Brexit talks get off to a friendly but guarded start
Negotiations over Brexit begin with mild flirtation, but the clock is ticking on a tough agenda
The British and EU Brexit negotiators agreed how to organize talks on Britain's divorce at a first meeting in Brussels on Monday, where both sides stressed goodwill but also the huge complexity and tight deadline. "We've laid solid foundations for future discussions and an ambitious but achievable timetable," said David Davis, Britain's Brexit minister, adding he was "encouraged" by the first talks. But the European Union's Michel Barnier made clear little was agreed but an initial calendar and a structure for negotiations. The talks began almost a year to the day after Britain shocked Europe by voting to cut loose from the 28-nation EU, its biggest market.
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