LONDON - After a turbulent few months when some predicted she could be gone by Christmas, British Prime Minister Theresa May finally has some good news with a deal on Brexit -- but any reprieve will likely be short-lived.
The EU’s decision Friday to move to the next stage of negotiations with Britain was a much-needed success for May, whose leadership has been dogged by doubts since a disastrous snap election in June.
The approval followed an 11th-hour deal struck last week by the prime minister and European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker on the terms of the divorce, including Britain’s financial settlement.
It drew rare support from across all sections of May’s frequently divided Conservative party, and was agreed despite concerns in the Northern Irish party which props up her minority government.
But some key issues were left unresolved, while Britain is yet to set out what it wants from the future relationship with the European Union.
Cabinet ministers are due to discuss the subject formally next week.
A parliamentary defeat on the eve of the EU summit was a timely reminder of the opposition May faces to her Brexit strategy at home, as the negotiations enter what is likely to be the most challenging phase. (AFP)