Guy Verhofstadt: 'We will not change EU rules just because Britain is leaving'

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No deal? No way! So says Guy Verhofstadt, a former prime minister of Belgium, and the man who heads up the EU Parliament's Brexit steering group. Verhofstadt tells FRANCE 24 why for him, a so-called "no-deal Brexit" would be the worst possible scenario for both the UK and the EU. However, he insists that EU rules must be respected during the negotiations and that Brussels will not change them simply because of Brexit.
With European elections now a matter of months away, the leader of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats group in the EU parliament confirms that he will work with French President Emmanuel Macron in a new co-operation bid between centrists. Guy Verhofstadt tells us more about his ideas for an alternative to the politics of old.
A programme presented by Catherine Nicholson
Produced by Isabelle Romero and Mathilde Bénézet.

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[nunodasilvacarneiro]

What is so difficult to understand? UK don't wanna have EU rules which is ok. He says it clearly: we will not re-arrange the rules for the UK. So it seems that there is a no deal.

[albertbrowne]

Rules are made for the guidance of wise men and the obedience of fools.

[robertmarsh]

Even Canada is regretting trading with the EU Nazi's, Currently they are trading at a 3.5 billion dollar deficit.
Canada is learning the Lessons of trading with the EU Nazi's. Other non EU countries should learn from the Canada bad experience with these EU parasites.

[chairman]

We do not want you to change because we are leaving. What you do, or do not do, inside the EU will mean nothing to us because we will be outside your organisation. Do what you please. The 'EU' is not 'Europe' although many try to pretend it is.

[Mascherina]

To the jerk at 7:47 who told the nurse to speak English properly: how many languages do YOU speak? I'm sure you can't even speak your own mother tongue correctly. Oh, for shame!

[eaglewing]

when I see Verhofstadt I think Dentist!

[januszcan-pol]

Guy Verhofstadt: 'We will not change EU rules just because Britain is leaving' Not UK. Islam will . Thanks Guy Verhofstadt Timmermans Merkel and

[laszlob.u]

The "no deal" is the best deal for Britain! - Don't trust the Brussels fascists!

[carlosifer]

The man is right, UK already had special treatment and decided to leave and now expects the whole of the EU to change for them . It's not going to happen . It's all about numbers and economics EUROPEAN UNION 508 million citizens UK 65 million ...you do the maths

[robertmarsh]

Why are you standing there, coming out with total crap. You should be working in the EU Treasury printing Billions more euro's that you don't have, in order to keep your vile EU afloat. Britain NEEDS to walk away from evil EU Nazi's, and trade on WTO terms. The next few years are going to be very interesting, watching at least three other EU member countries following Britain out of the vile dictatorship.

[IamSuperCereal]

"Much talk about no deal Brexit", maybe in the UK, because here on the mainland no one is talking about it LOL.

[ernstvonrichthofen]

He is Sorros barfing lapdog!! Barstard !!

[agentsmith]

Brits STILL complaining how bad EU is, well you're leaving so bye bye and DON't forget to close the door

[georgplaz]

The case of a union member leaving the EU is clearly defined. Those rules have been co-authored by the UK and are the default (aka no deal).

The EU doesn't "owe" the UK anything different. A deal can be arranged, but it will be subject to the same restrictions any third party nation faces (like Switzerland). You either accept the three pillars of free movement or you get none. Like said in the video, the fundamental rules of the EU will not be changed because a leaving country is throwing a tantrum

[stuartpaul]

It`s so refreshing to listen to someone calm and reasonable like Verhofstadt after the demented ravings of UKIP.

[folksinger]

Just remember all 27 must agree to the UK’s crackpot plan or the deal is off

[markwtal]

Verhofstadt Is absolutely right on every point.

[johnbrittlebank]

Wonder which country will turn the lights out.

[eojxjqu]

I agree with EVERY COMMENT BELOW.

I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANY VIDEO ON YOUTUBE WHERE EVERY COMMENT POSTED IS IN AGREEMENT WITH ALL THE REST!!

Unbelievable that the feelings here are so strong and even more incredible is that we ARE STILL BEING IGNORED BY OUR GOVERNMENT.

I have no words to describe it.

I'm speechless.

So many great thoughts, made me think quite a bit. Also made me so sad that Mr. Verhofstadt mentioned Hungary as a bad example, and he is absolutely right.