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EU leaders agree to delay Brexit until 31 October – live news EU leaders agree to delay Brexit until 31 October – live news
(32 minutes later)
#EU27 & UK have agreed a flexible #Brexit extension until 31 October.Watch the summary of the special #EUCO & find out more about the ocutome of the meeting: https://t.co/Y6UiTiIglm pic.twitter.com/9JuScDcGzT
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday he took responsibility for blocking a long Brexit delay and convincing other European Union leaders to agree to a shorter one in order to preserve the functioning of the EU.
“It’s true that the majority was more in favour of a very long extension. But it was not logical in my view, and above all, it was neither good for us, nor for the UK,” he said.
“I take responsibility for this position, I think it’s for the collective good,” the French leader added before leaving the European Council in Brussels.
For those qui parlent français, the video of Macron’s comments is below.
Déclaration d'@EmmanuelMacron à l'issue du Conseil européen extraordinaire #Brexit #EUCO #art50 pic.twitter.com/5b9COgjcv1
#EUCO on #Brexit: -Extension of article 50 granted until 31 October. -UK to organise #EUelections2019 if Withdrawal agreement not ratified by 22 May.-No reopening of the Withdrawal Agreement. -Principle of sincere cooperation will apply to UK. https://t.co/WtzR97QDcO pic.twitter.com/4JFouDo1L9
Jeremy Hunt has said the Conservative Party would not fare well in an election without Brexit having been delivered.Jeremy Hunt has said the Conservative Party would not fare well in an election without Brexit having been delivered.
Speaking on ITV’s Peston, he said: “It would be absolutely catastrophic for us to face the people again in a General Election if we have not delivered Brexit, which was our central promise at the last election.”Speaking on ITV’s Peston, he said: “It would be absolutely catastrophic for us to face the people again in a General Election if we have not delivered Brexit, which was our central promise at the last election.”
Hunt was also asked whether he would honour any deals Theresa May agrees with Labour in coming weeks to get Brexit through parliament if he were to become prime minister.Hunt was also asked whether he would honour any deals Theresa May agrees with Labour in coming weeks to get Brexit through parliament if he were to become prime minister.
“The reality is that to get the Brexit deal through, the Withdrawal Agreement bill has to be ratified in law and it is the contents of that bill that will constitute any cross party agreements that allows Parliament to vote that through, so it’ll be a matter of the law, not a matter of...”“The reality is that to get the Brexit deal through, the Withdrawal Agreement bill has to be ratified in law and it is the contents of that bill that will constitute any cross party agreements that allows Parliament to vote that through, so it’ll be a matter of the law, not a matter of...”
Peston said: “Laws can change, Prime Ministers can change laws.”Peston said: “Laws can change, Prime Ministers can change laws.”
“If they have a majority in parliament,” said Hunt. “It may have escaped your attention, Robert, that no-one has a majority in Parliament to change laws.”“If they have a majority in parliament,” said Hunt. “It may have escaped your attention, Robert, that no-one has a majority in Parliament to change laws.”
Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell, said Labour was concerned that agreements it reached with May would not be honoured by a future Conservative leader.Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell, said Labour was concerned that agreements it reached with May would not be honoured by a future Conservative leader.
“One of the key issues for us in the discussions, they are confidential discussions at the moment, but obviously the agenda included for us how do we entrench any agreement that we achieve… We’ve gone in there positively and constructively, we’ve been in there trying to secure a deal which we think would work. But we’ve always said clearly our big worry is if we can make a deal with Theresa May, what happens when she goes?“One of the key issues for us in the discussions, they are confidential discussions at the moment, but obviously the agenda included for us how do we entrench any agreement that we achieve… We’ve gone in there positively and constructively, we’ve been in there trying to secure a deal which we think would work. But we’ve always said clearly our big worry is if we can make a deal with Theresa May, what happens when she goes?
Theresa May repeatedly ducked questions about her future as prime minister, after having previously said she would not accept an extension beyond June 30. She simply insisted that the UK “can still leave on May 22 and not hold those European parliamentary elections” if parliament passes the withdrawal deal.Theresa May repeatedly ducked questions about her future as prime minister, after having previously said she would not accept an extension beyond June 30. She simply insisted that the UK “can still leave on May 22 and not hold those European parliamentary elections” if parliament passes the withdrawal deal.
