UK Prime Minister Theresa May is between a rock and a hard place on Brexit negotiations, but her latest speech should have calmed some nerves in Europe. May's softer approach and pointers on a longer transition period, honouring financial commitments to the EU, a role for the European Court of Justice, all of which bode well for advancing the negotiations that have been stalled for several weeks. Clarity hasn't been a hallmark of the Brexit talks. Understandably, the British leader is walking a tight rope of managing expectations at home and negotiating with leaders of 27 EU countries, but it is the continuing uncertainty on what the UK actually wants that has irked leaders in Europe. The latest speech, therefore, should be lauded for highlighting some of the right points and using the language that assuages concerns in Europe. It spelt out a clear message that the UK is parting ways but it would not divide and shake up the union. May has clarified that the UK would not be a drifter or a distupter, but a responsible partner with whom Europe could still work out a mutually beneficial relationship.

But there is much more that needs to be done. More clarity is needed on the trade agreement between the bloc and the UK. May has made it clear that the UK doesn't prefer any of the trade models that are in existence now. Some magical 'out-of-the-box thinking' is needed, she seems to suggest. As much as this sounds creative, a sweet deal for the UK would be hard and might take many years to realise. There is much to lose for both sides when the union ends. More than three million Europeans work in the UK. The decision to exit is not only affecting trade relations but also jolting a large service industry that is already feeling the impact. It is still scrambling to understand the repercussions of this move. By saying that Britain will pay ?20 billion for a start, it is at last acknowledging that parting comes at a cost and is ready to honour such obligations. This announcement would certainly break the paralysis and move the divorce talks forward. May a good deal emerge that works well for both the parties.


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