British diplomats furious after Danish minister delivers 'small country' jibe over Brexit
BRITISH diplomats have reacted with fury after a Danish minister poured scorn on the UK’s international standing.
British diplomat blasts Danish minister over 'small country' jibe
Some European politicians have been putting the boot in since last week’s chaotic election sparked uncertainty over Brexit just days before negotiations are due to get underway.
And Danish Finance Minister Kristian Jensen couldn’t resist taking a pop during a conference called Road To Brexit
He told the event in Copenhagen: "Brexit is unfortunate for us, but it’s a disaster for Britain.”
He said the UK was not in a position to bully Denmark or other members of the European Union during the forthcoming talks.
Mr Jesen warned the British government was “heading into a trap if they think that the other 27 EU countries can be pressed to give them special benefits”.
Danish finance minister Kristian Jensen described Britain as a 'small country'
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There are small nations and there are countries that have not yet realised they are small nations
He said: “There are two kinds of European nations. There are small nations and there are countries that have not yet realised they are small nations.”
His comments were greeted with an angry response from UK officials.
Britain’s ambassador to Denmark, Dominic Schroeder, said he saw no indications “of a diminished or diminishing power”.
He pointed out Britain’s membership of the G7 and G20 proved it was anything but a small country.
And he said Britain will continue to participate in international missions and military exercises alongside Denmark to help ensure the security of EU member states in the tense Baltic region through the presence of 800 UK service personnel.
Chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier wants to get things moving
Mr Schroeder said: ”This is, in my opinion and I am sure that it is also the Prime Minister's opinion, not a state or attitude or behaviour one associates with a reduced or shrinking superpower.”
Brexit negotiations are scheduled to begin on June 19 but could be delayed while Theresa May’s Conservatives discuss a deal with Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party in the wake of last week’s election.
The EU's chief Brexit negotiator has urged the UK to begin talks "very quickly".
Michel Barnier warned no progress had been made on the "extraordinarily complex" talks since Theresa May invoked Article 50 in March.
Under Article 50, the UK is due to leave the EU by the end of March 2019.
Theresa May insists Brexit talks will begin on Monday
Leaving with no deal in place could mean trade tariffs between the UK and the EU unless interim arrangements are made.
Mr Barnier said: ”Next week, it will be three months after the sending of the Article 50 letter.
“We haven't negotiated, we haven't progressed.
"Thus we must begin this negotiation. We are ready as soon as the UK itself is ready."
Downing Street has insisted the election result will not change the approach to Brexit set out last year.