Szabolcs Takács, Minister of State for EU Affairs at the Prime Minister’s Office received Gary Campkin, Director for Policy and Strategy of the industry organisation TheCityUK on 16 November 2017. During the course of the meeting, the parties reviewed the latest developments related to Brexit and the Hungarian position concerning the exit negotiations, while they further covered the development of opportunities related to Hungarian-British bilateral relations after Britain’s departure from the EU.

Mr Takács highlighted at the meeting that while the departure of the United Kingdom from the EU is a regrettable development for Hungary and a loss both for Hungary and the EU, the democratic decision of the British electorate must be respected. The Minister of State stressed that Hungary does not share the approach that seeks “to punish” the United Kingdom, and has in actual fact a vested interest in a fundamentally settled, balanced and fair Brexit which contains acceptable compromises for both parties. Mr Takács stressed that also after Brexit, Hungary will seek to establish a close partnership and stable cooperation with the United Kingdom.

Mr Campkin highlighted that his country is only leaving the EU, not Europe, and also after its exit, Britain will seek to maintain close, intensive and comprehensive cooperation with the EU; this is why an agreement must be reached. By the Director’s account, the atmosphere in London today does not in any way suggest the possibility of a potential second referendum; everyone respects the democratic decision of electors. Mr Campkin pointed out in connection with the possible departure of some financial institutions from London that they are not expecting major job relocations to other Member States of the European Union. At the same time, the relocation of the management of certain financial services to the other financial centres of the world conveys significant risks as this could reduce the range of financial services that are available in Europe.

Mr Takács agreed with the Director’s approach to the effect that the decision of the British people adopted in the Brexit referendum was for the most part motivated by the desire to take back control over their country and borders as the United Kingdom is a fundamentally open and multicultural country. Mr Campkin further pointed out that despite the demographic and economic challenges that Europe and our countries are facing, migration cannot be regarded as a fundamental right. We need an open dialogue, debates and a balanced approach regarding this sensitive issue.

(MTI)