EU washes hands of Brexit deal after Commons vote: ‘We have done all that is possible’

Union says solution to passing withdrawal agreement must come from London

Brussels has washed its hands of trying to help Theresa May get her Brexit deal through parliament, warning that it is up to the UK to either pass the agreement or not.

Immediately after MPs rejected the withdrawal package for the second time on Tuesday evening, a spokesperson for European Council president Donald Tusk said that the EU had “done all that is possible to reach an agreement”.

“Given the additional assurances provided by the EU in December, January, and yesterday, it is difficult to see what more we can do. If there is a solution to the current impasse it can only be found in London,” he told reporters in Brussels.

Michel Barnier, the European Commission’s chief negotiator, issued a similar statement, saying that “the EU has done everything it can to help get the withdrawal agreement over the line” and that “the impasse can only be solved in the UK”.

The spokesperson for Mr Tusk said the bloc regretted the outcome of this evening’s vote and that it was “disappointed that the UK government has been unable to ensure a majority for the withdrawal agreement agreed by both parties in November”.

The government was defeated by 391 to 242 after opposition parties again teamed up with Tory rebels to reject the plan – a huge margin that was slightly down on the previous record defeat. The defeat is still the third largest for a government in British history, however.

The EU response recalls a warning given by European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker on Monday, ahead of the vote. Mr Juncker said there would be “no third chances” for Britain and that there would be no further talks were the withdrawal agreement to be defeated on Tuesday.

As European Council president, Donald Tusk speaks on behalf of member states – who Britain will need to convince if it decides it wants to extend Article 50.

The spokesperson for Mr Tusk addressed the possibility of an Article 50 delay, warning that member states would expect “a credible justification for a possible extension and its duration”. He added that “the smooth functioning of the EU institutions will need to be ensured” – a possible reference to upcoming European parliament elections in May, which the UK may have to participate in.

European Union’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said Brussels had done all it could to pass the deal (Reuters)

“With only 17 days left to 29 March, today’s vote has significantly increased the likelihood of a no-deal Brexit. We will continue our no-deal preparations and ensure that we will be ready if such a scenario arises,” he said.

“The EU for its part continues to stand by the withdrawal agreement, including the backstop, which serves to prevent a hard border in Ireland and preserve the integrity of the single market unless and until alternative arrangements can be found.”

Mr Barnier also said the EU’s no-deal Brexit preparations were “more important than ever before”.

National leaders of member states issued a similar message to the Brussels figures. Mark Rutte, the Dutch prime minister, warned that “a solution must come from London” to the current impasse. Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez meanwhile said the result had come “despite the EU’s effort to achieve the best agreement”.

Mr Sanchez added: “The European project must move forward to ensure freedom, stability and prosperity. We need Europeans governments. Let’s protect Europe so that Europe will protect us.”

Theresa May confirmed after the vote that MPs will get a vote on ruling out a no deal and requesting an Article 50 extension, with the two divisions happening on Wednesday and Thursday respectively.