German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier tells UK lawmakers to adopt a pragmatic, forward-looking approach to EU relations, citing the Oasis reunion as inspiration.
LONDON: German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has urged Britain to move beyond the disappointment of Brexit and focus on repairing its relationship with the European Union.
Addressing UK lawmakers in the royal gallery, Steinmeier said people were initially “disappointed and sometimes unable to understand the decision”.
He quoted the famous Oasis song, saying the British approach should be “Don’t Look Back in Anger”.
Steinmeier highlighted the pragmatic decision by both sides not to remain stuck in negative feelings.
He pointed to the reunion of the Gallagher brothers after 16 years as a metaphor for renewed partnership.
“Our relations may have changed, but, my dear Britons, our love remains,” the president stated.
He cited concrete steps already being taken to strengthen ties, including the Kensington Treaty on security cooperation signed in July.
The first post-Brexit EU-UK summit in May also aimed to reduce trade barriers between the blocs.
Future projects include a German-British electricity interconnector due for completion in 2028.
Plans for youth mobility agreements are also being developed to ease obstacles for students.
“Yes, Brexit has created obstacles,” Steinmeier acknowledged. “We need to change this. And we are working on it.”
The speech marked the second day of Steinmeier’s three-day state visit, the first by a German head of state in 27 years.
King Charles III hosted the president at a Windsor Castle banquet on Wednesday, with both leaders celebrating deep bilateral ties.
The visit concludes on Friday in Coventry, a city heavily bombed during World War II.
British and German air force personnel will participate in a joint remembrance ceremony there.