May also once again blamed MPs for being the cause of public frustration over the failure to implement Brexit.May also once again blamed MPs for being the cause of public frustration over the failure to implement Brexit.
Asked whether she should apologise for the UK still being in the EU, she said: “Over the last three months I have voted three times to leave the European Union. If sufficient members of parliament had voted with me in January we would already be out of the European Union.”Asked whether she should apologise for the UK still being in the EU, she said: “Over the last three months I have voted three times to leave the European Union. If sufficient members of parliament had voted with me in January we would already be out of the European Union.”
The prime minister will now head back to London to give a statement in the House of Commons in the early afternoon on Thursday and it has scrapped plans to force parliament to sit on Friday and next week now the threat of a no deal Brexit has gone in the immediate term. The government will also have to lay a statutory instrument changing the date of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU to October 31.The prime minister will now head back to London to give a statement in the House of Commons in the early afternoon on Thursday and it has scrapped plans to force parliament to sit on Friday and next week now the threat of a no deal Brexit has gone in the immediate term. The government will also have to lay a statutory instrument changing the date of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU to October 31.
This is Kate Lyons taking over from Andrew Sparrow.This is Kate Lyons taking over from Andrew Sparrow.
First, some reaction from Scotland.First, some reaction from Scotland.
The SNP has released a statement urging the government to hold a fresh EU referendum and saying that Scotland has been ignored throughout the Brexit process and saying that the process shows “Scotland’s interests are best protected through independence”.The SNP has released a statement urging the government to hold a fresh EU referendum and saying that Scotland has been ignored throughout the Brexit process and saying that the process shows “Scotland’s interests are best protected through independence”.
Commenting after the Brussels Brexit summit, Stephen Gethins MP said:Commenting after the Brussels Brexit summit, Stephen Gethins MP said:
This is a watershed moment in the Brexit process. With the European Union agreeing to a further extension to Article 50, Theresa May must use this time to hold a fresh EU referendum with the option to Remain on the ballot paper.This is a watershed moment in the Brexit process. With the European Union agreeing to a further extension to Article 50, Theresa May must use this time to hold a fresh EU referendum with the option to Remain on the ballot paper.
It is welcome that we will not be crashing out on Friday but Scotland did not vote for Brexit and should not be forced to accept a Brexit deal put together by Labour and the Tories – parties that have ignored Scotland’s voice and interests every step of the way.It is welcome that we will not be crashing out on Friday but Scotland did not vote for Brexit and should not be forced to accept a Brexit deal put together by Labour and the Tories – parties that have ignored Scotland’s voice and interests every step of the way.
Following the outcome of this evening’s EU Summit, the presiding officer of the Scottish parliament has also issued a statement confirming that the Scottish parliament will not be recalled.Following the outcome of this evening’s EU Summit, the presiding officer of the Scottish parliament has also issued a statement confirming that the Scottish parliament will not be recalled.
Rt Hon Ken Macintosh MSP, the presiding officer, said:Rt Hon Ken Macintosh MSP, the presiding officer, said:
Following confirmation that the United Kingdom will not be leaving the EU on 12 April, I have taken the decision that Parliament will not be recalled.Following confirmation that the United Kingdom will not be leaving the EU on 12 April, I have taken the decision that Parliament will not be recalled.
Members have been made aware and Parliament is scheduled to meet again on 23 April 2019.Members have been made aware and Parliament is scheduled to meet again on 23 April 2019.
Here is the full text of Theresa May’s statement at her press conference.Here is the full text of Theresa May’s statement at her press conference.
I have just met with Donald Tusk, the president of the European council, where I agreed an extension to the Brexit process to the end of October at the latest.I have just met with Donald Tusk, the president of the European council, where I agreed an extension to the Brexit process to the end of October at the latest.
