Merkel makes 'binoculars' gesture as May left on periphery of EU leaders' summit
Images reflect Britain's distant relationship with bloc
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Photos taken at an EU summit in Estonia show Theresa May distanced from other leaders, a reflection of the UK’s distant relationship with the European Union.
The prime minister stands at the back of a group of key EU figures in one photo - with Angela Merkel at the opposite end.
In another image, the German Chancellor makes a binoculars gesture whilst Ms May sits alone waiting for the start of a working session at the digital summit in Tallinn.
At the face-to-face meeting with Ms Merkel, who was re-elected as Germany’s leader last weekend, the two leaders discussed Brexit matters, agreeing on the importance of settling the issue of EU citizens’ rights.
A Downing Street spokesperson said Ms May reiterated comments made during her Florence speech last week, emphasising the UK was committed to being the strongest friend to the EU after Brexit.
The spokesperson said: “She said her Florence speech had been intended to create momentum in the ongoing talks and that the response from the EU 27 had been constructive.
“Chancellor Merkel welcomed the speech, and noted the good progress that had been made in negotiations this week. She looked forward to the next round of talks in early October.
“The PM pointed to the commitment made in her Florence speech to incorporate the agreement reached on citizens' rights fully into UK law and make sure the UK courts can refer directly to it.”
A Downing Street source added the summit had been productive, noting “the mood was good” during the prime minister's brief meeting with Ms Merkel.
The Prime Minister left the summit early, ahead of a joint press conference with President of the European Council Donald Tusk and President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker.
Addressing reporters at the summit, Mr Juncker said it would take a “miracle” for Brexit talks to progress quickly enough for trade negotiations to take place on schedule.
“At the end of October, we will not have sufficient progress,” the EU leader said when asked if recent talks had moved forward enough for the EU to discuss a trade deal.
“I’m saying that there will be no sufficient progress from now until October unless miracles would happen.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments