Barnier: No-Deal Brexit Becomes More Likely Every Day

Michel Barnier, the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, warned on Tuesday, April 2, that a sudden and chaotic exit of the UK from the EU without a deal next week is becoming "more likely every day." Mr. Barnier made these remarks a day after the UK Parliament once again failed to agree on an alternative plan to last year's agreement between the UK Prime Minister and the EU. In his speech at the European Policy Centre, Barnier stated, "No deal has never been my preferred option. But the other 27 EU member states are now preparing for this situation as it becomes more likely day by day." He further noted, "Let us not forget that we have an agreement that was approved about four months ago on November 25 by Theresa May, the UK Prime Minister, the European Council, and the European Parliament. We have tried to ensure the UK's exit from the EU as the UK had predicted on March 29. If the UK still wants to leave the EU, this agreement is the only possible treaty." Barnier added, "If the UK Parliament does not approve the existing Brexit agreement in the coming days, only two options will remain: a no-deal exit from the EU or requesting an extension of the deadline for Article 50, which is the process for a member state to exit the EU. It is the responsibility of the UK government to choose one of these two options." The UK Parliament has so far rejected Theresa May's agreement for leaving the EU three times, prompting Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay to warn that the result of Parliament's opposition to alternative plans is that the UK will exit the EU on April 12 without reaching an agreement. Michel Barnier also noted in his remarks on Tuesday that EU member state leaders will not necessarily approve an extension of this deadline at the April 10 summit: "Extending this deadline will pose serious risks for the EU and therefore requires strong justifications. Many businesses are warning us about the continuation of this uncertain situation." Barnier, referring to the European Parliament elections, said, "At the same time, there will be political costs. If the UK remains a member of the EU, it must participate in the elections on May 23. In this case, the UK will remain in the EU longer than a member state that is in the process of leaving, which poses a risk to the independence of the EU's decision-making." He continued, "During the extension period, no negotiations will take place regarding the existing agreement. No negotiations will be conducted regarding the future relations between the UK and the EU. We cannot negotiate with a country that is still a member regarding its future relations with the EU. There is no legal right for such negotiations." Mr. Barnier ultimately added, "Without the approval of the Brexit agreement, there will also be no transition period," reiterating that last year's agreement between the EU and the UK Prime Minister is the only possible agreement for managing the orderly exit of the UK from the EU. Nearly three years after the referendum to leave the EU, the manner of the UK's exit remains unclear. The UK was supposed to exit the EU on March 29 this year according to the law, which did not happen. The country has until April 12 to present new proposals regarding Brexit.