Speaking in the German Bundestag, Angela Merkel stressed, "We do not intend to renegotiate the withdrawal agreement. That is the common position of all 27 member states." The debate cannot be expected to result in changes of any sort, she declared.

"We don’t have a lot of time, but we do have some time," added Angela Merkel with a view to the 29 March 2019, the day on which the UK will leave the European Union. "We are working hard to achieve an orderly Brexit."

Earlier in the day, federal government spokesperson Steffen Seibert stressed that the German government will continue to work for an orderly withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, in the interests of all parties.

Following the decision of British Prime Minister Theresa May to postpone a planned vote on the withdrawal agreement in the House of Commons, she flew to European capitals on 11 December for further talks. The Chancellor was one of those who met with Theresa May to discuss the next steps.

German government prepares for no deal

The German government is counting on an orderly withdrawal of the UK from the European Union, but is nevertheless making provisions for a no-deal scenario. Preparations include two bills adopted by the Cabinet on 12 December 2018.

On 25 November 2018 the EU heads of state and government agreed on the withdrawal agreement and a political statement laying out the future relationship between the EU and the United Kingdom. Chancellor Angela Merkel said at that point, "In the view of the 27 member states a foundation is now in place for an orderly separation and for establishing future relations".
The withdrawal agreement must now be approved by the European Parliament – and of course by the UK parliament. The German Bundestag will be kept up to date with developments but is not required to approve the agreement.