BRUSSELS, April 3, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – EU leader Jean-Claude Juncker vowed
Wednesday to work until the last moment to prevent a “no deal” Brexit, but
admitted Britain crashing out now appears to be a likely result.
Addressing the European Parliament after Prime Minister Theresa May asked
for a short postponement, Juncker said London remains on course for Brexit
next week.
But he added: “The European Union will not kick any member state out.
“I will personally do everything I can to prevent a disorderly Brexit and
I expect political leaders across the EU27 and in the United Kingdom to do
the same.”
On Tuesday, May asked opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn to help develop a
Brexit plan that could be ratified by the House of Commons, and asked
Brussels for more time.
Juncker responded that EU leaders would be flexible, but time is limited
and a disorderly no-deal Brexit would only be welcomed by populist and
nationalist forces.
“In light of Prime Minister May’s statement last night, I believe we now
have a few more days,” he said.
“If the United Kingdom is in a position to approve the withdrawal
agreement with a sustainable majority by 12 April, the European Union should
be prepared to accept a delay until 22 May.
“Yet I believe that a ‘no deal’ at midnight on the 12 April is now a very
likely scenario. It is not the outcome I want, but it is an outcome for which
I have made sure the European Union is ready.”