Theresa May seeks time from EU to negotiate Brexit

British Prime Minister Theresa May asked European leaders for "time" to prepare for negotiations on Britain's exit from the European Union (EU), according to a Downing Street spokesperson on Thursday.

May spoke via telephone on Wednesday evening with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande and Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny, Efe news reported.

"On all the phone calls, the Prime Minister emphasised her commitment to delivering the will of the British people to leave the European Union," said the spokesperson.

"The Prime Minister explained that we would need some time to prepare for these negotiations and spoke about her hopes that these could be conducted in a constructive and positive spirit," added the spokesperson.

In conversation with Merkel, the two leaders agreed that they are in favour of establishing a "constructive relationship" while recognising the importance of "close co-operation between Britain and Germany".

The premier underlined to Hollande the importance of bilateral relations in security, defence and border control.

"The Prime Minister offered her best wishes to the President and the people of France for Bastille Day and the President invited the Prime Minister to visit Paris," the spokesperson explained.

In her conversation with the Irish Prime Minister the two officials agreed to maintain "strong collaboration" between the two countries.

--IANS

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