#Brexit: UK PM calls European leaders

The Prime Minister called European leaders on 17 January following her speech to set out our objectives for the Brexit negotiations and her vision for the right deal between the UK and the EU.

Earlier this afternoon the PM spoke first to the President of the European Commission and then the President of the European Council. She explained that the UK respected the position of EU member states that membership of the single market requires accepting the four freedoms and therefore the UK would not be seeking membership but instead the greatest possible access to it through a new, comprehensive, bold and ambitious free trade agreement.

She emphasised that the UK is seeking a strong and equal partnership between the UK and the EU, and one that works in the interests of both sides. President Juncker and President Tusk both welcomed the greater clarity in the UK’s position and President Tusk said he looked forward to negotiating in a spirit of good will once the UK had triggered Article 50.

This evening the Prime Minister also spoke to Chancellor Merkel of Germany, and then President Hollande of France. She told both that the UK wanted the EU to thrive, understood the importance of the ‘four freedoms’ of the single market and that the UK would not be seeking membership of the single market.

Chancellor Merkel and President Hollande both welcomed the Prime Minister’s commitment to the continuing strength of the EU, and her intention to negotiate a new partnership with the EU when it leaves.