Fra UK’s The Evening Standard
Theresa May today squared up to Brussels boss Jean-Claude Juncker by demanding early talks on Britain’s exit from the European Union.
In an exclusive interview with the Evening Standard, the frontrunner to become Prime Minister showed a flash of steel by insisting on informal discussions first – something that the other 27 EU leaders have refused.
“In the European negotiations I have been involved in, you often have preliminary talks before you actually reach the formal position,” pointed out Mrs May, adding: “This will be a point of discussion.”
Speaking to editor Sarah Sands, Mrs May set out a series of tough messages to Europe – and joked about her dour image. With Conservative MPs gathering for their first round in the ballot to choose David Cameron’s successor, the Home Secretary revealed:
- France will be warned that it would be against its interests to attempt to move the border from Calais to Dover, a move that threatens to increase the number of desperate migrants trying to cross the Channel.
- A May government would keep David Cameron’s goal of slashing immigration in the long term to “tens of thousands”, a level she said was “sustainable”.
- Talks to defend passporting rights allowing the City of London to trade freely in the EU would be a priority in Brexit negotiations.
- Boris Johnson and Michael Gove might both serve in a unity Cabinet. She said: “I think it is hugely important as a party that we come together … We are not Leavers or Remainers now, we are Conservatives in Government with a job to do.”
The Bank of England today relaxed funding rules for banks to boost lending by up to £150 billion as it warned of a “challenging” outlook for financial stability.
