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Paul Lever said Germany’s own interests will be at the forefront of negations after the Chancellor said Britain could face consequences if the Government puts an end to free movement after Brexit.The retired ambassador said maintaining unity in Europe and the “integrity” of the single market would be their main interest.He said “They won’t be a particularly sympathetic friend, they will treat us as Angela Merkel has said, fairly, objectively, pragmatically, but they have their own interests.“And as with all German behaviour in the EU, it’s those interests which will principally motivate them.”When asked if it was about “keeping the show on the road”, he said: “Yes, I would say their main interest in the Brexit negotiations will be to preserve the unity of the 27, to maintain the integrity of the single market, including all four of its freedoms.“And to avoid having to pick up any of the bill themselves after we’re gone.”

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merkel brexit