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Angry EU asks Britain to leave fast
LONDON/BRUSSELS: Angry European leaders told Britain on Tuesday to act quickly to resolve the political and economic chaos unleashed by its vote to leave the European
LONDON/BRUSSELS: Angry European leaders told Britain on Tuesday to act quickly to resolve the political and economic chaos unleashed by its vote to leave the European Union, a move the IMF said could put pressure on global growth.
Financial markets recovered slightly, but trading was volatile and policymakers said they would take all necessary measures to protect their economies.
“The process for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union must start as soon as possible ,” French President Francois Hollande said. “I can’t imagine any British government would not respect the choice of its own people.”
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker sent a similar message as he prepared for talks with British Prime Minister David Cameron before an EU summit in Brussels, although he did not anticipate an immediate move.
“We cannot be embroiled in lasting uncertainty,” Juncker said in a speech to the European Parliament, which he interrupted to ask British members of the assembly who campaigned to leave the EU why they were there.
Cameron, who called the referendum and tendered his resignation when it became clear he had failed to persuade Britain to stay in the EU, says he will leave it to his successor to formally declare the country’s exit. Arriving for the EU summit, he said: “I’ll be explaining that Britain will be leaving the European Union but I want that process to be as constructive as possible, and I hope the outcome can be as constructive as possible.
He said Britain wanted “the closest possible relationship in terms of trade and cooperation and security. Because that is good for us and that is good for them.” Those who campaigned for Britain’s leave vote have made clear they hope to negotiate a new deal for the country with the EU before triggering the formal exit process. European leaders have said that is not an option. “No notification, no negotiation,” Juncker said.
Leave campaigners suggest the country can retain access to the European single-market and curb immigration, but those goals are mutually in compatible under EU rules. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Britain would not be able to “cherrypick” parts of the EU, such as access to the single market, without accepting principles such as freedom of movement when it negotiates its exit from the bloc.
“I can only advise our British friends not to fool themselves ... in terms of the necessary decisions that need to be made in Britain,” she told German parliament in Berlin. Cameron will meet other European counterparts one-on-one before addressing them all at what promises to be a frosty dinner..