I continue to believe we need to leave the EU, with a deal, as soon as possible. And vitally, the EU have agreed that the extension can be terminated when the withdrawal agreement has been ratified — which was my key request of my fellow leaders.I continue to believe we need to leave the EU, with a deal, as soon as possible. And vitally, the EU have agreed that the extension can be terminated when the withdrawal agreement has been ratified — which was my key request of my fellow leaders.
For example, this means that, if we are able to pass a deal in the first three weeks of May, we will not have to take part in European elections and will officially leave the EU on Saturday, 1st June.For example, this means that, if we are able to pass a deal in the first three weeks of May, we will not have to take part in European elections and will officially leave the EU on Saturday, 1st June.
During the course of the extension, the European council is clear that the UK will continue to hold full membership rights, as well as its obligations.During the course of the extension, the European council is clear that the UK will continue to hold full membership rights, as well as its obligations.
As I said in the room tonight, there is only a single tier of EU membership, with no conditionality attached beyond existing treaty obligations.As I said in the room tonight, there is only a single tier of EU membership, with no conditionality attached beyond existing treaty obligations.
Let me conclude by saying this.Let me conclude by saying this.
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 which would allow the UK to leave in a smooth and orderly way.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 which would allow the UK to leave in a smooth and orderly way.
But the choices we now face are stark and the timetable is clear.But the choices we now face are stark and the timetable is clear.
So we must now press on at pace with our efforts to reach a consensus on a deal that is in the national interest.So we must now press on at pace with our efforts to reach a consensus on a deal that is in the national interest.
Tomorrow I will be making a statement to the House of Commons.Tomorrow I will be making a statement to the House of Commons.
Further talks will also take place between the government and the opposition to seek a way forward.Further talks will also take place between the government and the opposition to seek a way forward.
I do not pretend the next few weeks will be easy or that there is a simple way to break the deadlock in Parliament.I do not pretend the next few weeks will be easy or that 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.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.Nothing is more pressing or more vital.
That’s all from me for tonight.That’s all from me for tonight.
My colleague Kate Lyons is taking over now.My colleague Kate Lyons is taking over now.
Q: Will your party see this deadline as a trick or a treat?Q: Will your party see this deadline as a trick or a treat?
May says the UK could have been out by 29 March if MPs had backed her deal.May says the UK could have been out by 29 March if MPs had backed her deal.
Now they must all work to get a majority in parliament, and to deliver on the referendum, she says.Now they must all work to get a majority in parliament, and to deliver on the referendum, she says.
Q: Tusk suggested the UK could get a further extension after October. Can you assure people Brexit will actually happen?Q: Tusk suggested the UK could get a further extension after October. Can you assure people Brexit will actually happen?
May says she is very clear that it must happen. She is working to get a majority in parliament.May says she is very clear that it must happen. She is working to get a majority in parliament.
And that’s it. The press conference is over.And that’s it. The press conference is over.
Q: Yesterday 177 Tory MPs refused to accept your plan for an extension running until the end of June. Now you have agreed one until the end of October. How can you stay as party leader?Q: Yesterday 177 Tory MPs refused to accept your plan for an extension running until the end of June. Now you have agreed one until the end of October. How can you stay as party leader?
May says she wants to get an agreement as soon as possible.May says she wants to get an agreement as soon as possible.
Q: We could have left this week. You have promised we would be out by various dates, and now it is October. Don’t you owe the country and apology?Q: We could have left this week. You have promised we would be out by various dates, and now it is October. Don’t you owe the country and apology?
May says she has voted for her Brexit deal three times. She will continue to work to get it ratified as soon as possible.May says she has voted for her Brexit deal three times. She will continue to work to get it ratified as soon as possible.
Q: Can the 31 October be extended again? And what conditions are attached?Q: Can the 31 October be extended again? And what conditions are attached?
May says the UK will continue to abide by its obligations, and by the duty of sincere cooperation.May says the UK will continue to abide by its obligations, and by the duty of sincere cooperation.
The deadline is now to achieve Brexit by October.The deadline is now to achieve Brexit by October.
