Brexit Delay Hinges on Passage of Twice-Rejected EU-UK Deal, EU President Says
The United Kingdom "will now not leave on time with a deal on 29 March," U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May said in a March 20 statement, expressing "great personal regret" for a requested Brexit delay despite formal approval not having yet been granted by the European Union for an extension.
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May's statement came hours after she sent a letter to EU Council President Donald Tusk seeking a delay until July 30. Tusk said in a statement earlier in the day that an extension will be granted only if the U.K. Parliament adopts the withdrawal agreement negotiated between the EU and the U.K. but already voted down twice in Parliament. The U.K. speaker of Parliament recently disallowed a third vote. Tusk had said questions remain about the duration of any extension and whether a positive vote can be reached.
According to an Associated Press report, EU countries are expected to approve an extension in principle, then wait to see if the U.K. Parliament passes the deal next week. There's also some uncertainty about whether the EU will allow a delay until June 30, given that such a lengthy delay would mean the U.K. would have to vote in upcoming European elections.
Speaking from Downing Street, May directly addressed both the public and Parliament, striking down the possibility of a second vote on Brexit and saying members of Parliament have been “unable to agree on a way to implement” the exit. May said “Parliament has done everything possible to avoid making a choice.” EU leaders are expected to discuss a possible Brexit delay during a council meeting on March 21, Sky News reported.