Leaders of the European Union (EU) on Sunday approved a “Brexit” deal for the United Kingdom to divorce itself from the group, and urged British politicians to back the agreement.
“I am totally convinced this is the only deal possible. Those who think that by rejecting the deal that they would have a better deal will be disappointed the first seconds after the rejection, European Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker said, according to The Associated Press.
British Prime Minister Theresa May, who has faced relentless criticism over her handling of Brexit and seen multiple Cabinet members leave as a result of negotiations, echoed Juncker’s calls to accept the deal.
{mosads}”I recognize some European leaders are sad at this moment but also some people back at home in the U.K. will be sad at this at this moment,” she said. “But the way I look at it is actually this is for us now to move on to the next stage to move on.”
“It will allow us to put in place an immigration system based not on where people come from but on the skills and talents they have to offer that is in our national interest,” she added.
The AP reported that Juncker and other European leaders were ambivalent about the U.K. leaving the European Union, but were pleased with the agreement the two sides reached.
U.K. politicians will vote on the agreed upon deal within the coming weeks. If approved, Britain will leave the EU on March 29.
The AP noted that the vote is likely to be divisive, as pro-Brexit lawmakers are worried that May has not done enough to separate the U.K. from the EU, while those who are opposed to Brexit are concerned the agreement will negatively impact economic ties with other European nations.
British voters in 2016 approved of a referendum to leave the European Union.
Updated at 1:40 p.m.