France on Brexit: The THREE reasons France wants Britain OUT of the EU as soon as possible
FRENCH President Emmanuel Macron has taken a tough stance on the Brexit delay, warning a no deal is certain if MPs reject the deal in another vote.
Brexit: Macron says if agreement fails UK headed for 'no deal'
Emmanuel Macron has been cast as a hardliner in Brexit negotiations once again as he piled pressure on the UK to approve the deal negotiated by Prime Minister Theresa May. If they do not, he said, a no deal scenario will occur. His comments come as EU leaders agreed a short extension to Article 50 - May 22 - to allow the UK more time to pass the deal, with an April 12 deadline if the deal fails once more.
Speaking as he arrived at a summit in Brussels, Mr Macron said: “In the case of a negative British vote then we'd be heading to a no deal.
"We all know it. And it's essential to be clear in these days and moments."
Echoing other EU leaders, he said that a short "technical extension" was possible, but only if British MPs who have twice rejected a withdrawal agreement vote next week to back it.
"We do respect the vote of the British people. We do respect what the prime minister and parliament are making," Macron told reporters, repeating himself in English for British broadcasters.
READ MORE: What is the Brexit backstop? A really simple explanation
"In case of no vote, or no, directly it will guide everybody to a no deal for sure.”
Analysis has shown France stands to suffer the most economic damage due to Brexit as a result of its close links to Britain.
So why are they so eager to get the UK out?
There are three main reasons for France’s tough stance on Brexit, according to senior Paris officials and political analysts.
1: It’s all about Brexit
Brexit is monopolising the European agenda, at the expense of other important issues.
Topics important to France such as climate policy and the need to strengthen Europe’s defences against rising Chinese and US industrial power are all taking a back seat to Brexit.
This is something shared across the pond in the UK, where domestic issues are suffering greatly in the shadow of the Brexit crisis.
2: Fears the EU could splinter
The divisive Brexit debate threatens to undermine European unity and give succour to rightwing nationalists across Europe.
A small minority in France favour a ‘Frexit’, while Mr Macron is steadfastly pro-Europe.
3: Fears Brexit woes could turn domestic
There are concerns in Paris that the numerous controversies over Brexit could spill over into French domestic politics, particularly the campaign for the European elections in May.
If Brexit is extended beyond May 22, the UK would need to take part in the elections.
Mr Macron’s EU strategy is to present his party as the opportunity to move Europe forward after Brexit, and rooting out far-right politics.