WEB DESK
Even as British Prime Minster Theresa May’s Brexit deal was emphatically rejected by parliament, several European leaders expressed dismay and regret, and warned that London was running out of time.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker taking note of the deal rejection called on London to clarify its intentions as soon as possible. He pointed out that the UK Parliament’s decision has increased the risk of disorderly Brexit.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said although she regrets the British Parliament’s decision, there is still time to negotiate. She, however, added that it is yet to be seen what May has to propose after the defeat.
Merkel insisted it was necessary to keep trying to secure an orderly Brexit. She said that Germany was prepared if Britain did end up exiting the European Union in a disorderly fashion.
Spanish Premier Pedro Sanchez said that an unordered exit would be negative for the EU and catastrophic for the UK. French President Emmanuel Macron said Britain would be the biggest loser if it crashed out of the EU without a deal.
In a tweet, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said there will be no renegotiations on the withdrawal agreement.
France’s Europe Minister Nathalie Loiseau said that legally and technically it is possible for EU to push back the March 29 deadline if London made such a request.