Germany taking precautions for ‘disorderly’ Brexit: Merkel

“On the issue of Britain’s exit from the European Union, we all agree that we want an orderly exit, we’re not working towards a scenario that would take place without rules,” Merkel told reporters after a meeting with state premiers.

“Nevertheless, we have to prepare ourselves, and we have discussed with each other that we have a close exchange and that we are ready to meet again at short notice. But our goal is another one, namely to get an orderly exit done,” Merkel added.

Meanwhile, Britain's parliament is likely to abandon plans for a 10-day break in February, House of Commons leader Andrea Leadsom warned lawmakers on Thursday, as the country's March 29 exit from the EU draws nearer.

Parliament had been due to break up on February 14 and return on February 25, according to a provisional schedule.