European Council President, Donald Tusk suggested that the United Kingdom should remain in the European Union (EU) after the prime minister’s Brexit deal was rejected in parliament.
On his twitter handle, he tweeted “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?”
Meanwhile the European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker gave a warning that time was running out for the UK to strike a deal.
“I urge the United Kingdom to clarify its intentions as soon as possible. Time is almost up,” he said shortly after the result was announced”.
He added “The risk of a disorderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom has increased with this evening’s vote”.
The EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said UK had to decide on its approach.
“It’s now up to the British government to say what the next stage is,” he said.
“The EU will remain united and determined to find a deal.
Also speaking, German Finance Minister and Vice Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Tuesday was a “bitter day for Europe”.
He said “We are well prepared, but a hard Brexit would be the least attractive choice, for the EU and [UK]”.
Similarly, the leader of the ruling Christian Democrat Union party, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, echoed this view.
“A hard Brexit will be the worst of all options,” she said.
On the part of the French President, Emmanuel Macron said “The pressure is mainly on them,”
However, he warned that a transition period is essential because a no-deal Brexit would be damaging.
He said “We will have to negotiate a transition period with them because the British cannot afford to no longer have planes taking off or landing at home”.