Q: You said a few days ago that you would not delay Brexit beyond 30 June. But you have agreed to this. So why should you be the person to preside over this.Q: You said a few days ago that you would not delay Brexit beyond 30 June. But you have agreed to this. So why should you be the person to preside over this.
May says what has been agreed tonight will allow the UK to leave before the end of June.May says what has been agreed tonight will allow the UK to leave before the end of June.
Theresa May says she has agreed her extension.Theresa May says she has agreed her extension.
She says she wants the UK to leave the EU as soon as possible.She says she wants the UK to leave the EU as soon as possible.
The EU has agreed that, if the withdrawal agreement is passed before the end of October, it will be able to leave. So if it can be passed in the first three weeks of May, the UK will be able to leave on 1 June.The EU has agreed that, if the withdrawal agreement is passed before the end of October, it will be able to leave. So if it can be passed in the first three weeks of May, the UK will be able to leave on 1 June.
She says she will make a statement to MPs tomorrow. And talks with Labour will continue.She says she will make a statement to MPs tomorrow. And talks with Labour will continue.
She says it will not be easy. But MPs have a duty to break the deadlock.She says it will not be easy. But MPs have a duty to break the deadlock.
Here is the full text of the summit conclusions (pdf).Here is the full text of the summit conclusions (pdf).
Q: What is the point of the sincere cooperation clause?Q: What is the point of the sincere cooperation clause?
Tusk says EU leaders want a political declaration that the UK would cooperate seriously.Tusk says EU leaders want a political declaration that the UK would cooperate seriously.
Juncker says this is a reference to treaty obligations.Juncker says this is a reference to treaty obligations.
He says there is some talk of the UK being able to block EU decisions. He says they had heard voices to this effect. [He is referring to people like Jacob Rees-Mogg and Mark Francois.] But there is nothing new about this, he says.He says there is some talk of the UK being able to block EU decisions. He says they had heard voices to this effect. [He is referring to people like Jacob Rees-Mogg and Mark Francois.] But there is nothing new about this, he says.
He says the opportunities for the UK to block decisions “are very, very limited’, he says.He says the opportunities for the UK to block decisions “are very, very limited’, he says.
Juncker says they will have Brexit with a deal. But it would be better to have a deal, and no Brexit, he says.Juncker says they will have Brexit with a deal. But it would be better to have a deal, and no Brexit, he says.
Tusk says at least they have reached an agreement here. That does not happen in the British parliament, he says.Tusk says at least they have reached an agreement here. That does not happen in the British parliament, he says.
And that’s it. The press conference is over.And that’s it. The press conference is over.
Theresa May is due to hold her own press conference shortly.Theresa May is due to hold her own press conference shortly.
Q: What is the point of the review in June?Q: What is the point of the review in June?
Tusk says point of the review in June is to inform EU leaders what is happening. It is not a point of decision.Tusk says point of the review in June is to inform EU leaders what is happening. It is not a point of decision.
Juncker says in June they will just be taking stock.Juncker says in June they will just be taking stock.
Tusk says June is not a cliff edge, or a moment to take new decisions.Tusk says June is not a cliff edge, or a moment to take new decisions.
Tusk plays down prospect of the EU ending the extension in June under the review procedure.Tusk plays down prospect of the EU ending the extension in June under the review procedure.
Q: You said the extension was shorter than you expected. Isn’t it the worst of all words? Not short enough to force the issue, but not long enough to allow real change?Q: You said the extension was shorter than you expected. Isn’t it the worst of all words? Not short enough to force the issue, but not long enough to allow real change?
Tusk says it is better to have something than nothing.Tusk says it is better to have something than nothing.
He says six months “could be enough for a good solution if there is goodwill” and a majority for a solution in the Commons.He says six months “could be enough for a good solution if there is goodwill” and a majority for a solution in the Commons.
He says he is generally satisfied. He says the idea of a flexible extension was not so obvious to some EU leaders.He says he is generally satisfied. He says the idea of a flexible extension was not so obvious to some EU leaders.
He says the intention is to finalise this in October. That is the wish and the hope.He says the intention is to finalise this in October. That is the wish and the hope.
