Hans-Olaf Henkel: Brexit will be 'very bad' for Europe

Hans-Olaf Henkel: Brexit will be 'very bad' for Europe

German MEP Hans-Olaf Henkel claimed European countries are coming to an “increased realisation” that a “special” Brexit deal should be made, as Britain is the “largest single customer” of the European Union.

Brexit is “very bad” for Europe and a “special deal” should be struck between the UK and EU, admitted a German MEP. Hans-Olaf Henkel also claimed it is possible the European Union could still persuade Britain to remain in the EU.

Sky News host Niall Paterson remarked: “When we last spoke you were of the opinion that the European Union could do something, not just to sort out the deal, but actually to persuade the United Kingdom that we could stay within the European Union.” The European Conservatives and Reformists member said: “Yes I still think this is possible and I think it is more necessary than ever before, for two reasons.

“Number one I think it is clear that also the EU has some responsibility for the outcome of the referendum.

“Britain was always an advocate for subsidiarity, for less centralisation, for no bureaucracy, for more competitiveness.

“Brussels has just done the opposite, so in a way Britain joined the football club and Brussels decided to play hockey.”

Mr Henkel continued: “The second thing is there is now an increased realisation that Brexit is very bad for Europe as well.

“Let’s face it Britain is today the largest single customer of the European Union, ahead of China and the US.

“So I think it is time now for Brussels to change the strategy and say look folks, if you over there decide to change your mind, we are willing to offer you a special deal, especially in the area of autonomy over immigration.

“Something which they refused to give David Cameron at that time, something which now more and more European countries want also.”

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