European Council president says Britain needs Brexit parliament vote soon, EU ready for free-trade talks

The European Union hopes for a quick British parliament vote on Britain’s withdrawal from the bloc and clarity on PM Boris Johnson’s plans following his triumph in elections, the head of the European Council said on Friday.

European Council President Charles Michel congratulated Johnson and also said the EU was ready to negotiate a free-trade agreement with Britain, calling on London to work in good faith, Reuters reports.

“We expect, as soon as possible, a vote by the British Parliament… It’s important to have clarity, as soon as possible,” Michel told reporters in Brussels as he arrived for a second day of an EU leaders summit. Speaking of trade talks, he said: “We are ready.”