Theresa May seeks time from EU to negotiate Brexit

British Prime Minister Theresa May asked European leaders for “time” to prepare for negotiations on Britain’s exit from the European Union (EU), according to a Downing Street spokesperson on Thursday.

May spoke to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande and Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny, via telephone on Wednesday evening, Efe news reported. “The Prime Minister emphasised her commitment to delivering the will of the British people to leave the European Union,” said the spokesperson. “The Prime Minister explained that we would need some time to prepare for these negotiations and spoke about her hopes that these could be conducted in a constructive and positive spirit,” added the spokesperson.

In conversation with Merkel, the two leaders agreed that they are in favour of establishing a “constructive relationship” while recognising the importance of “close co-operation between Britain and Germany”. 

“The Prime Minister offered her best wishes to the President and the people of France for Bastille Day and the President invited the Prime Minister to visit Paris,” the spokesperson explained.