Leaders of the European Parliament political groups set out their
priorities in the negotiations on the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
Any agreement on the withdrawal will need to win the approval of
the House and the crucial role of MEPs during the negotiations was
underlined by EU Commission President and EU Brexit negotiator
, who also took part in
the debate.
Opening the debate, European Parliament President said that “Parliament’s vote
will be decisive for the final outcome of the conditions for the
UK’s withdrawal and for future EU-UK relations. The recent
terrorist attacks make it clear that all European countries will
need to continue working closely with each other.”
The debate showed wide cross-party support for giving top
priority to protecting the interests of the citizens most
affected by Brexit. The majority of group leaders also underlined
that whereas it was important for the talks to take place in a
serene atmosphere, the EU 27 would need to remain united and
strongly defend their own interests. All left-leaning
groups also said that maintaining high levels of social
protection would be a top priority for them.
Several leaders stressed that Brexit must serve as a catalyst for
renewing the EU in that it demonstrates how intrinsically bound
together the member states are.
Leaders of the EFDD and ENF groups rejoiced at the launch of the
withdrawal process and accused the EU of seeking to “punish” the
UK.
The debate continues until 12.00, followed by the vote on the
resolution. A press point by President Tajani and Coordinator of
the Conference of Presidents on Brexit Guy Verhofstadt will be
held after the vote.
Click on individual names to watch the full
statements
Opening by
President Tajani
Manfred
Weber (EPP, DE)
Gianni
Pittella (S&D, IT)
Helga
Stevens (ECR, NL)
Guy
Verhofstadt (ALDE, BE)
Gabriele
Zimmer (GUE/NGL, DE)
Philippe
Lamberts (Green/EFA, BE)
Nigel
Farage (EFDD, UK)
Marcel De
Graaf (ENF, NL)
Danuta
Hübner, Chair of the Constitutional Affairs Committee
Ian
Borg, for the Council Presidency
, President of the
European Commission
, EU Brexit negotiator
