'Difficult moments' to come in Brexit negotiations, say PM
Theresa May said there would “difficult moments” in Brexit negotiations, but maintained that a deal could be reached despite trepidations from the EU in sealing a trading deal with Canada.
In her first EU summit as prime minister in Brussels, May said: "I recognise the scale of the challenge ahead. I am sure there will be difficult moments - it will require some give and take.
"But I firmly believe that if we approach this in a constructive spirit, as I am, then we can deliver a smooth departure and build a powerful new relationship that works both for the UK and for the countries of the EU, looking for opportunities, not problems."
A Belgian region has objected Ceta, an EU trade deal with Canada, putting the pact in doubt.
May said she was not looking to adopt a model that another country had but to have a unique one for Britain.
"Obviously we have got negotiations ahead... those negotiations will take time, as I say, there will be some difficult moments, it will need some give and take but I'm optimistic that we can achieve a deal that is right for the UK because I actually think the deal that is right for the UK will also be right for the European Union."
Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats gained ground in the Witney by-election on Thursday, a seat vacated by former prime minister David Cameron.
The seat was untimely retained by the conservative party and won by Robert Courts, but the vote fell from 60% to 45%, compared to general election result in 2015, as the Lib Dems came second place as they increased their vote to 30% on a pro-Europe ticket.
The Labour party and Tracy Brabin held the Batley and Spen seat where Jo Cox was killed in June, as the other major parties agreed not to stand.