The European Union (EU) has delayed the Brexit by 6 months, with an option for United Kingdom (U.K.) to leave earlier if the U.K. Parliament agrees to it.
The new date for Brexit is October 31, 2019. After 5 hours of rhetoric and being unconvinced by the U.K.’s Prime Minister – Theresa May’s promise that U.K. will leave EU by June 2019, the EU Leaders decided to extend the deadline.
The President of the European Council – Donald Tusk said, “This extension is as flexible as I expected and a little bit shorter than I expected, but it is still enough to find the best possible solution. Please do not waste this time.”
He added, “Until the end of this period, the UK will also have the possibility to revoke Article 50 and cancel Brexit altogether.”
What’s the deal?
The EU leaders have said that this deadline will not be extended further. It is to be noted that if U.K. cannot agree to a deal by May 22, 2019, it will have to hold European elections. In case, it doesn’t hold elections, it will be forced to leave EU on June 1, 2019. Third, EU is open to withdrawal of Brexit.
French President – Emmanuel Macron wanted a shorter period for Brexit while the German Chancellor – Angela Merkel wanted a longer extension.
What Theresa May said?
She said, “I know that there is huge frustration from many people that I had to request this extension. The UK should have left the EU by now and I sincerely regret the fact that I have not yet been able to persuade Parliament to approve a deal.”
She added, “I do not pretend the next few weeks will be easy, or there is a simple way to break the deadlock in Parliament. But we have a duty as politicians to find a way to fulfil the democratic decision of the referendum, deliver Brexit and move our country forward. Nothing is more pressing or more vital. The U.K. will continue to hold full membership rights and obligations ( of the EU ) during the delay.”
What happens next?
Theresa May will now address the House of Commons and discuss the future course of action. The talks between the Government and Labour party are also due to continue as May will try to convince them. Separately, the U.K. Parliament will be closed from Thursday, April 11, 2019 for its Easter break until April 23, 2019.
