Skip to content

European Parliament debates are more dull without British humour, says German MEP David McAllister

MEP David McAllister says British politicians brought "real spice" to debates in Brussels.

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - JANUARY 17:  The national flag of the United Kingdom, the Union Jack, and the EU flag are pictured in the European Council headquarters in Brussels, on January 17, 2020. On January 31, the Brexit should be acted, and the Union Flag, the national flag of the United Kingdom, should be removed. (Photo by Thierry Monasse/Getty Images)
Image: It is almost a year since Britain formally left the European Union - and it looks like they're missing our sense of humour
Why you can trust Sky News

British humour, irony and sarcasm is much missed in the European Parliament since the UK left the EU, according to one German MEP.

David McAllister says debates in Brussels are more dull now there are fewer native English speakers in the institution.

The politician told the PA news agency that UK MEPs had "left a footprint" in the European Parliament through their work, but were also missed on an individual basis.

He explained: "We also miss our British colleagues for their pragmatism, and their humour and rhetoric."

MEP David McAllister would like a bit more humour in his European Parliament debates
Image: MEP David McAllister likes a touch more humour in his European Parliament debates

It is almost a year since Britain formally left the European Union, following the Brexit vote in 2016.

There are 24 official languages spoken in the European Parliament, however Mr McAllister said English was the common language adopted by most speakers.

He added: "We are operating in a parliament where a lot of English is spoken, but hardly any native speakers are still here.

More from Brexit

"We have our Irish colleagues, we might have a few Maltese colleagues, and then we might have a few colleagues from other countries who like me have a British background.

"But we have a lot of political debates in working groups, in committees, in the plenary, speaking English but without the speakers being native English speakers.

"And that means that certain elements of political speech are just less now common here because the British are no longer there - when it comes to humour, irony, sarcasm, using proverbs or other style elements.

"The British MEPs were always at a huge advantage in an open debate because they simply have a better command of the English language."

Subscribe to the All Out Politics podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker

Mr McAllister said the UK MEPs - who left Brussels following Britain's departure from the EU on 31 January 2020 - had brought "real spice" to the political debate.

The transition period, during which the UK remained in the single market and customs union, ended on 31 December.