The Yorkshire Post says: May must forge link with EU. Trump's advice is unhelpful

Theresa May was quite right to politely reject Donald Trump’s suggestion, as she revealed yesterday. It was, to say the least, unhelpful advice at a time when relations between Britain and the EU are fraught enough without being further inflamed by legal action.

For amid the myriad uncertainties surrounding Brexit, one thing is indisputably clear. Britain must forge a mutually beneficial trade relationship with the EU once our country leaves. It remains our principal market for exports, and the need to maintain links – however much they differ from the current relationship – is acknowledged across the political spectrum.

But turning that aspiration into a workable reality grows no easier for Mrs May. Today, she faces the prospect of rebellions from within Conservative ranks over her proposed deal, which come against the backdrop of an attack from the former Brexit Secretary, David Davis, who is highly critical of her approach.

Add to that the likelihood of a grandstanding speech from the former Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson, and a lack of clarity from Labour over what it will or will not support, and there is a very real danger that Mrs May’s blueprint for Brexit will be torn to shreds.

That is cause for serious concern, especially amongst the business community, because instead of the clarity it so desperately needs if prosperity and jobs are to be safeguarded, only more uncertainty appears to be in prospect.

Conservative infighting must end and a consensus found on a sensible, practical Brexit. Central to that is forging a relationship with the EU that is to Britain’s benefit.