Theresa May's recent statement, presumably timed for the Davos gathering, appears to have had the desired effect.
Today's FT includes an article (attached) with some very positive statements from German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble.
The heading is: Schäuble says post-Brexit trade deal with UK can be done quickly.

Of course, there are elections ahead in Germany and his role afterwards isn't guaranteed, but let's hope he is still influential, when required. 

 

David Fuller's view

Thanks for your email and the FT article. 

Theresa May succeeded in being gracious and responsible, while also taking a strong position on leaving the EU.  That was the correct thing to do, and it has also changed the psychology, not surprisingly.  Schäuble is not interested in a mutually destructive policy towards Theresa May and the UK.  He accepts that the UK is leaving the EU but now wants to maintain a mutually successful alliance with Britain, including a trade agreement.