UK Prime Minister Theresa May is demanding respect from the European Union in Brexit talks, slamming its behavior as unacceptable after her plans were savagely rejected at an EU summit in Salzburg. In a statement delivered in Downing Street in front of two Union Jack flags, a defiant May demanded Brussels shift its position or risk a calamitous breakdown in Brexit negotiations. Richard Bestic reports from London.  

Theresa May's statement was as brief as the tone was terse. The British prime minister admitted Brexit negotiations were at an impasse as the EU offered only unacceptable choices.

THERESA MAY BRITISH PRIME MINISTER "Anything, which fails to respect the referendum or which effectively divides our country in two, would be a bad deal, and I have always said, no deal is better than a bad deal."

May appeared bruised by the brusque reception she received from other EU leaders at the Salzburg summit. They bluntly ejected her Brexit plans without what she called adequate explanation.

May said she wanted respect.

THERESA MAY BRITISH PRIME MINISTER "Throughout this process, I have treated the EU with nothing but respect. The UK expects the same. A good relationship at the end of this process depends on it."

May's uncompromising statement to the TV cameras, her way of throwing the Brexit ball back to Brussels insisting it must negotiate in good faith.

THERESA MAY BRITISH PRIME MINISTER "And we stand ready."

She's aware such bluff talk could see the negotiations fall apart in acrimony, making a "no deal Brexit" a very real possibility.

RICHARD BESTIC LONDON "And that's where the UK prime minister's problems begin again, because back here in Britain, Parliament is unlikely to accept a "no deal" Brexit. With just weeks before the Brexit deadline, that prospect could trigger the collapse of May's government. Richard Bestic, CGTN London."