Brexit news latest: Emmanuel Macron tells Britons to 'figure it out yourselves' as European leaders prepare for worst

Katy Clifton16 January 2019
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European leaders are preparing for the worst following Theresa May’s humiliating Brexit vote defeat, although German Chancellor Angela Merkel has suggested there is still time for further talks.

Mrs Merkel said she regretted the decision by MPs on Tuesday night to oppose the agreement negotiated by the Prime Minister and the EU over Britain’s departure from the bloc.

She told reporters in Berlin on Wednesday: “We will of course do everything to find an orderly solution, but we are also prepared if there is no orderly solution.”

Speaking ahead of the no confidence vote in the Commons, she added: “We still have time to negotiate, but we are now waiting to see what the British Prime Minister proposes.”

Angela Merkel has suggested there is still time for further Brexit talks
REUTERS

French President Emmanuel Macron, however, delivered a blunt message following last night’s vote on Mrs May’s Brexit deal, telling Britons to “figure it out yourselves”.

"Good luck to the representatives of the nation who have to implement something that doesn't exist," Mr Macron said after the Prime Minister's motion was defeated by 230 votes.

French President Emmanuel Macron
AFP/Getty Images

EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker warned a disorderly Brexit was more likely after Mrs May's historic defeat.

Meanwhile, Donald Tusk, the chairman of EU leaders, suggested Britain should consider reversing Brexit altogether.

Another warning came from EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier, who said the bloc is stepping up preparations for a chaotic "no-deal" after Parliament's left the bloc "fearing more than ever that there is a risk" of a cliff-edge departure.

In Finland, Prime Minister Juha Sipila urged all British citizens living in the Nordic country to immediately register at the immigration service to make sure they receive a living permit in case of a no-deal Brexit.

Mr Sipila told Finnish news agency STT that the temporary permit will be issued so that the 5,000 Britons currently living in the country of 5.5 million can continue their stay if Britain exits the European Union without a deal.

He said the likelihood of a no-deal Brexit has increased as a result of the British Parliament's decision to reject Mrs May's deal.

The Finnish government's social benefits office Kela said there may be major changes to what social benefits British citizens in Finland may be entitled to in case of a Brexit without an agreement, but did not provide details.

Theresa May is currently bracing for a vote of no confidence in the Government, which was tabled shortly after last night's vote by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

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