UK prime minister Theresa May sounded steely today (Sept. 21) as she made a surprise speech in the wake of stalled Brexit talks with the European Union. But despite her fierce tone, analysts pointed out that her speech contained no changes to the current Brexit proposals—and was more about saving political face. [...]
May’s speech seemed largely intended to signal to EU leaders that the UK has no intention of backing down. While the prime minister claimed, “No one wants a good deal more than me,” she also noted, “I have always said no deal is better than a bad deal.” She described the current state of negotiations with the EU as an “impasse,” and said the UK would continue with preparations to leave in the event of no deal. She also attempted to put the onus on EU officials to come up with an alternative plan to Chequers that would satisfy both parties. [...]
Many analysts, including Manulife chief economist Megan Greene and BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg, seemed to perceive May’s speech as an attempt to position the EU as a common “enemy” between herself and hard-line Brexiteers ahead of an upcoming Tory party conference.
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