Charles Michel pays visit to new British prime minister

Belgian prime minister Charles Michel paid a visit to British prime minister Theresa May on Tuesday, the first meeting between the two since May took office in July following the UK’s vote to leave the European Union.

Speaking afterwards, Michel said he had expressed his desire to see what he called an “intelligent Brexit” – taking account of the economic interests of the UK, the EU and Belgium. Michel met May in 10 Downing Street, the British prime minister’s official residence.

It was the first time the two (pictured) had met privately since May was selected unopposed following the resignation of former prime minister David Cameron. May has promised to begin the procedure for her country’s withdrawal next March at the latest.

Michel said he hoped the process would not be the start of “the dismantling of the EU. This must not give other countries the wrong idea, at a time when Europe is in need of unity”.

Some observers have said that the UK needs to be made an example of, precisely to discourage other countries from following suit. Michel said he was pleased to have gained some insight into the British view on the subject from his talks with May. However, he repeated the advice given by others, including most recently the Dutch finance minister, that an à la carte Brexit in the UK’s favour was not on the menu.

“I don’t think anyone can hold on to access to the European market and profit from all of the advantages of membership of the EU without meeting a certain number of conditions,” he told reporters, referring to the UK’s desire to have free access to the single market without accepting the free movement of workers.

The two prime ministers also discussed other matters, including conflict in the Middle East, the fight against terrorism and relations with Russia.

Photo: Wenn/BELGA