French President Macron: Doors are always open as long as Brexit negotiations are not concluded

On June 13, French President Emmanuel Macron declared that Britain is always welcome to stay in the European Union (EU), after British Prime Minister Theresa May said that Brexit negotiations will begin next week.

Speaking at a press conference at the Élysée Palace after talks with Mrs May, Mr Macron said: "Of course the door is always open as long as the Brexit negotiations are not finished. We need to be clear and organised, and once it (the Brexit process) starts we need to have a clear common understanding that reversing the process will be much harder."

President Macron also stressed that he respected the British people's sovereign decision to leave the EU, and affirmed that the start of Brexit negotiations was an important turning point.

For her part, May reaffirmed her plan to maintain the Brexit negotiating schedule, despite ongoing negotiations on forming a government in the UK. Asked whether losing her majority in Parliament would change her decision to leave the EU's single market and customs union, also known as a "hard Brexit", Prime Minister May said: "I think there is a consensus on the purpose of the British people. That is to vote to leave the EU and for the government to take over and make it a success... (this process) will lead to a Brexit arrangement that is good for the UK and the other 27 members of the EU."

Following their talks, Prime Minister May and President Macron announced a joint action plan to combat online extremism, which aims to increase pressure on internet and social media companies to block hate speech and terrorist propaganda. The plan also considers introducing new laws to punish tech companies that fail to comply.

According to Baotintuc.vn