United Kingdom finance minister Hammond seeks 'pragmatic' Brexit

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May, under pressure after losing her ruling Conservatives' majority in a botched snap election and over her response to a devastating fire that killed at least 58 in a London apartment block, says she wants a clean break with the European Union - a strategy some in her party have challenged as risking economic growth.

With divorce talks between the United Kingdom and European Union set to start on Monday, Hammond said in Luxembourg on Friday that he sided with "the majority of people in Britain" who want to prioritize economic security in the negotiations.

Britain's giant banking industry and other business groups see Mr Hammond as their most powerful ally in government and they were anxious when it appeared he might lose his job in the run-up to the election.

The Chancellor declined to comment on whether he supported Britain's continued membership of the EU single market or customs union.

Mr Hammond said Britain's position had been set out in a speech by Ms May in January and a letter she sent to European Union leaders in March when she triggered the Brexit process. Her finance minister said at an European Union meeting on Friday that a Brexit deal should put jobs and prosperity first.European Union officials played down the importance of Britain's lack of a clear final plan, saying that talks on other issues can go ahead without deciding yet on a new relationship.

"My clear view, and I believe the view of the majority of people in Britain, is that we should prioritise protecting jobs, protecting economic growth, protecting prosperity as we enter those negotiations and take them forward", he said.

London Tower Block Fire Death Toll Rises to 58
Mrs May has pledged a £5 million support package for the victims, which included a promise to rehouse them within three weeks. Such a direct message from the monarch is rare and indicated the extent of the turmoil in Britain .

Other members of May's Conservatives have called for a more inclusive approach on Brexit strategy that would include the voices of opposition parties as well as the views of Scotland and Northern Ireland, which both voted to stay in the EU.

Sir Keir said the loss of Mrs May's overall majority in the June 8 General Election meant Parliament could no longer be "marginalised" in the Brexit process and "appropriate steps" must be taken to prepare for a Labour administration to take over negotiations at any stage if Mrs May's Government falls.

A spokeswoman for Mr Hammond did not immediately respond to a request for a comment on the report.

But his planned address, and that of Bank of England Governor Mark Carney, was cancelled because of the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy.

The EU has pressed for openness and a press conference is expected at the end of the first day.

The Sun newspaper reported this week that Mr Hammond had won the backing of interior minister Amber Rudd on the need to focus on the economy in Brexit.

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