France set conditions for Britain to access EU common market
(VOVworld) – Francois Hollande said Britain cannot access the EU free market without accepting the principle of the free movement of people.
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| French President Francois Hollande (right) greets Theresa May at the Elysee Palace (Photo: PA) |
The French President made the statement at a joint press conference on Thursday with British Prime Minister Theresa May, who was in Paris for talks with Hollande about the UK's exit from the European Union (EU). Mr. Hollande said that if the UK wishes to retain access to the free market, it cannot place restrictions on the free movement of people. Mr. Hollande said Britain needs to take time to prepare before negotiating the Brexit terms, but stressed that negotiations should begin as soon as possible for the benefit of both Britain and the EU. He said he respected Britain’s decision to leave the EU but that there would be no negotiation before Britain submits its form of withdrawal from the EU. Hollande said the EU’s free movement of people means London must allow European citizens to freely enter its border area.
Ms. Theresa May said she hoped the negotiations on Brexit would take place in a peaceful and constructive manner for the benefit of Britain and the EU. But she said Britain will consider measures to control the movement of European citizens into Britain as this is the aspiration of most British people in the referendum that was held on June 23. She said she hoped Britain and the EU could reach agreements on goods and services.