EuroParlRadio

Brexit vote “emotional” and “sad” – Barnier

The EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier says he will work very carefully to ensure the full implementation of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement including its dimensions on Ireland.

Mr Barnier was speaking in the European Parliament in Brussels where MEPs yesterday overwhelmingly endorsed the Brexit deal. He told EuroParlRadio's editor Karen Coleman that it was a sad occasion.  

Out words: the peace

Dur: 00:55

UK/EU trade deal not possible in a year – Fitzgerald

Fine Gael MEP Frances Fitzgerald says she doesn’t think it will be possible for an EU/UK trade deal to be negotiated in less than a year.

The British Prime Minister wants to have an agreement in place before the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31^st. 

That deadline has already been described as ambitious by EU leaders.

Frances Fitzgerald agrees:

 

Out words: European Union

Dur: 0:17

Johnson trade approach “foolhardy” – O’Sullivan

Green Party MEP Grace O’Sullivan has described the British Prime Minister’s approach to the EU trade talks as ‘foolhardy’.

Boris Johnson hopes to have a deal completed before the end of the year.

However, EU bosses have warned that the deadline is ambitious.

Grace O’Sullivan says a ‘fast-track’ approach is problematic

Out words: almost foolhardy

Dur: 0:27

Ireland gains two MEPs following Brexit

Ireland will officially have two more MEPs from next month.

Fine Gael’s Deirdre Clune and Fianna Fáil’s Barry Andrews will take up their seats following the UK’s departure from the EU.

Of the UK’s 73 seats, 27 are being redistributed to other countries with the rest kept in reserve for potential future enlargements.

Green Party MEP for Ireland South Grace O’Sullivan says she’ll miss her 7 British colleagues

Out words: stronger force

Dur: 0:30

EU taking action to reduce gender pay gap – Fitzgerald

Efforts to reduce the gender pay gap will be discussed in the European Parliament today.

A directive will be issued later in the year making in mandatory for companies to be more transparent.

At the moment, there’s a 16.5 per cent gender pay gap across Europe and a 34 per cent pension gap.

Fine Gael MEP Frances Fitzgerald says its needs to be addressed

Dur: 0:18

 

OUT: pay gap

 

Common chargers a step closer

Common chargers for mobile phones could be a step closer.

MEPs are putting pressure on the European Commission to come up with a plan by June.

A vote on the issue will take place in the Parliament today.

Fine Gael MEP Seán Kelly compares it to efforts to end roaming charges

Out words: into being

Dur: 0:23

“Next stage of Brexit will be the most difficult” – Seán Kelly

Fine Gael MEP Seán Kelly says Brexit is not over and the next stage will be the most difficult.

It comes after the European Parliament voted in favour of the Withdrawal Agreement, meaning the UK will officially leave the EU on Friday.

However, they will still abide by EU rules during the ‘transition period’ which lasts until the end of the year.

Seán Kelly says there’s a lot to work out between now and then

Out words: on that

Dur: 0:27

‘A sad day for Europe’ – Fitzgerald reacts to Brexit vote

Fine Gael MEP Frances Fitzgerald says it’s sad and disappointing to see the EU lose a member.

She was reacting to this evening’s vote on the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement in the European Parliament.

It was passed by 621 votes to 49, with 13 abstentions, meaning the UK will officially leave the EU on Friday night.

Frances Fitzgerald says it’s a dark day for Europe:

Out words: so disappointing

Dur: 0:28

“Take your flags and leave” – McGuinness responds to Farage

Nigel Farage has had his microphone cut off during his farewell speech in the European Parliament.

The Brexit Party leader and his colleagues started waving union jack flags - which is banned inside the chamber.

MEPs are about to vote on the Withdrawal Agreement which will allow the UK to officially leave the EU on Friday.

Irish MEP Mairead McGuinness was chairing the debate when Nigel Farage was speaking:

Out words: goodbye

Dur: 0:29

'Withdrawal Agreement not perfect' - Cuffe

Dublin MEP Ciarán Cuffe says he’ll be voting in favour of the Withdrawal Agreement today, but some issues still need to be ironed out.

It’s the last hurdle in the Brexit saga and paves the way for the UK to officially leave the EU on Friday.

Concerns have been raised in the European Parliament about the rights of EU citizens living in the UK.

Ciarán Cuffe hopes it can be resolved

Out words: this stage

Dur: 0:25