I wouldn’t read too much into May’s words – look at her actions”.
“She’s confronting the Euroskeptics with reality”.
Merkel said she was willing to wait until Britain had a “well defined position” on Brexit.
That official estimated that the European Union and Britain, because of the complexity of their relationship, needed at least twice that time – six years – to seal their separation, describing two years as “mission impossible”. “The two established a personal connection and relationship and the “communication channels are now open”.
On that score, the visit was a clear success. Merkel, who as Germany’s leader bears much of the responsibility for holding the remainder of the European Union together, agreed that “we have to deal with this reality”, however unwelcome.
The PM is resisting and has already said she will not do so until 2017, once Britain is better prepared for the exit talks.
Angela Merkel yesterday told Theresa May she can take her time before triggering Brexit as the world’s two most powerful women held their first summit.
According to a report by the BBC, a source close to the British government was “encouraged” by the talks between the two politicians. Some in London hope not.
Advertisement
The trips to Paris and Berlin were meant to build May’s relationships with key European leaders ahead of the critical Brexit negotiations.
