Maltese PM: ‘I believe Britain will stay in EU’

Written by:
  • Samuel Horti
Posted On: 
29th July 2017

The prime minister of Malta has said he believes “Brexit will not happen”, as he called for Britain to hold a referendum over the terms of its leaving the EU.

 

Maltese prime minister Joseph Muscat
Credit: 
PA

“Doubt is creeping in” over leaving the EU among the British public, Joseph Muscat said, as he warned that Brexit would have “disastrous consequences” for the UK.

He called on a British political leader to push for a referendum on the final terms of Brexit, which could pave the way for the UK to remain part of the bloc.

Sadiq Khan: Labour could stop Brexit with second referendum

Irish PM: I won’t help design Brexiteer border

ANALYSIS: We cannot underestimate the sheer complexity of the Irish border issue

“For the first time, I’m starting to believe that Brexit will not happen. I am seeing hopeful signs that indicate things will change. I see encouraging signs that the tide is turning. I’m not saying the Brits have made a mistake, but the mood is changing,” he said.

“The referendum was democratic, but has resulted in a situation in which everyone loses. Doubt is creeping in. It would be good if a political leader in the UK stands up and is courageous enough to address this new situation. Someone who says: let’s put the Brexit end-deal to a popular vote.”

Theresa May has ruled out a referendum on the final terms of Brexit because she believes that would allow Brussels to push punitive terms on Britain in order to force it to remain a member.