Statement by President of the Government following first work session of European Council

Brussels

Q.- Mr. President of the Government, how was the British Prime Minister, Theresa May, received?

President of the Government.- Very well, absolutely as normal. She spoke a few words, presented a report, about what the British Government intends to do in the future. She told us that the request to leave the European Union will be submitted during the first quarter of 2017, and that is when the negotiations will begin. However, there was no debate because it was simply a report stating her position.

In fact, she was in Madrid a short time ago and stated practically the same as what she said today, as is to be expected of course.

Nonetheless, at the end of the day, the most important action arising from the Council meeting today, at least in my opinion, is that the immigration policy now put in place by the European Union is something that Spain has been defending for some time, that we have already implemented in our country, that is producing results, and I hope it will be useful in the future.

It is very late already, so tomorrow... Let's see, let's all get some sleep, and you, first. Thank you very much.