Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Brexit Brinkmanship as Tensions Simmer Between UK, Brussels

Henry Ridgwell

   LONDON - Within hours of Britain's official exit from the European
   Union Jan. 31, tensions simmered between London and Brussels over their
   future relationship.

   Britain left the bloc at 11 p.m. London time Friday and immediately
   entered a transition period, where most rules and regulations remain
   the same. That period is set to end Dec. 31, and Britain has insisted
   it will not ask for an extension, leaving just 11 months to negotiate
   and ratify a free trade agreement. Early indications suggest the talks
   will be difficult, with big differences in the positions of both sides.

   Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said that Britain will have to commit
   to aligning with EU standards in order to get a free trade deal.

.