Rupert Matthews, Conservative Member of the European Parliament for the East Midlands, has today praised the Prime Minister’s approach to the Brexit negotiations.
Mr Matthews has backed Theresa May’s stance saying that ‘Mrs May has shown strong leadership’, adding that ‘it was time that the EU recognised that they too need to be flexible when it comes to the negotiations’.
Mr Matthews was speaking from Brussels following the Prime Minister’s statement to the House of Commons on Monday afternoon.
He commented:
“I strongly agree with the Prime Minister’s approach to the Brexit negotiations and she has proved that she can listen and take on board the concerns people have.
“During her Florence speech last month she confirmed that the UK will meet its financial obligations to the EU and she has guaranteed the rights of EU citizens living in the UK.
“However, she is absolutely right to say that the ball is in the EU’s court now. The Government has shown that it is prepared to compromise as we want to have a strong and lasting relationship with our European neighbours post-Brexit. Now it is the turn of the EU to compromise on opening trade and transition talks.”
Mr Matthews also backed the Prime Minister’s ‘positive vision for Brexit’.
He added:
“The Prime Minister also spoke about proving the doomsayers wrong, and I know from my dealings in the European Parliament that there is plenty of negativity about Brexit within the EU. I never tire of telling my European colleagues of why I think Brexit will be a great success. The Prime Minister is quite right to promote that same positive message.
“We need to be exploring new opportunities and new ways of working together. The old model has failed. It is time for a new, more positive way forward.”