国际英语资讯:May takes personal charge of UKs Brexit negotiations_时事

国际英语资讯:May takes personal charge of UKs Brexit negotiations

LONDON, July 24 -- British Prime Minister Theresa May announced Tuesday she was taking control of negotiations with Brussels on Britain's withdrawal from the European Union (EU).

May told MPs about her decision in a written answer to the House of Commons as it was preparing to close for its long summer recess.

The main opposition Labour Party responded to the announcement with shadow Brexit minister Jenny Chapman saying May's newly appointed Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab had been sidelined.

The Independent newspaper's political sketch writer headed a commentary: "Theresa May has taken control of the Brexit negotiations. God help us all".

"Still, now that Theresa May has taken 'personal control' of Brexit away from the Brexiteers, perhaps a positive outcome is possible," said the commentary ... "Fingers crossed then. There is still time for 'Take Control' Theresa to work her unique magic."

In her statement, May said that Raab, who she appointed following the resignation just over two weeks ago of her previous Brexit secretary David Davis, would be her deputy in the negotiations with the EU.

Earlier Raab, who has already held talks with the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier, appeared in the House of Commons to announce the publication of a new government White Paper explaining how Britain's EU withdrawal agreement will be put into law.

May said both she and Raab will be supported by the Cabinet Office's Europe Unit, with the unit having overall responsibility for the preparation and conduct of the negotiations, drawing upon support from the Department for Exiting the European Union (DExEU) and other departments as required.