On Thursday, 29 August, Michel Barnier—the EU negotiator for an orderly Brexit—reiterated on his Twitter account, “In all circumstances, the EU will continue to protect the interests of its citizens and companies, as well as the conditions for peace and stability on the island of Ireland”.
The negotiator expressed himself the day after the British prime minister announced the suspension of the British Parliament from 9 September to 14 October, a decision perceived across the Channel as a way to prevent Parliament from blocking a possible no-deal Brexit by 31 October (see EUROPE 12315/2).
This reminder by the EU negotiator came immediately after statements made by certain Defence and Foreign Affairs Ministers on the same day in Helsinki, including that of Estonian Defence Minister Urmas Reinsalu, who reiterated the EU’s very “clear” position, which consists of “solidarity with Ireland”. The Minister also reiterated that the ‘no deal’ option would remain “the worst-case scenario for both sides of the Channel”, although the EU is ready for it.
On Wednesday, the British prime minister had asked the Queen to interrupt Parliament’s work so as to have free rein regarding the direction that Brexit will take on 31 October. “This happens every year”, British Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace stated in Helsinki, playing down the political storm created across the Channel by specifically referring to a traditional parliamentary recess of about 1 week each year in September.
This suspension—lasting 5 weeks this time—was described as a “constitutional outrage” by House of Commons Speaker John Bercow and began to be challenged by civil society on Thursday, 29 August. For instance, a petition was launched to prevent the suspension. It had collected more than 1 million signatures by mid-afternoon. Individuals have also filed appeals with the High Court of Justice of the United Kingdom.
At the same time, talks continue between Europeans and the British. British negotiator David Frost is expected in Brussels again next week, after passing through on 28 August, in preparation for continuous talks until the end of October. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)