London - UK Prime Minister Theresa May marks her 100th day in office today following a clash with her European counterparts.
With Brexit beginning to take shape May attended her first EU summit on Thursday, where she told fellow leaders that she hoped Brexit would cause as little disruption as possible. She predicted repealing the UK’s treaty would take just one year, according to an official with knowledge of the closed-door talks.
In a likely taste of things to come when formal negotiations start, German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned Britain faces a “difficult path,” while French President Francois Hollande was clear:
“Madame May wants a hard Brexit, that means hard negotiations.”
EU President Donald Tusk also told May that her desire for the UK to be a “strong and dependable” partner may be easier said than done as he ignored her protests to say that the remaining 27 members would continue to meet without Britain.
May insisted the UK should play a “full role” until the split is finalised. EU officials again said there would be no informal deal-making before the UK invokes Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty in the new year.
Charm offensive for banks
May’s government is seeking to quell fears among bankers that it won’t fight for the financial industry.
Brexit Secretary David Davis and Trade Secretary Liam Fox are launching a charm offensive to show they will promote the needs of the City of London in the divorce talks, Svenja O’Donnell and Tim Ross reported overnight. Bankers are worried by signs the government plans to prioritise immigration over free trade and won’t give the financial sector any special treatment.
Davis said Thursday that he is “determined to get the best possible deal” for London-based banks, while Fox is planning to meet finance executives.
Such olive branches will likely please Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond, who at times seemed alone in promoting the financial industry, which generates about 11 percent of tax revenues and 7 percent of Britain’s jobs. Bankers have warned they may shift jobs and services overseas if Brexit robs them of easy access to the EU or restricts their ability to hire international talent.
Meanwhile, May’s office ordered a leak inquiry after briefings against the chancellor appeared in newspapers last week, an official said. Treasury aides also said May’s office was in closer contact with the aim of better coordinating messaging on economic policy.
BLOOMBERG