Opening statement by Martin SCHULZ, EP President, on the outcome of the UK refrerendum, during the&nbsp;Extraordinary Plenary session of the EP in Brussels.

Brussels

Brexit (T)

referendum on EU membership (T)

statement

EU - United Kingdom (T)

plenary session

SCHULZ, Martin (S&D, DE)

EP Extraordinary Plenary session : extracts from the opening statement by Martin SCHULZ, EP President, on the outcome of the UK refrerendum

EP President opening the session,  general view of the hemicycle  (3 shots)

SOUNDBITE (German), Martin SCHULZ, EP President, It is the first time that a plenary session was convened at such short notice. This exceptional measure reflects this exceptional precedent: a Member State is to withdraw from the Community. That's why I welcome the entire College of Commissioners, including Lord Hill, are here today, and I will like to welcome the Commission President and its members. (applause)

SOUNDBITE (German), Martin SCHULZ, EP President, For four decades, civil servants from the United Kingdom have been working in the EU institutions. I personally know many of them, I have worked with many of these people to build up our European construct. I think that all those colleagues from the UK, here in this house, the many hundreds of women and men who have worked in committees and groups, in the administration of this house, they have been working on this joint project, which unites us since decades. So we say to team that we regret that the UK will leave us, but you, colleagues, you who we've worked with us throughout these years, we are politically and humanly linked with you. (applause )

SOUNDBITE (German), Martin SCHULZ, EP President, Maybe I can express a word of thanks to one person here in this room, someone who finds himself in a very difficult situation, but who has done an excellent work, and who is taking a great step in the cause of humanity, Lord Hill has decided to lay down his office of commissioner, as Commissioner of the UK. So this will be the last time he will be here with us. Lord Hill, you were involved in the campaign for the UK to remain in the EU, and on behalf of the European Parliament, and also for the work that you've done, I want to express our thanks you. (applause)