Brexit Chaos Averted – For Now

“I am satisfied with the Council’s compromise because a chaotic Brexit next week is now off the table. EU citizens in the UK and British in the EU can breathe a small sigh of relief. However, the problem remains: should the House of Commons reject the proposed Withdrawal Agreement again, then there are no rules

“I am satisfied with the Council’s compromise because a chaotic Brexit next week is now off the table. EU citizens in the UK and British in the EU can breathe a small sigh of relief.

However, the problem remains: should the House of Commons reject the proposed Withdrawal Agreement again, then there are no rules for an orderly Brexit. Problem postponed but not solved. Our British colleagues in the House of Commons have to think fast about what they really want. Just by being against it is not enough. Their biggest problem, the Backstop, would be unnecessary if there isn’t going to be a border on the island of Ireland.

The rights of EU citizens in Britain and British citizens in the EU27 must be protected. That remains our number one priority. The proposed Withdrawal Agreement would ensure this – just as it does to prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland. This is the only way to safeguard The Good Friday Agreement in all of its parts and thus preserve peace in the region.”

I would have been happy had our British friends chosen to remain in the EU. They decided differently. By taking part in the European elections only to then leave the EU shortly afterwards could make the whole process of divorce even more difficult for both sides. We should avoid this situation.”

published at the Website of the GUE/NGL;