EU’s frustration with delays makes no-deal more likely

The EU will put a no-deal Brexit back on the table even if British MPs vote to rule it out today, Brussels diplomats have warned.

The EU will put a no-deal Brexit back on the table even if British MPs vote to rule it out today, Brussels diplomats have warned.

Theresa May is expected to be forced to ask EU leaders at a summit next week for a short delay to Brexit of between six weeks and three months after her withdrawal agreement was rejected yesterday.

The Prime Minister is likely to face a rebuff because of EU frus­tration with Britain’s political chaos and because some Euro­pean governments are considering the merits of a “clean break” no-deal Brexit on March 29.

“Behind the scenes, people are increasingly saying that it is better to call it quits, to have a clean break and start again with a blank slate,” one European diplomat said.

Many German, French, Dutch and Belgian companies have ­invested in preparing for a no-deal Brexit and want to avoid a short delay. Preparations have included stockpiling, logistics and warehousing plans. A delay to Brexit, particularly a short one, could create­ more uncertainty and costs.

  

“It is not worth it for a short postponement, it is better to have the no-deal we are ready for in a few weeks,” a national official responsi­ble for Brexit planning said. “There has to be plenty of notice­, six months, and that means postponing for this year.”

European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker has told Mrs May the EU will not negotiate any new concessions. “There will be no further interpret­ations of the interpretations, no further assurances of the reassurances .... this is it,” he said before yesterday’s vote.

Most on the EU side are planning for a long Brexit delay, with the expectation of Britain holding a general election and possibly a second referendum.

Commission vice-president Jyr­ki Katainen said: “Hard Brexit is closer than ever. Keep your hands on the steering wheel, look straight ahead and fasten your seatbelts.” If Brexit is delayed, EU leaders are likely to demand a rethink­ of the British withdrawal strategy.

“The most likely result is British elections, a new government and perhaps a second referendum. If that happens, the EU will have to extend until the end of the year,” an EU official said.

The Times