A UK Minister said this morning that the UK “did not punish its friends and," similarly, "did not expect its friends to punish it over its EU exit.

David Jones, Minister of State at the Department for exiting the European Union, was speaking to journalists this morning at a briefing held at the residence of the UK High Commissioner.

Recently, a British Tory MP recently warned that Malta will suffer if it pushes for Britain to be punished. He was reacting to a speech by PM Joseph Muscat, in which he was perceived as being hard on the UK. “I would be astonished if the Maltese government were to push for the UK to be punished for leaving. At the end of the day the UK is exercising a right. It is in no one’s interest to punish anyone,” Mr Jones said today.

Mr Jones was asked to react to a recent speech by British PM Theresa May, who said the UK was ready to leave the single market to achieve control of its borders. “The PM was very clear. The four freedoms are essential for the EU single market and it is not possible to be a part of it without all the freedoms. What we want is the best possible trade agreement with the EU.”

He said two years (for leaving the EU) was a realistic timeframe because the UK already has arrangements in place with are already aligned with those of the continuing EU.

Asked about issues concerning expats, Mr Jones said the issue of foreigners, including Maltese people, living in the UK should be the first matter to be discussed. “We have offered to hold this discussion but the EU said we should first discuss the Brexit terms. We believe that these concerns should be tackled early. Surely, the EU should also respect the British people who live in its member states.”

On the issue of British expats living in Malta, he said he cannot conceive that the two sides will not be able to come to an agreement.

Mr Jones was asked about the upcoming decision by the UK Supreme Court, which will tomorrow give its final judgment on whether Theresa May will have to seek Parliamentary approval before triggering Article 50. “If it is in the government’s favour we will move to introduce an exit bill as soon as possible. If it is not, we will first have to study and analyse the wording of the judgement and move from there.”

Asked about negotiations between the Maltese and UK governments with regards to new bilateral agreements, Mr Jones said he would be speaking about that with the government later today, adding that he had no doubt that the friendly relations between the two countries would remain. 

Mr Jones confirmed that the British PM will attend the morning session (on migration) of the 3 February summit, which will be held in Malta. Mr Jones will attend the General Affairs Council meeting in Malta tomorrow. 

Photos: Jonathan Borg