#Brexit - 'The United Kingdom will remain our ally, our partner and our friend' von der Leyen

Ursula von der Leyen, the European Council's preferred candidate for the position of European Commission President presented her opening statement to the European Parliament today (16 July) including a short reference to Brexit. 

On Brexit, von der Leyen said that while we (the EU) regret this decision, it respects it. She said that the European Union has worked with the UK to organize an orderly departure of the United Kingdom. She said: 
"The Withdrawal Agreement concluded with the government of the United Kingdom provides certainty where Brexit created uncertainty: in preserving the rights of citizens and in preserving peace and stability on the island of Ireland. These two priorities are mine, too."

Von der Leyen says that she stands ready for a further extension of the withdrawal date, should more time be required for a good reason.
She also said that in any case that the United Kingdom will remain our ally, our partner and our friend. 

Leader of the British Labour delegation, Richard Corbett MEP, said that what von der Leyen said on an extension if there was a good reason and that there was a good reason because the British public are changing their mind on Brexit, as shown in many polls and that all UK opposition parties in the House of Commons support a second referendum.  

Catherine Feore

Share this article: