Angela Merkel is giving a #EUCO press conference. Congratulates @BorisJohnson on “dramatic” victory and says future negotiation will be “difficult” but Germany wants “excellent” partnership with U.K. 
@BorisJohnson Asked about FTA, the German chancellor doesn't want to dwell on difficulties, but sketches out key areas - fish, security, the question of extension or not in June.
She adds: "We have to act quickly and in a precise manner" /2
She adds: "We have to act quickly and in a precise manner" /2
Asked about UK as a "competitor" Mrs Merkel strikes an icier note on the question of the UK and post-#Brexit competitive deregulation:
"Great Britain will have to carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of leaving.” /3
"Great Britain will have to carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of leaving.” /3
My colleague @JamesCrisp6 asks Mrs Merkel (in German) what a 'stage one' trade deal with EU might look like:
"I will tell you next December," she says, to laughter, "I think Michel Barnier has a clearer conception, I am not an expert on the Brexit negotiations."
"I will tell you next December," she says, to laughter, "I think Michel Barnier has a clearer conception, I am not an expert on the Brexit negotiations."
