EU Summit LIVE: ‘What more do they want?’ Rutte hits out at MPs against Johnson deal
Leaders of the EU27 voted to accept the new Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration secured by Prime Minister Boris Johnson at the EU Summit on Thursday. The day was dominated by Brexit talk, as EU leaders were anxious to hear if the deal will pass through the British Parliament. Mark Rutte of the Netherlands said the current agreement “has everything” and asked “what else do [British MPs] want?”
Mr Johnson left Brussels with the message that it’s this deal or no deal, following European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker’s comments that “there is no need for prolongation”.
But the decision on a Brexit extension is not down to Mr Juncker, and is a matter for Westminster and the EU27 to decide.
The second and final day of the Summit is due to centre on finance, climate change and the next five years.
The EU’s long-term budget is set to be a matter for contentious debate, as leaders thrash out plans for its size and structure.
A breakthrough isn’t expected as figures aren’t due to be submitted until December.
The European Council are also due to discuss its plans to fight climate change, but the guidance is not set to be finalised until early next year.
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9.15am update: Leaders gather for roundtable discussions
The EU27 are now gathering at the roundtable, to begin talks on the budget, five year plan and climate change.
The meeting will begin shortly.
9.12am update: Boris Johnson back in London
Boris Johnson will not attend the second of the summit, as he returned to London last night.
He said Britain should only atten meaningful meetings.
8.59am update: Macron will not be doing a doorstop
French President Emmanuel Macron will not be doing a doorstop.
8.47am update: Von der Leyen says it is now ‘down to the British Parliament’
When asked if an extension would be agreed if the Brexit deal fails to pass the Commons, Ursula von der Leyen said: “It is important that we have a deal and now it’s down to the British Parliament to take a decision and I think it’s the respect for the British Parliament that for us makes clear that we will not comment the outcome before hand.”
She refused to comment on the possibility of an extension.
8.45am update: Von der Leyen outlines what will be discussed today
Ms von der Leyen said the EU leaders will work on the agenda for the next five years today.
She said: “This morning we will discuss the strategic agenda with the political guidelines I provided. This is basically the programme we give ourselves for the next five years.
“We will also talk about the financial planning for the next seven years. Regarding this our positions are still far apart, it will still take a lot of work to get this financial planning on the way.”
8.43am update: Von der Leyen arrives for second day of EU summit
Commission President-elect Ursual von der Leyen has arrived for the second day of the summit.
She reiterated that she wants to strengthen “the modernizing part” in the budget, meaning funds for innovation, research and combating climate change.
She said: “We still have a lot of work ahead of us.”
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