EU calls no-deal for leaving EU 'default scenario'

By Ata Ufuk Seker

BRUSSELS

The "default scenario" for the U.K. is to leave the EU with a no deal, European Union's chief Brexit negotiator said Wednesday.

Michel Barnier discussed the latest developments on Brexit at European Economic and Social Committee in Brussels.

"There are two possible ways to leave the EU," Michel Barnier said, referring to March 29 when the U.K. will leave the EU.

"Number one is an orderly withdrawal based on the agreement that we have built step-by-step with the U.K. over the last 18 months," he said.

"Number two is a disorderly withdrawal,” he went on to say.

“Leaving the EU without a deal is the default scenario and there appears to be a majority in the House of Commons to oppose a no-deal. But opposing no-deal will not stop no-deal from happening at the end of March. To stop no-deal, another majority will have to emerge," he added.

The deadlock over Brexit continued on Monday as May failed to offer any concrete changes to her deal -- which was rejected by an overwhelming majority of MPs last week.

- What is no deal?

A no deal Brexit means the U.K.’s departure from the bloc on 29 March 2019 without any withdrawal agreement. Political and economic circles argue that such a departure would be catastrophic for the U.K. economy and social life.

Labour Party is now working on an alternative Brexit deal that would command cross-party support in Parliament after losing the vote of no confidence in its attempt at ousting May last week.

After suffering a historic defeat in parliament last week when MPs voted in an overwhelming 432-202 majority against her Brexit deal, May is still holding meetings with groups of MPs for a deal that would win the backing of the House of Commons.

Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has rejected meeting May saying he would not do so until she takes no deal off the table.