EU grants full Brexit extension until 31 January 2020
The EU has granted a three month extension to the Brexit process, paving the way for a general election this side of Christmas.
This morning European Council president Donald Tusk tweeted that the EU27 member states would “accept the UK’s request” for Article 50 to be delayed until 31 January.
That means Prime Minister Boris Johnson has failed in his promise to have the UK out of the EU by Halloween – but avoids a no-deal Brexit.
The “flextension” means the UK could leave the EU before the deadline if a deal is agreed and ratified in time, although in practice this is not expected to occur as MPs should take the maximum time available to scrutinise any legislation.
Number 10 is yet to respond.
Read more: MPs to vote on Boris Johnson’s 12 December election bid
The EU’s decision, which came after a brief meeting in Brussels this morning, follows the revelation this weekend that SNP and the Liberal Democrats are poised to publish a bill that amends the Fixed Term Parliaments Act (FTPA), setting an election for Monday 9 December.
It is expected that this will go ahead after MPs vote on Johnson’s third attempt to get an election through the FTPA, which requires a two-thirds majority. Opposition MPs have so far appeared minded not to back the government approach.
The Lib Dems and SNP bill would only require a simple majority, with the Conservatives signalling they are willing to back this bill.
Bim Afolami, MP for Hitchin and Harpenden, told the BBC’s Westminster Hour “the time for ducking is over”
He added: “What I’d really prefer is a government version of it that still built in somehow that we could do the WAB [Withdrawal Agreement Bill] first, but we’ll see where we get to. But I do think it is important that we have a parliament that’s capable of resolving Brexit, if regrettably we make the judgement that this parliament can’t do so.”
Leader of the Liberal Democrats Jo Swinson said: “We need to get Boris Johnson out of office, unlock the gridlock in Parliament and give people the chance to vote to stay in the EU.
“A general election on our proposed timetable would take no-deal off the table, and give the public the chance to elect a Liberal Democrat Government who will revoke Article 50 or increase the number of MPs who support a People’s Vote.”
Main image: Getty