'We respect democracy!' Danish Ambassador backs Brexit insisting on 'orderly' EU departure
THE DANISH Ambassador to the United Kingdom vowed to help Britain quit the European Union in an “orderly” fashion saying he “respects” the British vote.
Danish Ambassador: We 'RESPECT' the Brexit result
Claus Grube said the Brexit vote was “legitimate” and “democratic” and must be respected.
Mr Grube said despite there having been “wishful thinking” over the ease of leaving the EU during the Brexit campaign, there were “clear rules” to follow in Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which sets out the process member states can withdraw from the bloc.
Speaking on Victoria Derbyshire on the BBC, he said: “We respect it. We have a great tradition of referendums in Denmark and we know that this is a legitimate, democratic process which you have to respect the outcome.”
Asked if the Brexit vote was in Britain’s interest, he added: “Well it remains to be seen. Now we have to negotiate an orderly exit of the United Kingdom and then we’ll see what happens.
Claus Grube said he would help the UK leave the European Union in an "orderly" fashion
We have a great tradition of referendums in Denmark and we know that this is a legitimate, democratic process
“I think you had a long debate, it’s now more than a year ago that the referendum took place.
“It’s been a long, and let’s say very British debate, with a lot of wishful thinking about the future and how to get out of the European Union.
“A lot of cake and eat it. But you also have to bear in mind that this is a process which is taking place within an international treaty framework, we have clear rules in Article 50.”
Meanwhile, one EU bigwig has said the European Union would not alter its position by “one millimetre” after David Davis’ calls for the bloc to be more flexible during Brexit talks appear to have fallen on deaf ears.
Antonio Tajani, the president of the European Parliament, made the remarks as the Brexit secretary and his negotiating team arrived in Brussels for the latest round of talks.
Mr Tajani said: "The EU will not step back one millimetre from its position in defence of the rights of European citizens.
"First of all we will have to agree on the three crucial points” - namely the rights of citizens, the divorce bill and the border with Ireland - "then we will talk about the rest”, he stressed.
Mr Tajani also joined Jean-Claude Juncker in attacking the papers outlining Britain’s Brexit position, branding them “unsatisfactory”.