May gathers ministers for Brexit talks

British Prime Minister Theresa May yesterday summoned her senior ministers for their first talks on leaving the European Union since the summer break amid reports of major divisions over how to proceed. Finance minister Philip Hammond reportedly wants Britain to negotiate a deal that would allow Britain to stay in the EU single market, while […]

British Prime Minister Theresa May yesterday summoned her senior ministers for their first talks on leaving the European Union since the summer break amid reports of major divisions over how to proceed.
Finance minister Philip Hammond reportedly wants Britain to negotiate a deal that would allow Britain to stay in the EU single market, while other ministers who campaigned for Brexit favour leaving.
There is also confusion over the responsibilities of different government departments in any negotiations with Brussels, particularly between the foreign, international trade and Brexit ministries.
Britain voted to leave the EU in a June referendum, prompting the resignation of May’s predecessor David Cameron, who led the campaign to remain in the 28-nation bloc.
While May herself also favoured staying in, she has since insisted that “Brexit means Brexit”.