Live replay the debate on the UK’s withdrawal from the EU during the plenary session in Brussels (3-4 April 2019). Closing statement by Jean-Claude JUNCKER, President of the EC, and Melania-Gabriela CIOT, Romanian Minister and President in office of the Council of the EU.  The following transcription is the result of an automatic process. Check Against delivery.

Brussels

Brexit (T)

article 50 of the Lisbon treaty (T)

debate

plenary session

JUNCKER, Jean-Claude (LU)

CIOT, Melania-Gabriela (RO)

The UK’s withdrawal from the EU: closing statements by Jean-Claude JUNCKER, President of the EC, and Melania-Gabriela CIOT, Romanian Minister and President in office of the Council of the EU (15:19 - 15:22)

SOUNDBITE (English), Mairead MCGUINNESS, President, That completes our speakers list. Commission president Mr. Juncker. You do wish to respond.

SOUNDBITE (German), Jean-Claude JUNCKER, President of the EC, -

SOUNDBITE (German), Jean-Claude JUNCKER, President of the EC, Madam President, I really don't want to say any more on the subject of Brexit but Mr. Henkel said something which I have to contradict because what he said is simply not true. It's not Juncker or the Commission that forced the UK to hold a referendum it was Mr Cameron

SOUNDBITE (German), Jean-Claude JUNCKER, President of the EC, Mr Cameron did it. Although Tusk and myself had agreed on an exit arrangement.

SOUNDBITE (German), Jean-Claude JUNCKER, President of the EC, We defended it. What we've been through was not mentioned with one single word word during the referendum campaign.

SOUNDBITE (German), Jean-Claude JUNCKER, President of the EC, There were great concessions in that agreement on free movement of workers. Read it, read the agreement and listen. Listen what we've heard from these people so I think what you have said is unacceptable. How can you say it's the Commission's fault. There were hundreds of texts that were removed from the agenda.

SOUNDBITE (German), Jean-Claude JUNCKER, President of the EC, A hundred initiatives per year less from the Commission now. So I have taken the trouble to give an answer to what you said.

SOUNDBITE (English), Mairead MCGUINNESS, President, And finally colleagues for the council Madam Ciot.

SOUNDBITE (English), Melania-Gabriela CIOT, Romanian Secretary of State for European Affairs, Honourable Members, ladies and gentlemen, we have to remain confident and patient even though in some delay, the parliamentary process in the UK will lead to some clarity on the next steps in our future relationship with the UK. With or without a withdrawal agreement.

SOUNDBITE (English), Melania-Gabriela CIOT, Romanian Secretary of State for European Affairs, Depending on the outcome we will have to address the implementation of the agreement on which we will have to exert a rigorous oversight so that it delivers in the interests of citizens and businesses. Or to engage in negotiations for a future relationship with the UK even in the case of a no deal scenario. But with the clear preconditions: we will therefore count on your co-operation at all the stages of these processes in the years to come. Thank you very much once again for your attention.

SOUNDBITE (English), Mairead MCGUINNESS, President, Thank you madam. Our debate is closed and there will be a very short break now for the next debate starts. Thank you.