COMMENT

Brussels has given its clearest signal that the UK could change its mind on Brexit and stay in the EU, with European Council president Donald Tusk saying: “Our hearts are still open for you.”

Mr Tusk delivered a boost to campaigners calling for a referendum on the terms of the UK’S Brexit deal, telling MEPS gathered in Strasbourg: “Wasn’t it David Davis himself who said ‘If a democracy cannot change its mind, it ceases to be a democracy’?”

The European Council president said: “If the UK government sticks to its decision to leave, Brexit will become a reality – with all its negative consequences – in March next year unless there is a change of heart among our British friends.”

Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage’s recent calls for a second EU referendum were mocked by Guy Verhofstadt, the European Parliament’s chief Brexit spokesman, who suggested chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier was behind the change of heart when the pair met last week.

Mr Verhofstadt told MEPS: “I don’t know what he put in the coffee or the tea of Nigel Farage because he comes out of this meeting and backs a

“I don’t know what he put in the coffee or the tea of Nigel Farage because he comes out and backs a second referendum”

GUY VERHOFSTADT second referendum.” The comments came as a leaked European Commission paper suggested the EU is toughening its stance on the transition period after the official date of Brexit in March 2019.

A draft document suggests the EU will insist on free movement of people throughout the period, and permanent rights to settle for any EU nationals moving to the UK before the end of 2020. EU leaders have also set up a clash with Britain’s fishermen, taking a tougher stance on the UK staying within the common fisheries policy during the transition.

Mr Barnier is set to insist that the UK will have to seek “authorisation” from Brussels to continue enjoying the benefits of the bloc’s existing trade agreements. Reports on Tuesday suggested that UK negotiators have already asked for that permission.