Brexit:
Germany welcomes 'clarity' in Theresa May's speech as Europe reacts
German
foreign minister says EU countries will aim for constructive
negotiations with Britain
Katie Forster
@katieforster
Theresa May’s
Brexit speech has “finally” given Europe “a bit more clarity”,
Germany’s foreign minister has said.
Frank-Walter
Steinmeier said the Prime Minister's willingness to engage in a
positive partnership with the European Union had been noted.
Ms May confirmed the
Government’s intention to pull out of the single market when
Britain leaves the EU, ending months of uncertainty and confusion
following the June referendum.
Live updates on
May's Brexit speech
In her landmark
speech, she said the deal she would be pursuing when the negotiations
get underway “cannot mean membership of single market”.
But she emphasised
that Britain wants to remain a good friend and neighbour to other
European countries.
“Finally a bit
more clarity,” said Mr Steinmeier in a statement, adding that the
other 27 EU countries want close and trusting relations with Britain
and will aim for constructive negotiations.
“[Ms May]
emphasised that Great Britain is seeking a positive and constructive
partnership, friendship with a strong European Union. That’s good,”
he said.
Angela Merkel is due
to meet with German ministers tomorrow to discuss Germany’s
position on Brexit.
Not all Germany's
politicians had such a measured reaction, however.
“May: Go f**k
yourself EU but please don’t let us down. Whine whine,” tweeted
Jan Philipp Albrecht, Green Party MEP for northern Germany.
“Many of the 52
per cent of Brits voting leave clearly believed that they would stay
in a common European market. They’re f**ked together with the 48
per cent,” he added.
European Council
president Donald Tusk said Ms May’s speech meant the EU had a “more
realistic” view of Britain's hopes and said the remaining states
were “united and ready to negotiate”.
In a message on
Twitter, Mr Tusk said: “Sad process, surrealistic times but at
least more realistic announcement on Brexit. EU27 united and ready to
negotiate after Article 50.”
Ms May said it would
be in other countries' best interests to cooperate with the UK once
it had left the EU.
“I know there are
some voices calling for a punitive deal that punishes Britain and
discourages other countries from taking the same path,” she said.
“That would be an
act of calamitous self-harm for the countries of Europe. And it would
not be the act of a friend.”
Brexit Concerns
Ireland has also
welcomed Ms May’s outline of the Government’s approach to
negotiations with the EU.
“In her speech,
Prime Minister May highlighted the specific and historic relationship
between Britain and Ireland,” said the Irish government in a
statement, reported RTE.
“In this context,
she made clear that her priorities include maintaining the common
travel area and avoiding a return to a hard border with Northern
Ireland, both of which are welcome.”
The Prime Minister
is understood to be planning to speak personally about her plan with
Ms Merkel, French president Francois Hollande, Mr Tusk and European
Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker in the coming days.
Ms May spoke to
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Welsh First Minister
Carwyn Jones ahead of her speech this morning.
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