Hollande to demand early start to UK Brexit process

UK Prime Minister Theresa May would have to justify any delay in starting the formal Brexit process, French President Francois Hollande said on Thursday.

Speaking after a meeting in Dublin with Irish PM Enda Kenny, Hollande said he would be seeking an explanation from May during talks in Paris on Thursday night.

He said the UK should leave 'as soon as possible' so 'orderly negotiations' could begin.

“I will meet Theresa May tonight. That will be the opportunity to hear the arguments. What is the interest of delaying? I would like justifications,” he said.

"Access to the single market cannot be guaranteed unless free movement of workers is respected," he added.

The harder French position is in stark contrast to Wednesday's talks in Berlin with May's German counterpart Angela Merkel, who said the UK should 'take a moment' over its plans to leave the European Union.