Britain reiterate commitment to secure special and cordial relationship with the EU post-Brexit

LONDON: British government has indicated serious interest in creating and maintaining a "deep and special partnership" with the rest of the EU after Brexit. This was disclosed by the PM during a “working dinner” with European Commission president and EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Jean-Claude Juncker and Michael Barnier respectively, at 10 Downing Street.

"Following the UK's letter of notification under Article 50, she reiterated the UK's commitment to achieving a deep and special partnership with the European Union."

The meeting seemed to have started in a friendly fashion as Mrs May greeted Mr Juncker with a kiss on both cheeks in Downing Street. However, Mrs May and David Davis the Brexit Secretary, later on present UK’s position on some key areas of quarrel as Brexit talks begin.

These are contained in a blueprint drawn up by European Council president Donald Tusk, who was not present, ahead of a summit of the other 27 EU leaders in Brussels on Saturday.

They include:

·         Demands by Brussels for a "divorce bill" of up to €50bn when the UK leaves the EU

·         The rights of EU citizens living in the UK and British ex-pats living in Europe after Brexit

·         The threat of a veto for Spain on the future status of Gibraltar after Brexit.

According to a government source the essence of the dinner was to see how the UK clear the atmosphere for a smooth Brexit negotiations. "It was the first stage in the negotiations," one of those present told Sky News.

Also present at the meeting were other significant figures in the Brexit negotiations. From Brussels were Mr Juncker's right hand man Martin Selmayr, Mr Selmayr's diplomatic adviser Richard Szostak, Mr Barnier's deputy Sabine Weyand.

From the UK Government were No 10 joint chief of staff Nick Timothy and the chief Brexit department official Olly Robbins.

Earlier, addressing a conference in London, Mr Davis said of the Brexit negotiations: "The UK has a very good reason to feel optimistic.

'"The discussions I have had confirmed to me that on both sides, negotiations with our European partners will be conducted in a spirit of sincere cooperation. It is a spirit we have shared through our common history.

"Indeed, one of my key messages on my visits to the four countries over the past couple of days, and more than a dozen over a longer period, is that the UK wants to see the European Union succeed and prosper, politically, socially and economically.

"And when it comes to it, our European partners know - even those that were most dismayed by our departure after the UK referendum result - that it will be in their interests for the UK to do the same."

Mr Davis said he was confident of a "very early" deal on the Irish border and reciprocal rights for EU nationals in Britain and UK citizens on the continent.

He said he was optimistic about the opportunities for the future and added: "The Government will do its best to ensure that those opportunities are available to everybody."