Angela Merkel broke her silence during the referendum campaign to warn that Britain would find itself isolated and weakened in trade talks outside the European Union. The German chancellor, who has not commented since David Cameron named the referendum date in February, said that a place at the bargaining table for the single market and international trade deals were reasons for Britain to remain in the EU on June 23.
“One nation by itself will never be able to achieve such good results,” she said.
Merkel’s remarks came after opinion polls showed the Leave campaign gaining ground. She became the third key European leader to speak out in favor of Britain remaining in the EU in 24 hours following remarks by Mark Rutte of the Netherlands and Mariano Rajoy of Spain.
“I have already said several times I personally wish for Great Britain to stay part of the European Union,” Merkel said in Berlin alongside Jens Stoltenberg, secretary-general of Nato.
“Why do I want that? Because we co-operate well with Great Britain, especially when the EU sets new rules and because I believe that when we sit together in the EU ... each result is better than having to negotiate from outside,” she said.
“Second ... co-operation between us and Great Britain has been very good in the single market and always has been under all German chancellors.
“We never reach the same agreements or achieve the same good results with someone who comes from outside — countries which do not share the responsibility and costs of the single market.”
Merkel followed President Obama’s warning in April that Britain would find itself at the back of the queue operating as a lone nation in international trade talks. “If you think of trade agreements ... one nation by itself will never be able to achieve such good results,” she said.
“Therefore I believe it is to the benefit of all of us ... to pull our weight as part of the EU in negotiations.” Merkel was keen to stress she was not dictating to British voters but offering her personal opinion.
Top Comments
Disclaimer & comment rulesWhat a load of crap.
Jun 08th, 2016 - 08:58 am 0If you think of trade agreements ... one nation by itself will never be able to achieve such good results.
And yet it is countries like Australia that have free trade deals with both the US and China. Australia and New Zealand have also managed to create most the benefits of the EU without the drawbacks.
Going it alone works well.
Merkel appeals to UK voters: “I personally wish for Great Britain to stay part of the European Union”
Jun 08th, 2016 - 09:29 am 0This is great news...........for those wishing to leave.
First she sends in the attack dogs and that didn't work and now comes the sweet talk. All they ever want from us is our money and subservience and there's not one that doesn't hate us for our success and business acumen. All the intelligent ' leave voters ' realise the Eu is creating a Fourth Riecht which should go down well with many in Argentina !
Jun 08th, 2016 - 10:05 am 0Commenting for this story is now closed.
If you have a Facebook account, become a fan and comment on our Facebook Page!