Politics

Brexit news latest: Barnier says no deal becomes more likely ‘day after day’



EU Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier has said a no deal Brexit is becoming more likely “day after day” after MPs once again voted against a series of options for leaving the EU.

Speaking in Brussels, Mr Barnier said the “only way to avoid a no-deal Brexit is through a positive majority” in the Commons.

His comments came after none of last night’s indicative votes gained a majority in the Commons.

A call for a customs union with the EU was rejected by just three votes, while a demand for a second referendum was defeated by 12 and a Norway-style deal put forward by Nick Boles by 21.

Michel Barnier has said there is still hope of avoiding a no deal Brexit

Mr Barnier said: “If the UK Parliament does not vote in favour of the Withdrawal Agreement in the coming days only two options would remain.

“Leaving without an agreement or requesting a longer extension of the Article 50 period. It would be the responsibility of the UK government to choose between these two options.”

He added: “No deal was never our desired or intended scenario. But the EU is now prepared. 

“Being prepared for no-deal doesn’t mean there will be no disruption, not everything will be smooth – there will be problems. Being prepared means that all unforeseen problems should be manageable on the EU side. 

Theresa May leaving the House of Commons on Monday night (PA)

“Finally, the UK may ask for another extension. Such an extension would carry significant risks for the EU therefore a strong justification would be needed. Many businesses in the EU warn us against the cost of extending. 

“There will also be a political cost. In any case if the UK is still a member state on May 23 it will have to organise a European election, the UK would stay longer as a member on its way out. 

 “In short a longer extension could pose a risk on our decision making autonomy.”

Mr Barnier said that over the last few days and weeks a “no-deal Brexit has become more likely but we can still hope to avoid it,” and said a close EU-UK cooperation is in both sides’ interest.



READ SOURCE

Leave a Reply

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.