‘No deal’ Brexit is the most likely outcome, Marlene Mizzi predicts

During a public discussion on ‘Brexit and Us’, MEP Marlene Mizzi presented a frank picture of the impact a hard Brexit and ‘no deal’ scenario could have on Malta and the rest of the European Union.

The event, organised by the Office of the European Parliament in Malta, welcomed Mizzi, British High Commissioner in Malta Stuart Gill, British and government representatives to a high-level panel discussion of the various Brexit scenarios.

“Unfortunately, with under a month to go before the United Kingdom is due to leave the EU on 29 March, the concerns and risks of having a disorderly ‘no deal’ exit are growing fast,” said Mizzi.

“As things stand, I’m afraid that Britain is on a collision course, due to bow out of the European Union with no agreement at all. If that is the case, the negative impact and risks a ‘no deal’ can have on both the EU and Britain must be mitigated as much as possible,” she said.

During the discussion, Mizzi had the opportunity to answer questions from the moderator and the public on what concerns Malta directly and on the effects this confusion will have on Malta as a country, on businesses dealing with the UK and on people travelling, working or studying in the UK.

Mizzi confirmed that different measures are being taken at the moment to provide safeguards for Britons living and working in Malta and for the large number of Maltese living in the UK. “I am certain that Malta will maintain good relations with the UK,” she said, “and that the existing agreements between Malta and the UK will continue to apply.”

She further pointed out that Malta would particularly miss the UK in the European Parliament, especially on tax and financial matters. “Losing the UK on such important issues is indeed a big loss of clout and influence.”

Mizzi also presented her legislative report, which was the first legislative Brexit-linked report approved by Parliament, as part of the contingency measures proposed by the Commission. “My report has addressed the problems for car manufacturers after the UK leaves the EU. Its purpose is to create a mechanism that minimises the impact that the UK withdrawal from the Union might have on the important automotive industry, and gives an element of continuity in the trade of cars, their components and vehicles in general. This legislation is also very important to ensure that the consumers are protected and that safety standards are maintained.”