Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

World

Cameron wants ‘closest possible’ EU ties after Brexit

-

Prime Minister David Cameron said Tuesday he wants the "closest possible" relations with the EU after Britain voted to leave the bloc, adding the split should be "as constructive as possible".

As he arrived at a Brussels summit, Cameron, who is to step down within weeks, told reporters that, while Britain was leaving the EU, "we mustn't be turning our backs on Europe."

"These countries are our neighbours, our friends, our allies, our partners," he added.

"I very much hope we'll seek the closest possible relationship in terms of trade and cooperation and security, because that is good for us and that is good for them."

Cameron, who led the campaign for Britain to stay in the bloc, is under pressure from other European leaders to hurry up and file divorce proceedings by triggering the so-called Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty.

But Cameron has said that he will not take this step, which would start a two-year countdown until Britain's departure.

He said this was up to his successor, who is expected to take office in September.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in Berlin earlier Tuesday that Britain could not expect special treatment and "cherry-pick" in its negotiations.

"Anyone wishing to leave this family cannot expect to lose all the obligations but keep the privileges," Merkel told the German parliament.

Prime Minister David Cameron said Tuesday he wants the “closest possible” relations with the EU after Britain voted to leave the bloc, adding the split should be “as constructive as possible”.

As he arrived at a Brussels summit, Cameron, who is to step down within weeks, told reporters that, while Britain was leaving the EU, “we mustn’t be turning our backs on Europe.”

“These countries are our neighbours, our friends, our allies, our partners,” he added.

“I very much hope we’ll seek the closest possible relationship in terms of trade and cooperation and security, because that is good for us and that is good for them.”

Cameron, who led the campaign for Britain to stay in the bloc, is under pressure from other European leaders to hurry up and file divorce proceedings by triggering the so-called Article 50 of the EU’s Lisbon Treaty.

But Cameron has said that he will not take this step, which would start a two-year countdown until Britain’s departure.

He said this was up to his successor, who is expected to take office in September.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in Berlin earlier Tuesday that Britain could not expect special treatment and “cherry-pick” in its negotiations.

“Anyone wishing to leave this family cannot expect to lose all the obligations but keep the privileges,” Merkel told the German parliament.

AFP
Written By

With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world as a leading global news agency. AFP provides fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the issues affecting our daily lives.

You may also like:

World

Immigration is a symptom of a much deeper worldwide problem.

Entertainment

The Swedish city of Malmo is preparing to host the Eurovision Song Contest in early May under high security.

Business

Traveling in NY is already costly, but it just got worse: transit authorities have approved a controversial $15 toll, set to take effect in...

Tech & Science

A look at the sector that could help annually boost the global economy by $1 trillion