European Parliament confirms it expects UK to leave EU by 31 January

The European Parliament has confirmed it expects the UK to leave the EU by 31 January 2020 after the Conservatives gained a majority in the general election.

European Parliament president David Sassoli said MEPs were ready to vote on UK-EU transition deal in January once it was passed by the UK Parliament.

The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, agreed a revised Brexit transition deal with the EU in October but was unable to get it through parliament under the previous minority government.

However, yesterday’s general election result gives the UK Government a majority of 47.

In a speech following the Conservative victory, Johnson confirmed he intended the UK to leave the EU by the current extension deadline of the end of January.

He said: “They [Conservative MPs] will have an overwhelming mandate to get Brexit done and we will honour that mandate by January 31^st.”

Commenting on the election result, Sassoli said: “I congratulate Boris Johnson on his success in yesterday's vote.

“We now expect the new UK Parliament to quickly approve the agreement with the EU to allow an orderly Brexit by the 31st of January 2020.

“Once it is approved on the UK side, the European Parliament stands ready to vote on it in January.
“We will be vigilant in the implementation of the agreements, particularly concerning the rights of EU citizens living in the UK and UK citizens in other member states.

“The European Parliament hopes for very close future relations between the EU and the UK and will continue to act responsibly during the new negotiation phase, respecting the founding values and principles of our union and firmly defending the interests of European citizens and states.”

The Prime Minister is expected to the put his deal to MPs in a vote before Christmas.

After the UK leaves the EU, the process of negotiating the permanent relationship between the UK and the EU after December 2020 will begin.