Negotiations must be conducted in good faith

The European Parliament has today backed a resolution setting out its terms for negotiating Britain’s exit from the European Union. The resolution was co-signed by the Greens/EFA group alongside EPP, S&D, ALDE, and GUE-NGL. Negotiations must commence in good faith, says Greens/EFA co-president Philippe Lamberts, who also spoke in today's plenary debate (1).

"It sends a very strong signal that such a large majority has voted in favour of this resolution. The European Parliament stands united behind a clear position for negotiating Britain’s exit from the European Union. It is essential that the parliament is included throughout this process as an equal partner.

"These negotiations must be conducted in good faith on both sides. We have already witnessed a great deal of hot air, posturing and thinly veiled threats. It is time for all the nonsense to come to an end, and discussions to commence in a more grown up fashion. If these negotiations are to be a success, and the UK and the EU to continue to share a fruitful and positive relationship, then sensible heads must prevail. We have no wish to punish the UK but they must know that they cannot hope to secure a better deal outside the EU than in."

Greens/EFA co-president Ska Keller adds:

"For our group, the rights of citizens will be at the absolute forefront of negotiations. This process is counter to the wishes of the great number of UK citizens who voted to remain in the EU, including especially those in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Gibraltar. They must not be forgotten during the negotiations, or the many young people who wish to stay in the EU. The status of British citizens living in the EU, and people from across Europe living in the UK, must be an urgent priority. They should be given peace of mind about their future, not treated as pawns to be traded. We are pleased to have a commitment that any future agreement with the EU is conditional on the UK’s continued adherence to their international human rights obligations."

Notes
(1) Philippe Lamberts' speech is available to stream and download at the following links. Youtube: https://youtu.be/RFHvOvrCbLs / Download: https://we.tl/8kU4TJSQgF /