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Candidate For EU's Top Job Ready To Back Brexit Extension If Needed

The candidate to become the new president of the European Commission says she "stands ready" to supp...


Candidate For EU's Top Job Rea...

News

Candidate For EU's Top Job Ready To Back Brexit Extension If Needed


The candidate to become the new president of the European Commission says she "stands ready" to support a Brexit extension if needed.

Ursula von der Leyen was addressing MEPs in Strasbourg ahead of a vote on her nomination tonight.

The German defence minister told MEPs that peace and stability in Ireland remains one of her two priorities when it comes to Brexit, along with preserving the rights of citizens.

The German defence minister said: "The European Union has worked hard to organise the orderly departure of the United Kingdom.

"I stand ready for a further extension of the withdrawal date should more time be required for a good reason."

Her comments on a possible Brexit delay received a mixed reaction, including booing from members of the UK's Brexit Party.

The UK's currently scheduled to leave the EU on October 31st.

Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt - the two men vying to become Theresa May's successor as British prime minister - have both claimed they'll seek a new withdrawal deal with the EU, despite the bloc having ruled out the prospect.

Both Conservative party leadership hopefuls have refused to rule out a no-deal exit.

Main image: Ursula von der Leyen addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Picture by: Michael Kappeler/DPA/PA Images


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