Germany: Our goal remains orderly Brexit

By Ayhan Simsek

BERLIN (AA) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel has underlined the EU’s continued desire for an orderly Brexit, hours before a key vote at the U.K. parliament on Wednesday.

Speaking at a news conference in Berlin, Merkel expressed regret over British Prime Minister Theresa May's parliamentary defeat over her Brexit deal on Tuesday, despite additional assurances given by the EU.

“Our goal remains an orderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom, we have not given up on our goal due to yesterday’s outcome,” Merkel said.

“But of course our options have become more limited,” she said, adding that the EU members now would wait for the outcome of upcoming votes at the U.K. Parliament.

May’s “improved” Brexit deal failed to pass the parliament on Tuesday evening after being voted down by a majority of 149 members.

British lawmakers are set to vote on Wednesday evening whether the U.K. leaves the EU without a deal. On Thursday, they will vote on postponing the Brexit date, slated for the end of the month.