Theresa May has said the UK will not begin official negotiations on leaving the EU this year as she held talks with Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Speaking in Berlin, the PM said securing a “sensible and orderly departure” from the EU would take time.

But she insisted the UK would not “walk away” from Europe and wanted to retain the “closest economic links”.

Merkel said the two sides desired to get the “best result for Britain” but urged more clarity on timing.

Earlier, a military guard of honour greeted Mrs May, who succeeded David Cameron a week ago.

At a joint press conference, May said the UK was in no rush to trigger the two year process of leaving the EU – telling reporters that although “this would not please everyone” it was right to hold off until the UK’s “objectives were clear”