Italy’s hardline deputy PM accuses EU of trying to ‘swindle’ Britain over Brexit as he calls for Theresa May to adopt a tougher approach in her negotiations
- Interior minister Matteo Salvini said Theresa May needed to ‘impose herself’
- Salvini said Italy would be a friend to Britain during its negotiations with the EU
- The hardline minister said he would also be open to one-to-one talks with May
Italy’s deputy prime minister has accuse the EU of trying to ‘swindle’ Britain out of Brexit.
Hardline interior minister Matteo Salvini told the Sunday Times Theresa May should be adopting a tougher stance during negotiations – saying she needed to ‘impose herself’.
‘My experience in the European parliament tells me you either impose yourself or they swindle you,’ Salvini said.
Matteo Salvini said Theresa May would need to be more robust in her negotiating stance towards the EU
Salvini, a former MEP, also said Mrs May should be prepared to walk away if she doesn’t get a good deal.
‘Because on some principles there is no need to be flexible and you should not go backwards,’ he added.
He also said the EU was trying to Punish Britain for leaving the bloc and said there had been ‘no goof faith or objectivity’ shown from negotiators in Brussels.
Salvini, who has caused controversy with his anti-immigration policies since his appointment earlier this year, said Britain could rely on Italy to be a ‘friend’ during crunch talks with the EU.
He also said he would be open to holding one-to-one talks with Theresa May if needed.
‘I hope the negotiations end well for the UK to serve as an example of the people coming out on top of the EU,’ Salvini said.
Theresa May has been blasted by critics within and without her party over her flimsy Chequers plan
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