Berlin state secretary hopes UK can rejoin European nation in 10 years

Aleksander Dzembritzki made the comments during his visit to Glasgow to mark the beginning of the European Championships today (Thursday).

The German capital’s Secretary of State for Sport told how younger people should not feel “guilty” for a decision taken by older people in the EU refernedum.

Mr Dzembritzki, of the centre-left Social Democratic Party of Germany, said: “We are very sad about Brexit and my feeling is that people – especially the Scottish – are very upset about it.”

The Germans and British will be friends “no matter what”, despite Britain’s departure from the European Union in March 2019, he said.

The state secretary called the EU the “European nation” and told how both sides will have to put in “even more effort” to show they are likeminded and “one thinking”.

Mr Dzembritzki, who has been in his position since May, said: “Okay, we might have Brexit, and maybe in ten or fifteen years we will have a comeback — so it’s very important we stay close to each other.”

He explained sporting events bring young people together from different nations, who then realise they have “similar interests” and can gain friends across the world.

The Berlin politician added: “The young people are not guilty for what the older people have done now.

“So, maybe we can open the way back in to the European nation.”

Councillor David McDonald, deputy leader of Glasgow City Council, argued Brexit will be “damaging” for Glasgow.

Mr McDonald said: “What we need to do is prepare ourselves by having good relationships on a city-by-city basis, and we’ve, over the last few years, we’ve made very good friends with Berlin.

“It’s important for us that we have that relationship with the most powerful city in Europe, in my opinion.

He added: “This event is a very good opportunity to promote what it means to be European and to work together, to share common experiences and I believe we’re seeing the best of Europe during the European Championships.”