, Columnist
The EU Whispers Sweet Nothings to Theresa May
It would be foolish to mistake noises from Brussels about a Brexit fudge for a real softening of its position.
Britain's desperation to avoid a no-deal Brexit.
Photographer: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images EuropeThis article is for subscribers only.
With only eight months left until Brexit, the U.K. government has become desperate for a transition deal. For all the talk of stockpiling food and medicines, no self-respecting politician would take the country through the economic calamity of a “cliff-edge” Brexit.
Theresa May, who has assumed control of her Brussels negotiating team, will meet on Friday with France’s president Emmanuel Macron to try to soften his hard line on Britain. The prime minister is doing the rounds to promote her “Chequers” blueprint, which includes a free trade area for goods but not services.