Sassoli: Great Britain without initiative for new Brexit negotiations

(Patria) – President of the European Parliament David Sassoli stated that there has been no initiative from Great Britain to return to the negotiating table with the EU regarding Brexit.

After meeting with the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, on Thursday, Sassoli commented that the EU would be 'very happy to consider initiatives, but there have been none'.

He also commented that if a no-deal Brexit does occur, it is entirely the responsibility of Great Britain. Regarding a possible extension of the Brexit deadline, Sassoli said that the EU would be willing to consider such a request to avoid a no-deal exit or in case Great Britain decides to hold general elections.

Stating 'an orderly exit' as the goal, Sassoli suggested that the agreement negotiated with Theresa May's government could be brought out of the drawer again. 'As far as we are concerned, it is the best agreement... because it protects the rights and life choices of British and European citizens,' emphasized the President of the European Parliament.

Sassoli stressed that the EU will be open to new solutions proposed by Great Britain, 'provided they are in line with EU principles'.