国际英语资讯:Tight-lipped May fails to halt speculation over 50-bln-euro Brexit deal_时事

国际英语资讯:Tight-lipped May fails to halt speculation over 50-bln-euro Brexit deal

British negotiators are eager to see progress on Brexit made ahead of crucial "make or break" decisions early December at a meeting of EU member state leaders. What they agree will determine when future trading relations will move to the next stage for discussion.

One politician unhappy with the prospect of a bumper check heading to Brussels was Nigel Farage, founder of Britain's anti-EU UKIP party.

On his social media site, Farage said: "Even if the UK was guaranteed tariff-free access to the single market, it's not worth 50 billion euros. Christmas has come early for the EU."

Vince Cable, leader of the minority Liberal Democrat party, said: "If these numbers are correct, it means we're paying a heavy price to leave an institution that has benefited the country for decades.

"The true cost of Brexit is becoming clearer by the day. This underlines why people should have a referendum on the final deal, with the option of an exit from Brexit."

In a radio interview Wednesday former Conservative leader and leave-supporter Iain Duncan Smith described a likely deal as a bargain for Britain, saying the country would save "a staggering amount of money".

With payments spread over many years, said Duncan Smith, the divorce bill would represent a small percentage compared to what Britain would have paid over 40 years to stay as a member.

A Department for Exiting the European Union spokesperson said: "Intensive talks between the UK and the European Commission continue to take place in Brussels this week as we seek to reach an agreement.