ADVERTISEMENT

German Chancellor rejects informal Brexit talks before official UK application to leave

Britons stunned global financial markets and world leaders by voting in a referendum last Thursday to leave the EU. On Friday Prime Minister David Cameron said he would resign in October and that he would leave it to his successor to start the formal process to quit the EU by invoking Article 50.

Merkel rejects informal Brexit talks before official UK application to leave

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Monday she did not want to pressure Britain to slow or accelerate its exit from the European Union but she also made clear that informal discussions on Brexit could not begin until London applies to leave.

Britons stunned global financial markets and world leaders by voting in a referendum last Thursday to leave the EU. On Friday Prime Minister David Cameron said he would resign in October and that he would leave it to his successor to start the formal process to quit the EU by invoking Article 50.

"I have neither a brake nor an accelerator, rather I have the job of reflecting when this message (to leave the bloc) arrives about how exactly we implement it," Merkel told a news conference.

The chief executive of Britain's Vote Leave campaign, Matthew Elliott, has said that London should begin informal negotiations on a full settlement governing its post-exit relationship with the EU before invoking Article 50.

ADVERTISEMENT

But Merkel, Europe's most powerful leader who will play a key role in shaping the future relationship between Britain and the EU, dismissed such a possibility.

"We can't begin informal talks without having the message (Article 50) from Britain. That is clear for me," she said.

Asked if Britain could wait until a new prime minister is chosen to make the formal announcement about its intention to leave the bloc, Merkel said: "We can't have a permanent impasse."

"Britain remains a member of the European Union until an application (to leave) is submitted and then there will be long negotiations," she added.

Merkel said she had "some understanding" for Britain taking time to analyse its situation and said she would discuss the matter with Cameron at a gathering of EU leaders in Brussels on Tuesday.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Ita-Giwa launches Garri processing plant for Bakassi IDps

Ita-Giwa launches Garri processing plant for Bakassi IDps

Obama, Clinton support Biden at NYC fundraiser amid protests

Obama, Clinton support Biden at NYC fundraiser amid protests

Tinubu’s refusal to celebrate 72nd birthday marks great leadership - Rahman

Tinubu’s refusal to celebrate 72nd birthday marks great leadership - Rahman

Adamawa Police reaffirms ban on motorcycles in Yola

Adamawa Police reaffirms ban on motorcycles in Yola

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

Tinubu appoints Bello as chairman of code of conduct bureau

Tinubu appoints Bello as chairman of code of conduct bureau

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT