BRITAIN, Germany and the future of Europe was the focus of a talk by the German ambassador in Salisbury.

Dr Peter Ammon, the ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, was the special guest at the White Hart Hotel on Tuesday. The event was organised by Arundells.

He is currently ambassador to the Court of St James.

During his visit to the city he had a tour of Arundells and he spoke with politics students from South Wilts Grammar School and Bishop’s Wordsworth.

During his talk he said: “We have to be frank and clear on the future of Europe, the UK and Germany have different visions.

“The UK wants to leave the UK and we want to strengthen European integration.”

He added: “Neither Germany or the other countries on the continent wanted the UK to leave.

“We regret that decision but of course we respect it.

“But be assured there is no will among the 27 countries to punish Britain for its decision.

“Our aim is to minimise the economic pain that we expect will be there for both sides.”

Mr Ammon also spoke about the differing perceptions in Britain and Germany in regards to the EU and the existing trade agreements with non-EU countries.

He said Germany was already successful trading with countries like China and that a new agreement was going to be negotiated with Japan.

The meeting heard aviation agreements in terms of flights to the US would have to be negotiated once Britain left the EU and there would be other agreements and regulations in terms of trading that would have to be considered.

Mr Ammon said: “The message I want to leave with you is the debate here in Britain is very different from the debate we have on the continent.

“There seems to be a lot of misunderstandings, misunderstandings are always bad for negotiators as a general rule.

“We should not limit our bi-lateral relationship, the relationship between Germany and the UK, to Brexit.

“We have a far wider field of shared interests and we are of course close economic partners.

“Beyond the economic relationship we should not forget that we have century old ties.”

He added: “We should not forget looking into the future the challenges we face together; climate change, free trade, safety and security, the fight against terrorism.

“Topics where Germany and Britain share the same interests and the same values. It would be stupid to give that all up and not be ready to work together before and after Brexit.

“There is a convincing argument to be made that the UK and Germany will remain close allies and economic partners and most of all close friends.”

Speaking after the talk he said: “There is a complicated and difficult negotiation process before us.

“The British side should be assured there is good will on the German side.”