British Prime Minister Theresa May accused the other 27 EU countries of lining up to oppose Britain over Brexit negotiations on Thursday, after German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the UK should have no “illusions” over the exit process.

“Our opponents are already seeking to disrupt those negotiations – at the same time as 27 other European countries line up to oppose us,” May told a general election campaign rally in Leeds, northern England. “She (Angela Merkel) says the UK has ‘illusions’ about the process and that the 27 member states of the European Union agree, we can see how tough those negotiations are going to be at times.”

“That approach can only mean one thing – uncertainty and instability, bringing grave risk to our growing economy with higher taxes, fewer jobs, more waste and more debt,” May added.

Earlier in the day, Chancellor Merkel told parliament that “a third-party state will not have the same rights or even superior rights to a member state”, two days before a key summit in Brussels.

“This may sound self-evident, but I have to say this clearly because some in Britain seem to have illusions on this point,” she said. “That would be a waste of time.”

The leaders of the other 27 EU nations have stressed a united stance as they plan to meet on Saturday to set down the bloc’s “red lines” – although the talks will not begin until June, after Britain's election.

“The negotiations will be very demanding, without a doubt,” said Merkel, the leader of the biggest EU economy.

(With inputs from AFP)