Holland warns Britain on ‘hard Brexit’ talks
Migration limits while seeking ‘maximum freedom’ to operate in the single market are two things Brussels says are incompatible
Brussels — French President Francois Hollande on Thursday warned British Prime Minister Theresa May during her first European Union summit that she would face tough negotiations if she insisted on a "hard Brexit". May is calling on EU leaders to work together for a "smooth" withdrawal following Britain’s shock June vote to leave the bloc, but Hollande said her demands mean she will not get an easy ride. "I have said it very clearly; Madame Theresa May wants a hard Brexit, then talks will be hard too," he told reporters as he arrived for the two-day talks in Brussels. May’s announcement earlier this month that she intended to start the formal exit process by the end of March was welcomed by EU leaders, who are pressing for a swift divorce to limit damaging uncertainty. But she angered many member states by stating her intention to limit EU migration into Britain, while also seeking "maximum freedom" to operate in the EU’s single market — two things Brussels says are incompatible. Hol...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.