A sad day

16 years ago, I was proud to hold the EU rotating Presidency as we negotiated the biggest enlargement of the bloc. It was a time of untold optimism. The U.K. played a crucial role in that success, and indeed in the development of today’s EU - from the single market to open trade and security cooperation. We are all smaller because of this divorce and my own country will greatly miss the British perspective in the EU room. 

Theresa May has worked tirelessly to find an agreement that creates minimal disruption. More critically this deal enables us to move into the next stage and forge an ambitious partnership. The U.K. is an island, not a boat. It will not cease being our ally, neighbour and friend after Brexit - and it will continue to be a partner in protecting democratic values in the face of autocratic and protectionist headwinds. 

The immediate question is, whether through ideology or tactical considerations, British MPs will support the Withdrawal Agreement. Anything can happen in politics, but as things stand, a majority is not forthcoming. I believe the only option that must be taken off the table is a brutal Brexit. Trade may have a WTO fallback but many other aspects of our relationship - such as security - do not. 

Mrs May of course has to sell the deal she has, and cannot talk about a plan B; but other options should be kept on the table if parliament refuses this deal - including the ‘Norway for Now’ option. It has its own sticking points and would need modifications, but it could provide a staging post. 

Regardless, this is a sad time as we say goodbye to a fellow member; but we should also try to remember the optimism of 2002 and recognise that we have not lost a crucial NATO ally, a strong partner and a friend.