Britain feels it is in a good position in Brexit negotiations and wants to agree with the EU to move on to discussions about its future relationship by October, Prime Minister Theresa May’s spokesperson said on Tuesday.
Britain and the European Commission are holding a third round of talks this week, which the EU has said must focus on the rights of EU and British citizens living abroad, a financial settlement and the Ireland and Northern Ireland border.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker stressed on Tuesday that negotiations about a future EU-UK trading relationship after Britain leaves the European Union could only start once divorce issues were resolved.
“We believe we’re in a good position and we would like to move on to discuss our future relationship,” May’s spokeswoman told reporters.
“As David Davis has said we believe that we need the EU to show some more imagination and flexibility when it comes to these discussions …
“We are seeking to agree by October Council that we can move to talk about our future relationship.”
NAN reports that the EU hopes to have the first stage of Brexit negotiations, covering the principles of the divorce, concluded between October and December.
By April 2019, the UK departure from the EU is expected be completed.