But he says he is too old to exclude another scenario. Everything is possible, he says.But he says he is too old to exclude another scenario. Everything is possible, he says.
Tusk does not rule out EU agreeing a further article 50 extension in October.Tusk does not rule out EU agreeing a further article 50 extension in October.
Juncker says a no-deal Brexit would have been a disaster.Juncker says a no-deal Brexit would have been a disaster.
He says he likes the decision. The end date has been fixed for 31 October. He says he is due to leave his job on 1 November.He says he likes the decision. The end date has been fixed for 31 October. He says he is due to leave his job on 1 November.
Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European commission, is speaking now.Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European commission, is speaking now.
He says the commission is happy with this outcome.He says the commission is happy with this outcome.
He says, although the UK will remain a member, sometimes the EU27 will meet as 27.He says, although the UK will remain a member, sometimes the EU27 will meet as 27.
He says there is precedent for this. He says he originally proposed that the Eurogroup of countries should meet on their own. At the time there was opposition to this, but it made sense.He says there is precedent for this. He says he originally proposed that the Eurogroup of countries should meet on their own. At the time there was opposition to this, but it made sense.
He says there will probably be a European election in the UK.He says there will probably be a European election in the UK.
He says people think they only talk about Brexit at the EU. When he reads the British press it is just Brexit, Brexit, Brexit.He says people think they only talk about Brexit at the EU. When he reads the British press it is just Brexit, Brexit, Brexit.
But the EU has reached an agreement with China this week. But this was not widely reported.But the EU has reached an agreement with China this week. But this was not widely reported.
Donald Tusk, the president of the European council, says the EU has decided to grant the UK a flexible extension until 31 October.Donald Tusk, the president of the European council, says the EU has decided to grant the UK a flexible extension until 31 October.
During this time, what happens will be in the hands of the UK. It can ratify the withdrawal agreement, and leave. It can change strategy, although not the withdrawal agreement. Or it can decide to revoke.During this time, what happens will be in the hands of the UK. It can ratify the withdrawal agreement, and leave. It can change strategy, although not the withdrawal agreement. Or it can decide to revoke.
He says the UK will remain a friend of the EU.He says the UK will remain a friend of the EU.
He says this extension is shorter than he expected, but long enough to allow the UK to find a solution. He ends:He says this extension is shorter than he expected, but long enough to allow the UK to find a solution. He ends:
Please, do not waste this time.Please, do not waste this time.
Here are two EU leaders on the article 50 extension decision.Here are two EU leaders on the article 50 extension decision.
From the Irish taoiseach Leo VaradkarFrom the Irish taoiseach Leo Varadkar
And we’re done. (1) Flextension to Oct 31st (2) We’ll take stock of situation at our regular summit in June (3) UK to take part in @Europarl_EN election or must leave on June 1st without a deal. Good night !And we’re done. (1) Flextension to Oct 31st (2) We’ll take stock of situation at our regular summit in June (3) UK to take part in @Europarl_EN election or must leave on June 1st without a deal. Good night !
From Lars Løkke Rasmussen, the Danish prime ministerFrom Lars Løkke Rasmussen, the Danish prime minister
One more chance for the UK. Managed to avoid a #NoDealBrexit tonight. New deadline 31.10. Up to the UK to find solutions.One more chance for the UK. Managed to avoid a #NoDealBrexit tonight. New deadline 31.10. Up to the UK to find solutions.
Sky’s Faisal Islam has more on the legal process that will lead to Brexit being delayed.Sky’s Faisal Islam has more on the legal process that will lead to Brexit being delayed.
It’s official ... when published in Official Journal of EU tomorrow as an official EU Council decision (probably after a formal letter confirming agreement for Tim Barrow) the EU law Brexit date will be changed to October 31st... Govt will then table U.K. law SI & No Deal off. https://t.co/0ptmx7VB1EIt’s official ... when published in Official Journal of EU tomorrow as an official EU Council decision (probably after a formal letter confirming agreement for Tim Barrow) the EU law Brexit date will be changed to October 31st... Govt will then table U.K. law SI & No Deal off. https://t.co/0ptmx7VB1E