Brexit Party MEPs could be heard groaning and venting their frustration from their seats in the European Parliament chamber during Ms von Der Leyen’s statement. The German Defence Minister pledged to consider a new Brexit delay in a last-ditch attempt to secure the backing of the chamber ahead of a vote to confirm her as the next President of the European Commission on Tuesday. Addressing MEPs in Strasbourg, Ursula von Der Leyen said: “In 2016 a member state decided to leave the European Union. This is a serious decision – we regret it but we respect it.

“Since then, with the current government of the United Kingdom, the European Union has worked hard to organise the orderly departure of the UK. The withdrawal agreement concluded with the government with the United Kingdom provides certainty where Brexit created uncertainty.

“In preserving the rights of citizens and in preserving peace and stability on the island of Ireland, these two priorities are mine too. 

“However, I stand ready for a further extension of the withdrawal date should more time be required for a good reason.”

Brexit Party MEPs could be heard cheering when the Commission hopeful had mentioned the results of the 2016 referendum. But, they quickly turned to groans when Ms von Der Leyen mentioned a delay.

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The speech Ms von Der Leyen delivered in Strasbourg did not meet the approval of several MEPs, with Brexit Party politicians taking to Twitter to share their live reaction to her political pledge.

Tweeting after her statement in support of a new extension, MEP Martin Daubney tweeted: “Von der Leyen: ‘Here I must turn to Brexit. I sincerely regret the UK decided to Leave the European Union’. Cue shouts of ‘we don’t! No regrets!’ from @brexitparty_uk MEPs. Time to #ChangePoliticsForGood. Finger is twitching over my red button.

“Von der Leyen says she wants to extend the Brexit process. Huge boos from @brexitparty_uk and shouts of ‘what about the 17.4million?!’ #ChangePoliticsForGood.”

MEP Nathan Gill tweeted: “#vonderLeyen just announced she will extend the leaving date for the UK from the 31st October. She wants May’s worst deal in history to still go through.

“Rest assured – we are voting against her appointment. By the way, we only have a choice of 1. #EUDemocracy”

Colleague Lucy Harris also took to social media to share her disappointment with the speech. 

The Brexit Party MEP wrote: “Von der Leyen talking about ‘values’ this is a woman who is the second most unpopular politician back home & famous for doing back rooms deals for her mates. Today we’re voting on her as the new Commissioner – But she’s the ONLY candidate! How democratic…”

If confirmed, Ms von Der Leyen would become the first woman to lead the European Commission since its creation 61 years ago. International Monetary Fund (IMF) boss Christine Lagarde would also contribute to further gender equality in the union if MEPs were to vote her in as the president of the European Central Bank (ECB).

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Ms von Der Leyen has previously said it would be a “good idea” to give Britain’s next prime minister extra negotiating time if it helps prevent a no deal Brexit.

She warned Tory leadership candidates, Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt, that pursuing no deal would be a “catastrophic” way to start work on the future UK-EU trading relationship.

The German defence minister also showed her support for the Brexit deal negotiated by Brussels negotiator Michel Barnier and Theresa May, the outgoing Prime Minister.

EU capitals are watching carefully fearing a potential “institutional crisis” if MEPs reject her candidacy.

The Parliament’s liberal and social-democrat blocs have signalled that they will make their support conditional on the German signing up to a number of commitments in her speech.

Both groups have demanded that the Commission maintains pressure on Poland and Hungary and preventing their governments becoming too authoritarian.

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