Negotiate Brexit as quickly as possible to avoid prolonged instability

(Baonghean.vn) - Candidate for British Prime Minister Andrea Leadsom said in her campaign speech on July 4 that negotiations on Britain's exit from the EU should take place as quickly as possible to avoid prolonged instability.

Andrea Leadsom, candidate for British Prime Minister, attends a conference in London on July 4. Photo: Reuters.

As a Brexit supporter, Ms Leadsom believes that EU countries will still have tariff-free trade with the UK, regardless of whether the UK allows free movement for people within the bloc or not.

“European leaders will make decisions based on their national interests and tax exemption for the UK will be their choice,” Ms Leadsom said.

Ms Leadsom, 53, a former energy minister and chancellor of the exchequer, is currently the second-placed candidate to succeed Mr Cameron. Her views contrast with those of Ms May, who has backed Britain to remain in the EU and has suggested that Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty may not be triggered until 2017.

However, Ms Leadsom said she would implement Article 50 as quickly as possible if she became British Prime Minister.

"I intend to proceed with the negotiations as quickly as possible," Leadsom told reporters on July 4. "The UK, like the EU, does not like prolonged uncertainty and not everything has to be negotiated when activating Article 50 while having decided to leave."

In addition, Ms. Leadsom said she would guarantee the rights of EU citizens living in the UK, something that Ms. May did not do.

Ms Leadsom also pledged to maintain unity among the countries of the UK, despite Scotland's request for a referendum after the vote on 23 June.

Conservative lawmakers will begin narrowing the list of candidates for the British prime minister from five to two starting on July 5, before holding a vote in early September to determine who will replace David Cameron to steer Britain through the crisis.

Thanh Hien

(According to Reuters)