Juncker bans Brussels chiefs from 'secret negotiations with UK over Brexit'

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker during a European Parliament session
EPA/OLIVIER HOSLET
Hatty Collier28 June 2016
WEST END FINAL

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Jean-Claude Juncker today ordered Brussels chiefs not to enter into any "secret negotiations" with the UK over Brexit.

The European Commission president renewed his demand for clarity from London about its intentions and warned against "shadow boxing or cat-and-mouse games".

Speaking at an emergency session of the European Parliament to discuss the fallout over the Brexit vote, he said: "I really don't like uncertainty.

"I would like our British friends to tell us what they want now so that we can get on with it.

"I don't think we should see any shadow boxing or any cat-and-mouse games. It is clear what the British people want and we should act accordingly.

"Let me be very clear: we can't have secret attempts to take the British Government aside, to become secret, informal negotiations.

"I have made a very clear command to all Commissioners and Commission staff: there can be no secret negotiations, no secret negotiations."

Ukip leader Nigel Farage and European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker
Dominique Hommel/European Union/PA Wire

He added: "It is we who must decide what happens, not just those who wish to leave."

Mr Juncker also complained that he was maligned in the UK.

"I am accused of being undemocratic, a faceless bureaucrat, some kind of robot. That is the way I am portrayed in the United Kingdom," he said.

"I am willing to recognise this vote in the United Kingdom, but it has been turned against me.

"I respect what the British people have said and I would like to be respected."

In heated scenes during the emergency session, Mr Juncker clashed with Ukip leader Nigel Farage, who delivered a provocative victory speech after his triumph at the EU referendum.

Additional reporting by Press Association.

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