British High Commissioner Jonathan Sinclair on the triggering of Article 50

Transcript:

Hello, I’m Jonathan Sinclair, British High Commissioner to New Zealand.

Yesterday, the UK government, acting in accordance with the wishes of the British people, began the process for leaving the European Union.

This is no doubt an historic moment and one without precedent. There will of course be change.

As the British Prime Minister set out in parliament yesterday, she wants the United Kingdom to emerge from this period of change stronger, fairer, and more outward-looking than ever before – a magnet for international talent and a home to the pioneers and innovators who will shape the world ahead.

We will be a truly global Britain - the best friend and neighbour to our European partners. And a country that reaches beyond our shores, to strengthen relationships with old friends and new allies alike.

We will pursue a bold and ambitious free trade agreement with the EU - and we are going to make sure that we can strike trade agreements with countries from outside the EU too - like New Zealand. And that is why it is so encouraging that officials from the UK and New Zealand met earlier this month to discuss issues relevant to that FTA and will do so again this year.

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