May says talks won’t start in 2016

Prime Minister of England Theresa May has said the UK will not begin official negotiations on leaving the EU this year as she held talks with Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel. Speaking in Berlin, the PM said securing a “sensible and orderly departure” from the EU would take time. But she insisted the UK would not “walk away” from Europe and wanted to retain the “closest economic links”.

Mrs Merkel said the two sides desired to get the “best result for Britain” but urged more clarity on timing.