Pressure mounts over Brexit deal
THE European Union has called for “clear answers” on the UK’s Brexit plan as MPs consider rejecting the prospect of crashing out without an agreement in just 15 days.
With a majority of MPs expected to oppose leaving without a deal on March 29, the prospect of a delay to Brexit is increasing – but Brussels wants to know what the purpose of any extension would be given Parliament’s inability to agree on a way forward.
Chancellor Philip Hammond led calls for a compromise solution after the Commons overwhelmingly rejected Theresa May’s deal on Tuesday night, amid warnings a nodeal Brexit would lead to job losses and price rises.
But Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay said a no-deal scenario was better than the prospect of not leaving the European Union at all – even though it would increase tensions between the members of the UK.
The EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier again insisted there will be no further offer from Brussels apart from the deal already on the table and it is now “the responsibility of the UK” to suggest a way forward.
He asked the European Parliament : “What will their choice be, what will be the line they will take? That is the question we need a clear answer to now.
“That is the question that has to be answered before a decision on a possible further extension.
“Why would we extend these discussions? The discussion on Article 50 is done and dusted. We have the Withdrawal Agreement. It is there.
“That is the question asked and we are waiting for an answer to that.”
Mr Barnier added: “The risk of no-deal has never been higher. That is the risk of an exit – even by accident – by the UK from the EU in a disorderly fashion.”
To avoid a walkout by Cabinet ministers who oppose a no-deal Brexit, Mrs May has given Tories a free vote on the Commons motion.
The wording of the motion declares the Commons “declines to approve” leaving without a deal on March 29 – but notes that remains the default position unless an agreement is reached.
Members of the Malthouse Compromise group of Tories from both Leave and Remain wings have tabled an amendment calling for Brexit to be delayed until May 22, followed by a “standstill” agreement lasting as late as the end of 2021, during which the UK would observe EU rules and pay into Brussels budgets while a full trade deal is negotiated.
The EU has already rejected the idea, which it views as amounting to a transition period without a formal Withdrawal Agreement.
Former Brexit minister Steve Baker, one of the amendment’s backers, said “negotiability is a dynamic concept”.
A separate cross-party amendment tabled by Tory Dame Caroline Spelman would reject leaving without a deal in any circumstance.