Donald Tusk opens door to Brexit extension ahead of key vote
The president of the European Council Donald Tusk has indicated he is minded to back an extension to the Brexit process if MPs vote against the government’s timetable today.
Speaking in Strasbourg today for the first time since he received the Benn Act-compelled letter from Boris Johnson, Tusk told MEPS: “The situation is quite complex following events over the weekend in the UK and the British request for an extension of the Article 50 process.
“I’m consulting the leaders on how to react and will decide in the coming days. It’s obvious that the result of these consultations will very much depend on what the British parliament decides or doesn’t decide.”
MPs will be given two key votes today, which will determine the next steps in the Brexit process and make or break Johnson’s promise to leave the EU by Hallowe’en.
The Withdrawal Agreement Bill is set to begin the process of scrutiny with a debate starting early afternoon, culminating with a vote on the second reading early evening.
Although it is thought many MPs will back the bill at this stage, many MPs have reservations about key aspects of the 110-page piece of legislation.
That means the government is expected to have a tougher time getting its programme motion – setting the timeline for the next few days – passed.
If that is blocked, the government’s hopes of leaving on 31 October will rest with the European Union and whether member states decided to grant parliament’s request for an extension.
Main image: Getty