EU Leaders Mull What Next if U.K. Rejects Deal: Brexit Update

(Bloomberg) -- European Union leaders meet in Brussels to sign off on a Brexit deal that Theresa May is going to struggle to get through the U.K. Parliament.

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Key Developments

• EU leaders say this is the best deal on offer, and it can’t be renegotiated if the U.K. Parliament rejects it
• EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker says EU won’t change its "fundamental position."

Juncker Trusts Wise Parliament (9:40 a.m.)

EU leaders were united in saying that the deal is the best on offer. But Juncker offered perhaps a glimmer of hope for those who expect Theresa May to be back in Brussels asking for tweaks after the U.K. Parliament rejects it.

"It’s the best deal possible and the European Union will not change its fundamental position when it comes to this issue so I do think that the British parliament -- because this is a wise parliament -- will ratify this deal."

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz had a clear message for U.K. politicians: “It is important that everyone in the U.K. is aware of the fact that this agreement is the final result. It will definitely not be renegotiated and there will be no further leeway.”

Barnier’s Warning (9:10 a.m.)

Chief negotiator Michel Barnier issued what sounded like a warning to rebellious U.K. lawmakers about the Brexit deal.

"This deal is a necessary step to build the trust between the U.K. and the EU that we need for the next phase of this unprecedented and ambitious partnership," he told reporters.

"Now it’s time for everybody to take their responsibility," he said.

’No Victors Here Today’ (9 a.m.)

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said he expects the U.K. Parliament to back May’s deal, which he said was an ”acceptable outcome,” that has left no one a clear winner.

"I’m absolutely confident that Theresa May has everything now on the table to argue for a majority in the British Parliament," he told reporters. "I don’t expect a no vote I expect a yes vote and this is the deal on the table. I don’t think there’s anything more.”

What if Parliament Rejects it ? (8:45 a.m.)

Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite said that if the U.K. Parliament rejects the Brexit deal, then several scenarios emerge. One of them could be a request to renegotiate, she told reporters. So far, EU leaders have been clear that this is the final deal and it can’t be reopened.

“Everything could happen, at least four possible scenarios could be in place but it’s up to the British side about what path to choose," she told reporters. "There could be a return for the vote of people; could be new elections; it could be request for renegotiations; there is at least four I could calculate."

Earlier:

Coming Up:

Around 12 p.m. Closing news conferences; including one by May

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