'We are staring down the barrel': reactions to PM May's Brexit deal defeat

European Union leaders said they would step up preparations for a no-deal Brexit and business groups reacted with alarm after British lawmakers defeated Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit divorce deal by a crushing margin on Tuesday.

An EU flag flutters next to the statue of Winston Churchill outside the Houses of Parliament, ahead of a vote on Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal, in London, Britain January 15, 2019. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

BRITISH PRIME MINISTER THERESA MAY

“It is clear that the House does not support this deal. But tonight’s vote tells us nothing about what it does support. Nothing about how - or even if - it intends to honor the decision the British people took in a referendum Parliament decided to hold.”

EU COMMISSION PRESIDENT JEAN-CLAUDE JUNCKER

“The risk of a disorderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom has increased with this evening’s vote.”

OPPOSITION LABOUR LEADER JEREMY CORBYN

“This is a catastrophic defeat for this government. After two years of failed negotiations, the House of Commons has delivered its verdict on her Brexit deal and that verdict is absolutely decisive.”

IRISH GOVERNMENT

“The Irish Government recalls the clear position of the European Council at its meeting of December 13 when it stated that the withdrawal agreement is not open for renegotiation.

“The Irish Government recognizes, however, that a disorderly Brexit is a bad outcome for everyone, not least in Northern Ireland. It is not too late to avoid this outcome and we call on the UK to set out how it proposes to resolve this impasse as a matter of urgency.”

PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL DONALD TUSK

“If a deal is impossible, and no one wants no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is?”

CONFEDERATION OF BRITISH INDUSTRY

“Every business will feel no deal is hurtling closer. A new plan is needed immediately. This is now a time for our politicians to make history as leaders.”

GERMAN AUTO INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION VDA

“With today’s decision the majority of parliament has done its country a disservice. Now an uncontrolled Brexit is more likely. The consequences of a ‘no deal’ would be fatal.”

UK AUTO INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION SMMT

“Leaving the EU, our biggest and most important trading partner, without a deal and without a transition period to cushion the blow would put this sector and jobs at immediate risk.”

TRADE BODY UK FINANCE

“Time is running out to avoid a chaotic ‘no deal’ Brexit that would be catastrophic for the UK economy.

“Firms in the finance industry have put contingency plans in place to minimize disruption for their customers in a ‘no deal’ scenario but critical cliff-edge risks remain, including on the transfer of personal data and the operation of cross-border contracts.”

UK MANUFACTURING ASSOCIATION EEF

“Parliament’s pantomime now continues while business suffers impossible uncertainty which will only worsen investment and the worrying business climate.”

INSTITUTE OF DIRECTORS

“It is the collective failure of our political leaders that, with only a few weeks to go, we are staring down the barrel of no deal.”

“As things stand, UK law says we will leave on 29th March, with or without a withdrawal agreement, and yet MPs are behaving as though they have all the time in the world – how are businesses meant to prepare in this fog of confusion?”

BRITISH CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

“There are no more words to describe the frustration, impatience, and growing anger amongst business after two and a half years on a high-stakes political rollercoaster ride that shows no sign of stopping.”

MARKET REACTION

Sterling rebounded smartly from the day’s lows and rallied more than a cent to stand above $1.28 after British lawmakers defeated Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit divorce deal by a crushing margin on Tuesday. [GBP/]

UBS WEALTH MANAGEMENT

“UK assets will continue to be vulnerable to the political volatility and we don’t expect this will subside until a concrete conclusion emerges.”

“We do not advocate investors take directional views on sterling, gilts or UK stocks while this clarity void remains so large. Within existing portfolios, investors would be wise to limit any UK exposure at benchmark levels.”

CITI

“After tonight’s emphatic rejection, small tweaks won’t get the deal over the line.”

“Conversely, ‘no deal’ is not supported by the PM, and Parliament will do everything to prevent it. The probability of Article 50 extension is now very high, and the stock of Article 50 revocation is rising too.”

Reporting  by Andy Bruce; Editing by Alistair Smout