Michel Barnier: Theresa May's speech shows a 'constructive spirit' to Brexit talks

The EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has praised Theresa May’s “constructive spirit” in talks after the Prime Minister outlined her “ambitious and innovative” Brexit strategy.

In a landmark speech in Florence on Friday, the Prime Minister proposed a transitional period after leaving the European Union to help protect EU nationals and called for a “trustful” relationship post-Brexit.

Mrs May indicated freedom of movement would continue in the implementation period in a bid to ease fears of EU nationals living in the UK.

Mr Barnier, the European Union’s chief negotiator for Brexit, said in a statement the speech "expressed a constructive spirit which is also the spirit of the European Union during this unique negotiation".

He added: "The speech shows a willingness to move forward, as time is of the essence.

"We need to reach an agreement by autumn 2018 on the conditions of the United Kingdom's orderly withdrawal from the European Union.”

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson claimed the Prime Minister’s speech outlined a "very attractive vision" of a strong Europe "buttressed and supported" by a strong UK.

His comments came after he published an explosive personal Brexit manifesto in the Daily Telegraph ahead of Mrs May’s speech, which some commentators perceived as an attempt to undermine the Prime Minister.

Mr Johnson posted on Twitter: “PM speech was positive, optimistic & dynamic - and rightly disposes of the Norway option! Forwards!

“A strong Britain working hand in hand with a strong Europe - but once again free to take our own decisions.”

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the Prime Minister's speech had failed to provide “clarity” over Brexit.

He said: "Fifteen months after the EU referendum the Government is still no clearer about what our long term relationship with the EU will look like.

"The only advance seems to be that the Prime Minister has listened to Labour and faced up to the reality that Britain needs a transition on the same basic terms to provide stability for businesses and workers.”

Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage criticised Mrs May's vision, claiming Britain will leave the EU in "name only".

Manfred Weber, leader of the centre-right European People's Party in the European Parliament and a key ally of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, said the UK position was still unclear and he is "even more concerned now".

Conservative pro-EU former chancellor Ken Clarke told BBC News: "The whole thing had an altogether more grown-up tone about it and I was very reassured by it - there's a lot of detail to be filled in but it's the beginning, I think, of having proper negotiations with the EU.”