Francois Hollande says UK must face consequences as he urges speedy Brexit
French President Francois Hollande has said the UK must now face the consequences of Brexit.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Battle of the Somme centenary ceremonies in northern France, Hollande said that Brexit can't be "cancelled" or "delayed", after having met with Prime Minister David Cameron, who was also in attendance.
"Being in the European Union has its advantages and I think that is what the British are beginning to understand, what those who are tempted by the Brexit are going to reflect upon. But the decision has been taken – it cannot be delayed or cancelled. Now we must take the consequences."
Hollande added that a swift Brexit would "avert all the uncertainties and instability, especially in the economic and financial domains. The faster it goes, the better it will be for them."
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A Downing Street spokesperon added that relations between the two are still "strong".
The spokesperson said: "[Cameron and Hollande] agreed the bilateral relationship between the UK and France was enduring and strong, and that our defence and security cooperation in particular would continue to go from strength to strength, based on the solid foundation of the Lancaster House Treaty.
"They agreed a mutual commitment to continue working closely together to protect our shared border in Calais and to maintain the so-called "juxtaposed controls".
"They discussed Hinkley and agreed that there was continued UK and French support for the project.
"The Prime Minister also reiterated his view that the United Kingdom should seek the closest possible relations with the EU and in that context, the need for constructive post-referendum negotiations."