Strasbourg — Leaders of EU institutions have weighed into a new British debate on whether to hold a second referendum on Brexit by saying that Britons would be welcome to stay in the EU. Prime Minister Theresa May and Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn have ruled out giving voters a chance to approve whatever withdrawal treaty is agreed with Brussels before Britain leaves the bloc in March 2019. However, campaigners on both sides of the debate have raised the issue again. Updating the European Parliament on a summit he chaired in December at which EU leaders agreed to open talks with London on their post-Brexit future, European Council president Donald Tusk took the opportunity to support those calling for a rethink. "Brexit will become a reality, with all its negative consequences, in March next year, unless there is a change of heart among our British friends," Tusk said. "We here on the continent haven’t had a change of heart. Our hearts are still open to you." Picking up on his c...

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.