UK Edition
French president Francois Hollande tells Theresa May he will frustrate her hopes of a swift Brexit deal
Francois Hollande has personally told Theresa May that he frustrate her hopes of a swift Brexit deal.
The French president on Thursday insisted that the terms for Britain’s withdrawal from the EU must first be agreed before opening negotiations on a trade deal.
One of Mrs May's key demands is to negotiate a comprehensive trade agreement at the same time as discussing the practicalities of Brexit, including the amount of Britain’s “divorce settlement” — the price it will pay for leaving.
However, it has emerged that Mr Hollande told Mr May that the UK and the EU had to settle issues such as the rights of EU nationals and Britain's obligations towards the EU before any deal could be one.
In a statement Mr Hollande's office said he told Mrs May in a telephone call: “First we must begin discussions on the modalities of the withdrawal, especially on the rights of citizens and the obligations arising from the commitments that the United Kingdom has made.
"On the basis of what progress is made, we could open discussions on the framework of future relations between the United Kingdom and the European Union."
Mr Hollande’s approach appears to be aligned with that of Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, who on Wednesday rejected Mrs May’s call for simultaneous negotiations.
The French president said the talks should be held in a "clear and constructive manner, so as to lift uncertainties and to fully respect the rules and interests of the 27-member European Union.”