Angela Merkel has told German firms to show a united front for a “hard” Brexit, allowing Britain to access the single market only in exchange for agreeing to the free movement of goods, capital, services and people. The chancellor said she wanted an agreement that would be acceptable both to British business leaders who want unfettered trade with Europe but also to those worried about immigration from eastern Europe. The support from German companies for Merkel’s harsh stance has led to fears that British confidence in German businesses continuing to trade with the UK has been misplaced.
Angela Merkel has told German firms to show a united front for a “hard” Brexit, allowing Britain to access the single market only in exchange for agreeing to the free movement of goods, capital, services and people. Her toughened stance comes as UK PM Theresa May announced Article 50 will be triggered by the end of March 2017, indicating a hard Brexit option would be taken. The support from German companies for Merkel’s harsh stance has led to fears that British confidence in German businesses continuing to trade with the UK has been misplaced.