May says transition deal creates 'new dynamic' for Brexit talks

British Prime Minister Theresa May told EU leaders today that securing a deal on the post-Brexit transition period had created a "new dynamic" to now tackle the toughest questions of trade and Ireland.

British and EU negotiators this week agreed the terms of a 21-month transition period intended to smooth Britain's withdrawal from the bloc starting in March 2019, paving the way for talks to begin on the future bilateral partnership.

"We have the chance, now, to create a new dynamic in the talks to work together to explore workable solutions -- in Northern Ireland, in our future security cooperation and in order to ensure the future prosperity of all our people," May told a summit dinner in Brussels, according to her office.

"This is an opportunity it is our duty to take and to enter into with energy and ambition."
"We haven't been able to have those conversations in the first phase of the talks, we are now moving onto a stage where we can."