Jean Claude-Juncker denies claiming Theresa May ‘begged’ him to progress Brexit talks
2 min read
Jean-Claude Juncker has dismissed a report that claimed Theresa May was "begging for help" at a private dinner in Brussels last week.
The European Commission chief said he was “shocked” by claims made in a German newspaper that the Prime Minister appeared "anxious, despondent and disheartened”.
The report in Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, written from the perspective of EU officials, suggested Mrs May faced a “struggle” in her own party and that she “looks like someone who doesn't sleep at night.”
The initial report stated: “[Mrs May] indicated that back home friend and foe are at her back plotting to bring her down.
“May said she had no room left to manoeuvre. The Europeans have to create it for her."
It added: "She looks like someone who can't sleep a wink."
However Mr Juncker told the BBC “nothing is true” in the account and the dinner, which came days before the latest EU Council summit, had been “excellent”.
“I am really surprised - if not shocked - about what has been written in the German press,” he said.
“And of course repeated by the British press.
“Nothing is true in all of this. I had an excellent working dinner with Theresa May.
“She was in good shape, she was not tired, she was fighting as is her duty so everything for me was ok.”
Downing Street earlier refused to comment on the paper's report.
The Commission president’s comments come after his aide, Martin Selmayr, also refuted accusations that he had been responsible for the leaks from former Downing St aide Nick Timothy.
Engaging in a fiery Twitter feud, he said the claims aimed to "frame" and "undermine" the European Union.
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