Angela Merkel open to talks on detail of EU free movement, in hint at Brexit wiggle room

GERMAN Chancellor Angela Merkel has hinted at a freedom of movement compromise following the Brexit vote.

She previously said the EU could not to allow Britain to restrict immigration while retaining tariff-free access to the single market.

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However, Merkel has now signalled the EU must discuss the issue.

She told a meeting of Germany's BDA employers association: "Were we to make an exception for the free movement of people with Britain, this would mean we would endanger principles of the whole internal market in the European Union, because everyone else will then want these exceptions.

"And so I personally am of the view that we will have to discuss further with the (European) Commission when this freedom of movement applies from."

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Merkel said that if, for example, someone came to Germany from eastern Europe and worked only for a short time but acquired a lifelong claim on welfare benefits, "then I see a question about which we must talk again."

"Free movement applies to me in the sense that the employee himself earns the money he needs for himself and his family in the other member state," she added.

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It will provide fresh hope for British Prime Minister Theresa May, who has said Britain does not face a "binary choice" between curbing immigration and getting a good trade agreement.

She has promised to trigger divorce proceedings with the EU by the end of March.