Britain said it is ready to start negotiating its post-Brexit relationship with the European Union. The move by the UK government is aimed to give hope to the concerned businesses, citizens and investors.
However, Brussels said that progress on withdrawal arrangements is needed first.
In a sign that Britain is ready to move to the next round of discussions, finance minister Philip Hammond and trade minister Liam Fox published a joint statement in which they said a transitional period following Brexit is necessary. The announcement was viewed as a truce between rival factions in Prime Minister Theresa May's cabinet.
Brexit minister David Davis said he was preparing to publish some documents, including plans for a new customs arrangement and a proposal on how to resolve the difficulties of a border between Ireland and Northern Ireland.
So far, talks have focused on the amount Britain will pay to quit the EU, the rights British and EU people will have, and a land border between the UK and the EU’s Ireland. A solution to these issues will be discussed at the next round of talks in late August.
