Syed Kamall: Brexit will not change our common interests

Brexit can be a success if both sides focus on building a better future rather than looking back at the past.

European Conservatives and Reformists Group Co-chairman Syed Kamall issued the rallying call today as MEPs debated the progress of EU/UK negotiations and voted to recommend the European Council moves talks on to discuss the future relationship.

Mr Kamall told the European Parliament that rapid progress had been made last week on finalising an agreement on citizens' rights, the Irish border and the financial settlement because both sides sought to avoid a no deal situation and understood the need for flexibility.

He added: "Brexit will not change our common interests in trading with each other and with the rest of the world, sharing intelligence to tackle terrorism and crime and co-operating on security issues to keep our citizens safe."

He pledged the ECR Group would continue to be a voice for a reformed Europe and champion free and fair trade, fredom of the individual and equal treatment for all EU countries new and old, large and small.

Mr Kamall concluded: "I hope that last week the British Prime Minister and President Tusk laid the first foundations for the journey ahead.

"A future where the EU signs a mutually beneficial trade agreement with the UK as one of the world's largest economies, where both make the case for open and free trade.

"A future which reduces burdens on businesses, allowing them to create jobs, growth and prosperity in all our countries.

"A future where both the EU and UK co-operate on our common challenges to build a better future for all our citizens."

ENDS

Note to Editor: Syed Kamall is Co-Chairman of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group, the third largest Group in the European Parliament and the most senior elected British politician in Brussels.

Press officer to contact: Robert Taylor, robert.taylor@ep.europa.eu, +32 498984760

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