In a special sitting today in the UK Parliament, MPs voted to ensure that the UK will not crash out of the EU without a deal, by supporting an amendment to withhold approval until the legislation for a deal is in place. Without a meaningful vote on the deal agreed by the EU and the UK earlier this week, extension of the UK's membership of the EU is now necessary.

S&D leader Iratxe García said:

“Brexit is a difficult and painful process for everyone. In our group we have always said that we would prefer the UK to stay in the European Union, but we will respect the will of the British people. Again today the UK Parliament voted against a no-deal Brexit with the Letwin amendment, to avoid a situation in which the British people are confronted with the choice of a no-deal exit in ten days or only the deal negotiated by Boris Johnson. Now it is up to the House of Commons to continue the procedure and vote on the deal itself.”

S&D Group spokesperson on Brexit, Pedro Silva Pereira, said:

“The ball remains in the UK's court. An extension of UK membership is needed so that the House of Commons can continue with the procedure and decide on the deal now on the table. The European Parliament will support an extension to avoid no deal, as is already stated in a parliamentary resolution.

“Only after the House of Commons has decided, and once we have scrutinised the agreement, will the European Parliament vote on its consent.”