EU Endorses Brexit Deal: But UK parliament might vote down

World
Europe

04:26

British Prime Minister Theresa May has returned home from Brussels, where European Union leaders sealed a divorce deal with Britain after a two-year marathon-negotiation. Whether for or against, many regard the EU endorsement as a historic event. CGTN's Mariam Zaidi in Brussels, and Richard Bestic in London report on the big story.

"Thanks to the hard work of both sets of negotiators that is what we have today agreed."

A historic Brexit summit. This was it. After months of torturous negotiations, the day had come. On Sunday EU leaders gathered to formally sign off on both the 585 page withdrawal agreement and the political declaration on the UK and EU's future relationship.

MICHEL BARNIER EU LEAD BREXIT NEGOTIATOR "All along this extraordinary negotiation, I have worked with my team and negotiated with the UK, never against the UK."

But as he took the stage with EU Presidents Donald Tusk and Jean-Claude Juncker - after the deal was signed sealed and delivered, they issued a stark warning for those back in the UK who do not support Theresa May and this deal.

JEAN-CLAUDE JUNCKER PRESIDENT, EUROPEAN COMMISSION "This is the best deal possible for Britain, the best deal possible for Europe, this is the only deal possible."

ELMAR BROK GERMAN CENTER RIGHT MEP "The European Union is very united, 27 members come, the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission. I would like to advise to ratify this otherwise we have WTO rules."

XAVIER BETTEL LUXEMBOURG PRIME MINISTER "I am not an MP in Westminster. They just have to know what will be the consequences. If they think by voting 'no' they will renegotiate, I think they are wrong, in March it is finished."

So for them should the UK parliament not ratify the Brexit deal, the UK has three options. A No deal Brexit, a second referendum or a General Election. And none would result in renegotiation with the EU.

MARIAM ZAIDI BRUSSELS "Theresa May used the summit to send a message back home. But many here wonder that IF she knows she doesn't have parliament's support, then why not change tact and take the deal to the people. Mariam Zaidi, CGTN Brussels."

On the streets of the UK capital, much of the choreographed gathering in Brussels has washed over many. Far from triggering emotional outbursts of anger or joy, that the country has taken a giant leap for Brexit has been greeted with apparent passing interest.

"It's bad I don't know. I don't really know what to add. I don't know anything about it really."

"The deal they've got for us is better than we had, I guess, but not as good as it should be."

Voters apparently underwhelmed by the deal, but perhaps they're skeptical the deal is actually settled. A parliamentary vote scheduled for December 10th is widely expected to result in rejection. Even once-loyal government supporters say they plan to wreck the deal.

ARLENE FOSTER DEMOCRATIC UNIONIST PARTY LEADER "As I've said we'll not be voting for this. And, as I understand there are many others across the Commons who will not be voting for it either. So, what I'm calling for is a better deal. I'm asking Theresa May to listen to what her parliamentarians are saying."

The prime minister has written a personal letter to the people of Britain, asking for their support in the hope they'll persuade their members of parliament to vote 'yes' to the Agreement.

And she's taking to the road for a public relations blitz to win support. Some senior cabinet ministers joining her in the push.

JEREMY HUNT UK FOREIGN SECRETARY "The PM is not a quitter. And if you ask me, this is someone who's going to stay in post and see Brexit through."

Should Parliament overturn the Withdrawal Agreement, there's little consensus on what might happen next.

RICHARD BESTIC LONDON "So, as the clock ticks down, the view in Britain is that the issue remains undecided, unresolved and deeply uncertain. Richard Bestic, CGTN, London."