In particular, he said he understands why the European Union is trying to complicate the process in every way possible. By taking a firm stance, Brussels is trying to warn other members of the union who may wish to follow the path of London and also raise the issue of exit from the EU. Hammond called this Brussels policy paranoia.
He also noticed that the European Union is like a golf club, which finishes the participants who decided to leave it. Such a policy is unacceptable, the British minister said. And added: in order to strengthen the European Union, we need to make it more attractive for countries.
Philip Hammond noted that the United States and many other countries around the world have expressed their willingness to enter into bilateral trade agreements with the United Kingdom. However, there are no such proposals from European countries.
The United Kingdom will officially leave the European Union at the end of next March. The first stage of negotiations has already been completed. The parties have been able to reach agreement on issues relating to the rights of British and European citizens, as well as on the extent of the UK’s financial obligations to the EU.