Brexit: Theresa May says talks won't start in 2016

Theresa May has said the UK will not begin official negotiations on leaving the EU this year as she held talks with Germany's Angela Merkel.

Speaking in Berlin, the UK PM said securing a "sensible and orderly departure" from the EU would take time. But she insisted the UK would not "walk away" from Europe and wanted to retain the "closest economic links".

Mrs May was greeted by a guard of honour and a military band played God Save the Queen

Mrs Merkel said the two sides desired to get the "best result for Britain" but urged more clarity on timing.

• Live text and video updates on May's first PMQs
• Before the trip, Mrs May faced her first Prime Minister's Questions.

Earlier, a military guard of honour greeted Mrs May, who succeeded David Cameron a week ago. At a joint press conference, Mrs May said the UK was in no rush to trigger the two year process of leaving the EU - telling reporters that although "this would not please everyone", she said it was important that there was "clarity" on the UK's approach.

"We are taking some time to determine the principles and our objectives before we trigger the formal process of negotiation," she said.

'Special friend'

The process of preparing the UK for Brexit would require "serious and detailed work" but, irrespective of this, she said the UK was determined to maintain strong trading, economic and security links with Germany, which she described as "a vital partner and special friend".

Asked how they had got on at their first meeting, in which Mrs May said they were two women and leaders "who just wanted to get on with the job and deliver the best possible results for the people of the UK and Germany".