Brexit: Theresa May defends October 31 postponement to MPs



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Legend of the mediaTheresa May: "If we want to leave, we have to start this process soon."

Theresa May told MEPs that her "priority" was to deliver the Brexit in defense of the decision to delay the UK's exit from the EU.

The new deadline of 31 October means that the United Kingdom should probably hold elections to the European Parliament in May.

The prime minister said that if the deal with the EU had pbaded, the UK could leave the EU "as soon as possible".

Union leader Jeremy Corbyn called the last delay a "diplomatic default".

The prime minister promised to pursue a "good order" in Brexit, adding that "the whole country" was "frustrated".

The Brexit was originally scheduled for March 29th. But after MEPs repeatedly rejected May's withdrawal agreement with the EU, the delay was postponed to 12 April.

The new deadline of 31 October prevents the UK from leaving the EU without agreement this Friday.

The government announced Thursday that it would "continue to make all necessary preparations" for a Brexit without agreement, after announcing that departments had suspended their planning.

A government source said "plans will evolve and adapt" but will not stop as long as the chance to leave the EU without an agreement will remain.

The source added that the leaked message referring to the "gradual reduction" of the preparation of the transaction without agreement related solely to the operation Yellowhammer, the emergency planning operation based on the scenarios the most unfavorable – and not transaction planning without agreement in general.

Under EU rules, the UK will have to hold elections to the European Parliament in May or risk leaving on 1 June without agreement.

In a statement to the House of Commons, Ms. May said she regretted "deeply" that her agreement was not approved by the deputies.

She said: "The whole country is extremely frustrated by the fact that this exit process from the European Union has not been completed."

In response to the late delay, she said: "The choices we face are clear and the timing is clear.I think we must now continue our efforts to reach consensus on an agreement of interest national".

She also told MEPs that the UK would fully hold membership rights to the European Union during the extension, saying the country "would continue to be bound by all its obligations as a" state party. Member State, including the duty of sincere cooperation ".

Discussions with workers

The government continues talks with Labor to reach a consensus on how to break the stalemate in Parliament.

Ms. May and Mr. Corbyn had a "short meeting" on Thursday, Labor said.

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Legend of the mediaJeremy Corbyn says the delay of Article 50 is a "diplomatic failure"

In Parliament, Ms. May said: "It will not be easy to reach an agreement, because to succeed, both parties will have to compromise.

"But as difficult as it may be on the political front, I am deeply convinced that in this unique situation where the House is in an impbade, it is up to the two benches to work together to give this for which the British people voted. "

In response, Mr. Corbyn said: "The second extension in the space of fifteen days represents not only a diplomatic failure, but is another milestone in the government's mismanagement of the entire Brexit ".

He added: "The prime minister has stood firm on a flawed plan and the time has pbaded, leaving Britain unclear and adding to the deep uncertainty of businesses, workers and the population of everything. the country".

Corbyn said the party talks were "serious, detailed and ongoing," but warned the government "should compromise."

If no agreement was possible, he said: "We believe that all options should remain on the table, including the option of public voting".

What happens next?

shortly – Talks continue between Conservatives and Labor on how to end the Brexit stalemate

April 23 – MEPs return from Parliament's Easter holidays

May 2 – Local elections are held in England and Northern Ireland

May 23 – Elections to the European Parliament are planned in the UK, if MEPs do not support Theresa May's agreement with the EU in time to dismiss them

October 31 – The UK leaves the EU, unless MEPs approve the withdrawal agreement before this deadline

Ian Blackford, SNP leader in Westminster, urged Ms. May to use this extra time to hold a second EU referendum.

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Legend of the mediaAfter Bill Cash asked him to resign, Theresa May replied, "I think you know the answer to that question."

"It is now very possible that we can stay in the European Union," he said.

"To date, there are 204 days before the new deadline for Brexit on October 31. Will the Prime Minister then remove the ridiculous pretext that there is not enough time to hold a second referendum with a vote? remaining?"

And Conservative Brexiteer MP Sir Bill Cash accused the Prime Minister of "abject capitulation" to the EU by letting the deadline pbad and said that she should resign.

Before the Brussels summit, Ms May had told the leaders that she wanted to move the UK's exit date from this Friday to June 30, with the possibility of leaving earlier if Parliament ratifies its agreement.

What was agreed in Brussels?

  • An extension of the Brexit "only the necessary time" and "no later than October 31" to allow the ratification of the withdrawal agreement
  • The United Kingdom "must hold elections to the European Parliament" and if it does not, the United Kingdom will leave on 1 June
  • The European Council recalls that there can be no reopening of negotiations of a withdrawal agreement
  • Read the EU findings here.

The President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, said that future developments were "entirely in the hands of the United Kingdom", adding: "They can always ratify the withdrawal agreement, in which case the extension can be terminated" .

Mr Tusk said that the UK could also rethink its strategy or choose to "totally cancel Brexit", but urged: "Please, do not waste that time."

The EU had been divided on the delay to be offered in the UK and, according to the law, its 27 other member states had to take a unanimous decision.

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