John Kerry: Britain's Exit from the European Union May Not Happen

The U.S. Secretary of State, one day after meeting with British Prime Minister David Cameron, responded to the question of whether there is a way back from Britain's referendum vote to leave the European Union, stating, "I think there are ways." Mr. Kerry said, "Britain's exit from the European Union may not happen." According to Agence France-Presse, on July 8, Mr. Kerry mentioned that Mr. Cameron does not see himself as having the power to negotiate an exit with the EU, as he himself wishes to remain in the Union. Mr. Kerry noted that this feeling of the British Prime Minister is understandable. He then referred to the leaders of the campaign for leaving the EU, conservative figures like Boris Johnson who may replace Cameron, adding, "At the same time, many of those who voted for exit are also [not willing to participate in exit negotiations]." During the Ideas Festival in Aspen, Mr. Kerry was then confronted with the question of whether he sees a "way back" from the exit vote. According to Agence France-Presse and the Aspen Times, he responded, "As Secretary of State, I do not want to throw them out now. I think that would be a mistake. But there are ways." Mr. Kerry emphasized that if the separation process moves forward, Washington will not intervene, will continue its normal course, and will cooperate with both sides; "The shared values between countries, like before the referendum, have not changed." David Cameron visited European leaders in Brussels for the first time after the referendum on Tuesday, where he officially announced the referendum results and heard from people like Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament, that "waiting months (for the exit), as you said, and taking the future of a continent hostage just for party interests is completely unacceptable." The European Parliament has passed a non-binding resolution calling for the acceleration of Britain's voluntary exit process. Britain is considered the closest and most important ally of the United States in the European Union. Barack Obama, the U.S. President, and his administration were supporters of Britain remaining in the Union. Now, allies in London across the ocean are calling for calm in the process of Britain's exit and have urged European leaders to act "responsibly."