Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson has said that the UK is currently facing its biggest political challenge in living memory and warned that the UK and EU are close to sleepwalking into a ‘no deal’ Brexit.
Mr Nicholson said;
“The Brexit deadlock we find ourselves in is the biggest political challenge to have faced this country in living memory. It is two years since Article 50 was triggered and a little over a week before Brexit day, and the deeply entrenched positions - held by both sides - have brought us to a situation where the UK is on the verge of sleepwalking out of the EU without a deal.
"A no deal Brexit would be bad for both the UK and the EU.
“It is absolutely clear that the current deal as proposed by the Prime Minister does not have the support of the House of Commons, not least because of the Backstop provision.
“A short technical extension to provide the time and space for the UK and EU to agree a workable Brexit deal which a majority of MPs can support, is the best way forward. Given what is at stake for both sides, it is in the EU's interest to agree to a short extension.
“Businesses, farmers and investors are rightfully concerned about the potential impact of a ‘no deal’ exit. Given the trajectory we are currently on, that now seems the most likely destination. We need to change direction, and that needs to be done this weekend, rather than at the actual 11th hour next week.”