Ever since Britain’s referendum to leave the EU caused an earthquake in global politics six months ago, the mood in the UK has been gloomy. Pundits, politicians and business leaders have lined up to say how the British were either fools or liars to think we should be self-governing.

In today’s speech, Theresa May blew that cynicism away. She stood up and told Europe that far from begging for mercy the British need to be respected. Why should we beg them not to give us a punishment deal?

May offered the following threat: “I know there are some voices calling for a punitive deal that punishes Britain and discourages other countries from taking the same path. That would be an act of calamitous self-harm for the countries of Europe. And it would not be the act of a friend.”

Read the full article at the New York Observer

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