Merkel appears to rule out informal Brexit talks

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday said she could not allow an extended 'waiting game' with the UK and appeared to rule out the possibility of holding 'informal' negotiations with the UK.

"There can't be any informal negotiations before there's a formal declaration of intention to leave the European Union," she told reporters, according to Bloomberg.

Merkel added she had "some sympathy" should the UK need time to file the Article 50 - required to trigger the start of a member state's exit from the European Union - but couldn't allow for delay.

However, neither could she dictate to the UK that it make a quick notification of its intent, she added.