Leo Varadkar: ‘Thank you to the people of Europe’
EU members understood Brexit fears and took our hopes into their own hearts
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar with British prime minister Boris Johnson in The Wirral in October 2019: “I profoundly regret that the United Kingdom is leaving the EU today but I absolutely respect their decision to do so.” Photograph: PA
The European ideal is inspired by a spirit of optimism and belief in a better future. Europe allowed us to take our place among the nations of the world.
As the United Kingdom leaves the European Union, I am struck by the fact that over the past few years we have seen again the power of an abiding friendship in action. A friendship that brought peace, reconciliation and prosperity to Europe has protected the peace in Ireland as we went through this first difficult phase of Brexit. Today we say thank you to our fellow Europeans.