European Union leaders have on Thursday agreed to provide an additional six months, delaying the deadline for Britain to leave the bloc until October 31, more than what British Prime Minister Theresa May was seeking.
According to Reuters news reports, the development came during the summit deal in Brussels in the early hours of Thursday, concluding Britain will not leave the bloc on Friday without any Brexit deal.
During the summit, the leaders exchanged their views over May’s Brexit agreement and also held long-hour discussions over the Brexit extension to provide additional time for Britain to leave from the bloc with a deal.
EU council president Donald Tusk, in a tweet, confirmed the development on Thursday, wrote: “EU27/UK have agreed a flexible extension until 31 October. This means additional six months for the UK to find the best possible solution.”
EU27/UK have agreed a flexible extension until 31 October. This means additional six months for the UK to find the best possible solution.
— Charles Michel (@eucopresident) April 10, 2019
He also tweeted: “EU27 has agreed an extension of Art. 50. I will now meet PM @theresa_may for the UK government’s agreement. #Brexit.”
EU27 has agreed an extension of Art. 50. I will now meet PM @theresa_may for the UK government's agreement. #Brexit
— Charles Michel (@eucopresident) April 10, 2019
Earlier May had requested the EU for a delay until June 30, far shorter extension than what the EU leaders have agreed on.
This development will be followed by Britain holding European Parliament elections in May unless May presents a better Brexit agreement again in the UK parliament. May talks with the main opposition Labour Party seemed to have made no progress.