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United Kingdom

Tusk tells May 'ball in UK court' to get Brexit rolling

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By Alasdair Sandford  with Reuters
Tusk tells May 'ball in UK court' to get Brexit rolling

The European Council President Donald Tusk has met British Prime Minister Theresa May in London, saying “the ball is in the UK’s court” to start Brexit negotiations as soon as possible.

Ball in UK court to start negotiations. In everybody's interest to start ASAP

Donald Tusk European Council President

His host replied that both sides should work together to smooth Britain’s exit from the EU and forge a new strong relationship.

Tusk heads the body grouping the heads of EU states and governments.

A Downing Street spokeswoman described their first meeting since May became prime minister as “friendly”, saying the British leader felt the EU understood her need to take time to form a negotiating stance before triggering the formal divorce procedure.

The PM has said she won’t show her hand before starting the Brexit talks. Critics have accused the government of not having a plan, while EU officials fear uncertainty over future relations is hurting investment.

Voters in the UK backed Britain’s exit from the European Union by 52 to 48 percent in a referendum on June 23.