EU says they will not punish UK as ‘Brexit is punishment enough’

Two days after Article 50 was triggered, a war of words has stepped up a gear after Donald Tusk delivered a brutal blow about Brexit. The European Council president promised that the EU would be ‘constructive’ in any Brexit negotiations.

But he didn’t stop there.The sassy riposte to accusations the EU will punish Britain, Tusk hit back. He said: ‘The EU27 does not and will not pursue a punitive approach.

‘Brexit in itself is already punitive enough.’

People on Twitter labelled it the ‘Empire’ striking back. After narrowly voting to leave the EU in June, British politicians haven’t had many nice things to say about their European partners.

But now, as negotiations of two years begin, people are worried the EU might have some choice words for Brits too.

Tusk rejected any get-out clause for Britain in paying their bills. He rejected talk of a ‘Brexit bill’, insisting it was a matter of ‘fairness’ that the UK should make good on financial commitments it had entered into.

Maltese PM Joseph Muscat, who currently holds the EU presidency, said Brussels would draw up a ‘clear balance sheet’ of what Britain owes.

Tusk rejected any get-out clause for Britain in paying their bills. He rejected talk of a ‘Brexit bill’, insisting it was a matter of ‘fairness’ that the UK should make good on financial commitments it had entered into.

Maltese PM Joseph Muscat, who currently holds the EU presidency, said Brussels would draw up a ‘clear balance sheet’ of what Britain owes.

Tusk dismissed suggestions May had attempted to use security co-operation as a ‘bargaining chip’ by linking it to trade in her March 29 letter notifying Brussels of the UK’s intention to quit.

He will visit London for talks with the Prime Minister ahead of an April 29 summit in Brussels, when the remaining 27 member states are expected to approve the guidelines, clearing the way for talks to begin in earnest.

A Government spokesman said: ‘These are draft guidelines and we look forward to beginning negotiations once they have been formally agreed by the 27 member states.

‘It is clear both sides wish to approach these talks constructively and, as the Prime Minister said this week, wish to ensure a deep and special partnership between the UK and the European Union.’

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