Britain’s membership of the EU came to an awkward end when a diplomat wished the country ‘good riddance’ in an unfortunate slip of the tongue. Croatia’s permanent representative in Brussels, Irena Andrassy, thought the phrase meant ‘good luck’ when she bid the UK farewell at its final meeting of diplomats last week. As a result, her parting words to British counterpart Tim Barrow were:
‘Thank you, goodbye, and good riddance’.
The mix-up was said to be taken in good humour by the British delegation.
An official said: ‘The Brits saw the funny side and understood how it was meant.
‘History will show that these were the last words from the EU to the UK’s ambassador before Brexit.’
An embarrassing mistake in translation (??) ...
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