German Defence Chief Warns Security Not a Bargaining Chip

Security cooperation will not become a bargaining chip during Brexit negotiations, said Germany's defence minister Ursula von der Leyen.

During an interview with BBC Newsnight, the minister said Britain and Germany have a "joint vision" of military cooperation:

“I do not expect we are going to bargain with security topics because it's in our common and mutual interest to exchange information necessary because it concerns the two of us vitally."

According to von der Leyen, talks will focus on trade and markets and will be conducted "openly and directly".

She added that she is working closely with Michael Fallon to "strengthen the British-German military cooperation".

The comments come a day after the UK triggered Article 50, starting the formal process of withdrawing from the EU.

Recently concerns have been raised regarding the implications Brexit would have on the fight against terrorism.

During previous negotiations, Angela Merkel made clear to Theresa May that the UK must pay its bill before any parallel talks on trade can happen.

Picture courtesy of Olaf Kosinsky