European Leaders Warn British Politicians After Brexit Deal Approval

European leaders on Sunday, December 4, approved the separation agreement for Britain known as 'Brexit' and simultaneously warned British politicians who are set to approve or reject it in the coming weeks that this agreement is the best outcome that could be achieved. While widespread criticism of Prime Minister Theresa May's proposed plan continues in political circles in the UK, Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, stated that Britain could not hope to negotiate better terms before its exit from the European Union in March. He said, 'I am completely convinced that this was the only possible agreement. Those who think that by rejecting this plan they can achieve a better agreement will immediately regret it after its rejection.' The British Prime Minister also agreed with this view, stating, 'This is the agreement on the table. It is the best possible agreement. This is the only agreement.' Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, also said that EU leaders, while confirming the agreement regarding Britain's exit from the Union and from the 'European Atomic Energy Community', requested all related bodies to prepare for Britain's final exit. Now that the European Union has approved Britain's exit plan, Theresa May must get it accepted by Parliament representatives—a heavy task that could lead to a clash between Brexit supporters and EU supporters. The British Prime Minister stated that the plan would be voted on in Parliament before Christmas and said lawmakers are obliged to implement Brexit as voters decided in the 2016 referendum. She stated, 'The people of Britain do not want to waste more time discussing Brexit. They want a good agreement that reflects their vote and allows us to unite as a country again.' The Labour Party, led by Jeremy Corbyn, has stated that it will not vote for this agreement. The last obstacle to the Brexit agreement was removed by Spain, which on Saturday dropped its opposition regarding the status of Gibraltar, which is under British rule. The mentioned agreement guarantees the rights of British and European citizens affected by Brexit and ensures the open border in Ireland. European leaders also supported a 26-page document outlining the future relations between Britain and the EU after their separation on March 29, 2019. In a bittersweet meeting, European leaders expressed their sorrow over Britain's separation from the EU, which is the first case to date. Juncker said, 'When a country leaves the EU, we are not supposed to raise our glasses of champagne to its health or cheer; today is a sad day, and all those who spoke today in the European Council expressed their sorrow.' Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany, also expressed her feelings: 'Contradictory, accompanied by sadness but on the other hand a kind of relief that we managed to get to this point.' She added, 'I think we arranged to showcase part of the art of diplomacy.' Theresa May also told reporters that she is not sad because Britain and the EU will 'remain friends and neighbors.' The British Prime Minister stated, 'I understand that some European leaders are currently sad, but there are also people in Britain for whom this moment is sad.' However, she emphasized that she is 'completely optimistic' about Britain's future. In the 2016 referendum, about 52% of the British people voted to leave the EU.