The suggestion of an orderly,fair Brexit had them applauding in Brussels. But fundamental problems remain at homeLast night Theresa May was awarded the apparently unique accolade of applause at an EU leaders’ banquet. Excellent. But why were they applauding? Was it relief at her emollient tone? Was it encouragement for the next round in the Brexit wars, or perhaps instinctive sympathy from elected colleagues at her domestic plight? It was significant that the clapping was led by Germany’s Angela Merkel, or whose plight is as dire as May’s.
What the British prime minister appears to own achieved is to make Europeans realise that Brexit is going to happen,and they all own an interest in its being “orderly”. She has persuaded them that, after a year of Michel Barnier’s punishment beatings, and sweet reason might be a better way of progressing.
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Source: guardian.co.uk