Brexit extension: reaction from Europe Minister

Quote by Mme Amélie de Montchalin, Minister of State for European Affairs

Paris, 5 avril 2019

We read with interest Theresa May’s letter to President Tusk. As the Prime Minister rightly wrote, the current impasse is not in the best interest of either the UK or the EU. It cannot be allowed to continue.

The European Council took a clear decision on 21 March. Another extension requires the UK to put forward a plan with clear and credible political backing. The European Council would then have to define the necessary conditions attached to this extension.

In the absence of such a plan, we would have to acknowledge that the UK chose to leave the EU in a disorderly manner.

French people settled outside France – Brexit – Reply by Mme Amélie de Montchalin, Minister of State for European Affairs, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, to a question in the National Assembly

Paris, 3 April 2019

After months, after weeks, after votes of all kinds, the House of Commons hasn’t in fact managed to agree on any solution. Theresa May’s call for national unity last night is very positive, but we have no certainty of its outcome.

The European Council has asked Theresa May to present a plan on 10 April which can win a majority; yesterday evening she said she’d also like a further extension. I say to you, as the President said yesterday, that there’s nothing automatic about a long extension, which would involve the British taking part in the European elections. If Theresa May doesn’t propose a solid plan, that country – which will remain a friend and essential ally – will, de facto, have chosen to leave without a deal. We can’t step in and prevent failure for her. We’ll be ready, even without a deal – including in Calais, where construction work on the port was completed yesterday.

You’re right to be mobilized, because behind Brexit there are citizens, parents, workers and pensioners.

We’re being absolutely vigilant in order to protect French people in the country and protect their families. The United Kingdom has made commitments; it must honour them. This afternoon I’ll repeat this to the UK Ambassador, and very soon I’ll be meeting our compatriots in London.

Let me reassure you that focusing on the consequences of Brexit isn’t the only task the President and Prime Minister have given me. My mission is, above all, to spearhead a plan for all Europeans, and only yesterday an agreement was reached for our borders to be better protected. The Frontex agency will have 10,000 personnel and increased resources. I believe this is proof that there is a Europe that takes action and protects.

Thank you./.