Britain told not to be deceived about any future relationship with the EU by German Chancellor Angela Merkel

Still upset about the UK leaving the EU, German Chancellor Angela Merkel issues a warning to the UK not to deceive itself concerning any future relationship with the EU while delivering a major to her country’s politicians.

Merkel’s warning came just hours after British PM Theresa May stated her desire to maintain a "deep and special relationship" with the EU, Angela Merkel warned Britain not to be deceived over negotiating any future relationship before Brexit is finalised.

In a warning to the PM, who last night met with EU chief Jean-Claude Juncker and EU negotiator Michel Barnier, Ms Merkel stressed that post-Brexit Britain will not have the same rights as EU members.

To loud applause, she said: “We can only do an agreement on the future relationship with Britain when all questions about its exit have been cleared up satisfactorily.

“A third state, and that's what Britain will be, cannot and will not have at its disposal the same rights... as members of the European Union.

“You may think this is all obvious. But I'm afraid I get the sense some in Britain still have illusions about Brexit - that would be wasted time."

The so-called Brexit bill was also high on the agenda with Ms Merkel saying talks over the future relationship cannot begin without Britain resolving its financial commitments to the crumbling bloc.

Ms Merkel told the German parliament: "We, Germany and the other member states of the EU - did not want this exit. But we respect this decision and are now looking ahead."

She once again maintained the EU27 will put on a unified front and sought to build bridges with Britain, saying Germany does not seek to punish the UK for leaving the bloc.

Ms Merkel added Germany wants to keep close co-operation with the UK on science and security.

Ms Merkel’s comments come hours after the EU's main Brexit negotiator, Mr Barnier, and his British counterpart, David Davis, said the Downing Street meeting was "constructive”.

A spokesman for Mrs May said: “The PM had a constructive meeting this evening with President Juncker of the European Commission."

“Following the UK's letter of notification under Article 50 (on its departure from the EU), she reiterated the UK's commitment to achieving a deep and special partnership with the European Union.”

A spokesman for the European Commission also said: “President Juncker had a constructive meeting with Prime Minister May.” Where” issues of strategic interests” were also discussed

Nonetheless even though Mrs May is trying to strike a conciliatory tone, foreign secretary Boris Johnson stressed Britain will fight to win a good deal.