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 Jean-Claude Juncker and EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier, who also took part in the debate.
Opening the debate, European Parliament President Antonio Tajani 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.
Watch the ongoing debate and press point on EP Live and EbS+
Click on individual names to watch the full statements
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
Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission
Michel Barnier, EU Brexit negotiator
