Malta’s Prime Minister has backed Britons being given a second referendum on Brexit, saying the will of the people can have “disastrous consequences”.
Joseph Muscat, who was involved with Brexit talks while Malta held the rotating presidency of the European council, said he is “hopeful” Britain leaving the EU can be stopped.
The Maltese PM called for a party leader to be “courageous” and push for second referendum on the terms of leaving the EU.
In an interview with Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant, Mr Muscat said: “The will of the people can have disastrous consequences, history teaches us.
Key Brexit Players - In pictures
“I could name some examples, but they’re so horrendous they’d raise the wrath of my British friends.
“For the first time, I’m starting to believe that Brexit will not happen. I am seeing hopeful signs that indicate things will change. I see encouraging signs that the tide is turning.
“I’m not saying the Brits have made a mistake, but the mood is changing.”
The claim comes after Government officials began negotiations in Brussels over the terms of leaving the European Union, with key issues such as immigration and the single market at the forefront of negotiations.
Immigration minister Brandon Lewis insisted on Friday that the Conservatives were still committed to reducing net migration to tens of thousands a year as confusion began to reign on the party’s stance.
The final deal negotiated with the EU will be put to a vote in Parliament, with Prime Minster Theresa May having claimed holding another referendum on terms would weaken Britain’s position at the negotiating table.
Mr Muscat added: “The referendum was democratic, but has resulted in a situation in which everyone loses. Doubt is creeping in.
“It would be good if a political leader in the UK stands up and is courageous enough to address this new situation. Someone who says: let’s put the Brexit end-deal to a popular vote.”
MORE ABOUT