LONDON – European leaders told Britain on Tuesday to act quickly to resolve the political and economic chaos unleashed by its vote to leave the European Union, a move the IMF said could put pressure on global growth.
European countries are particularly worried about the impact on the rest of the EU of the uncertainty created by Britain’s vote to leave, with little idea of when, or even if, the country will formally declare it is quitting.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker told the European Parliament before meeting British PM David Cameron in Brussels that he would urge him to clarify London’s position as soon as possible.
But he said he did not expect him to launch the two-year withdrawal process “today, or tomorrow morning”. “We cannot be embroiled in lasting uncertainty,” Juncker said in a speech which he interrupted to ask British lawmakers who campaigned to leave the EU why they were there.
Cameron, who offered to resign when it became clear he had failed to persuade the country to stay in the EU in the referendum he called, says he will leave it to his successor to formally declare Britain’s exit.
“Britain will be leaving the European Union but I want that process to be as constructive as possible and I hope the outcome can be as constructive as possible,” Cameron said on arrival in Brussels for a summit with other EU leaders.
Holding out hope of maintaining good relations with other European countries, he said: “And I very much hope we’ll seek the closest possible relationship in terms of trade and cooperation and security. Because that is good for us and that is good for them.”
His party says it aims to choose a new leader by early September, but those who campaigned for Britain’s leave vote have made clear they hope to negotiate a new deal for the country with Europe before triggering the formal exit process. European leaders have said that is not an option. “No notification, no negotiation,” Juncker said.
Cameron and Juncker exchanged no words as they met. The British premier will meet other European counterparts one-on-one before addressing them all at what promises to be a frosty dinner to discuss what has become known as Brexit.
EU lawmakers have made clear they hope he will trigger the exit process at the dinner, but an EU official said that was unrealistic given the political chaos in London, where both Cameron’s party and opposition Labour lawmakers are deeply divided.
The ruling Conservative Party in parliament is split into pro- and anti-EU camps and Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn faces a no confidence vote on Tuesday from parliamentarians who accuse him of lukewarm support for the EU. After Cameron has addressed EU leaders on Tuesday evening, they will meet the next day to discuss Brexit without him.
