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The EU and European governments warned on Tuesday that the British Parliament’s rejection of a Brexit deal heightened the risk of a disorderly withdrawal from the bloc.
Following are some of the key reactions to the vote, which saw MPs vote by a massive 432 to 202 votes against the agreement:
“I urge the United Kingdom to clarify its intentions as soon as possible. Time is almost up,”
European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker
- Jean-Claude Juncker , European Commission President
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“The Withdrawal Agreement is a fair compromise and the best possible deal. It reduces the damage caused by Brexit for citizens and businesses across Europe. It is the only way to ensure an orderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. The risk of a disorderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom has increased with this evening’s vote. While we do not want this to happen, the European Commission will continue its contingency work to help ensure the EU is fully prepared. If a deal is impossible, and no one wants no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is?”
President of the European Council Donald Tusk
- Donald Tusk , EU Council President
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“It’s now up to the British government to say what the next stage is. The EU will remain united and determined to find a deal.”
EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier. File Photo
- Michel Barnier , EU’s Chief Brexit negotiator
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“Regrettably, the outcome of tonight’s vote increases the risk of a disorderly Brexit. Consequently, the government will continue to intensify preparations for such an outcome,”
- A statement form Ireland
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“This is a bitter day for Europe. We are well prepared -- but a hard Brexit would be the least attractive choice, for the EU and GB (Great Britain).”
- Olaf Scholz , German Finance Minister and Vice Chancellor
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“A hard Brexit will be the worst of all options.”
- Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer , leader of Germany’s CDU party
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“In any case, there will be no renegotiations on the withdrawal agreement.”
- Sebastian Kurz , Austrian Chancellor
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“An unordered exit would be negative for the EU and catastrophic for the UK.”
- Pedro Sanchez , Spain’s Prime Minister
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