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When she arrived in Brussels for the second day of a European summit, the Prime Minister declared that she was not expecting an extension of the transition because she was convinced to finalize an agreement on UK trade and security relations with the European Union date from the end of December 2020.
She said on Wednesday that she did not rule out that the UK remains in the single market and in the customs union and that it is subject to EU rules up to the end of the year. At the end of 2021.
This would delay the final departure of almost three years after the official Brexit date of 29 March 2019 and more than five years after the referendum vote of 2016, which would potentially cost the United Kingdom up to £ 15 billion of additional contributions to EU budgets.
But Theresa May made it clear that she would only accept an extension to make sure that there was no hard border in Ireland if it became impossible to to implement the future partnership by the end of 2020.
She said: "Another idea that has emerged – and it's an idea at this point – is to create an option to extend the implementation period by a few months, and it would only be for a few months "she said. .
"But the fact is, it should not be used because we are working to ensure that our future relationships are in place by the end of December 2020.
"I am clear that it is possible to do that and that is why we are working in. Under these circumstances, no such proposal would be necessary and I am clear that I am expecting to the implementation period ends at the end of December 2020. "
Cabinet Minister David Lidington has denied allegations that an extension of the Brexit transition period would cost Great Britain £ 10 billion to stay in the single market and the customs union of the United Kingdom. block for another year.
He told the BBC: "You make an assumption about what the insurance policy would include and the insurance policy actually applied.
Brexit: Theresa May suffers another blow from European leaders (Image: GETTY)
"This is precisely one of those issues that needs to be discussed and addressed, and we feel that the EU feels it is the right approach to take."
The President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani, said: "Both parties have raised the idea of extending the transitional period as a possibility on the table and which should be addressed."
But the movement for a protracted transition period leaves Ms. May facing a new reaction from the furious Brexiteers.
They said that this decision would add a further delay compared to when the United Kingdom could sign new trade agreements in the world and cost taxpayers billions of pounds in additional contributions to the EU.
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Tajani said that the EU wanted a three-year transition period for Brexit (Image: EBS)
11:00 update: Tajani could visit Ireland to highlight the support of the European Parliament
European Parliament President Antonio Tajani could visit Ireland to highlight his support for the protection of the Irish border
He met Taoiseach Leo Varadkar this morning when he confirmed Parliament's commitment to reinforcement, which he described as a "key element".
"I could go to Ireland to explain the position of Parliament that fully supports the Republic of Ireland," said Tajani.
He also reiterated to Mr Varadkar that the border should be flexible to protect peace and the agreement on Good Friday.
Update 10:50: The book recovers after the announcement of the May transition period
Biritsh's pound was re-established after Theresa May confirmed that she was willing to discuss an extension of the transition period after Brexit.
He traded at $ 1.3114 – flat the day – after diving earlier at $ 1.3076.
Against the euro, the pound fell slightly by 0.1% to 87.77 pence.
Last news of 10:40: What May said to Irish Taois Leo Varadkar that would delight the British at home
Theresa May could admit her defeat to Brexit to secure Irish "limited time" support and put an end to the stalemate in the negotiations.
According to Express.co.uk, the Prime Minister acknowledges that the EU security support defined in the December withdrawal agreement can not have an end date.
Senior EU officials have revealed that Ms. May had been admitted to Leo Varadkar before informing the latest European leaders of her latest Brexit strategy.
Mr. Varadkar insisted that a "legally operational backstop", which would take effect immediately after the transition period, should always be included in the withdrawal agreement so that it is acceptable for Ireland.
This remains a demand from Brussels as bloc leaders seek assurances that Brexit will not create a hard border on the island of Ireland.
Mr Varadkar, however, offered to offer the prime minister an opportunity to strengthen the more acceptable support for Westminster by using creative wording.
"There can be no time limit," said one official. "But we can try to find a label showing that it will never be used."
Brexit's last point: Theresa May admitted to Leo Varadkar that the safety net could not contain a time limit (Image: PA)
Update of 10:20: 70% chance that a last minute deal on Brexit can be agreed – Euler Hermes credit agency
According to the credit agency Euler Hermes, there is about a 70% chance that Britain and the European Union will reach an agreement on Brexit at the last minute.
The chief economist, Ludovic Subran, said: "For companies, it would be a" blind date "because they would not know what to expect.
"The details might contain good or bad surprises, but for businesses, it would always be better than a lousy divorce."
According to him, if an agreement on Brexit was reached, the pound sterling would climb to 1.14 against the euro after falling between 1.06 and 1.09 by the end of this year.
But the credit bureau also predicts a 25% probability that Britain will leave the bloc without an agreement and warned that this would result in a sharp depreciation of the pound sterling – probably to € 0.88 before the end of the 2019 – resulting in a drop in exports.
Update from 9:50 am: Cabinet Cabinet Denies Expansion Claims Will Cost Over £ 10 Billion to Great Britain
Cabinet Minister David Lidington has denied allegations that an extension of the Brexit transition period would cost Great Britain £ 10 billion to stay in the single market and in the union. customs of the block for another year.
He told the BBC: "You make an assumption about what the insurance policy would include and the insurance policy actually applied.
"This is precisely one of those issues that needs to be discussed and addressed, and we feel that the EU feels it is the right approach to take."
9:30 am update: Conservatives warn that voters in May will not forgive him for going to the EU
Voters will not forgive Theresa May if she goes to Brussels during the Brexit negotiations, Boris Johnson and David Davis warned.
In an open letter to the Prime Minister, the former Foreign Minister and Secretary of Brexit claimed that his EU relations plans would be less popular than the voting tax, urging him to "deliver Brexit" for which people voted ".
It was also signed by Jacob-Rees Mogg, as well as former ministers Iain Duncan Smith, Owen Paterson and Priti Patel.
The letter, published by the Daily Telegraph, says: "We urge you to make it clear that you will not bind the United Kingdom in the purgatory of perpetual membership of the European Union Customs Union, whether by a backstop or by any other way."
"Talking about British or North-Irish support is contrary to our sovereign nation-state status.The two are useless.In fact, they are a trap set by the EU in which it is essential not to fall. "
The group also asked Ms. May to "reset" the negotiations and dismantle her Checkers plan.
They wrote: "We urge you not to engage in a demonstration of resistance and choreographed argumentation followed by surrender and collapse in a backstop version and Checkers.
"Instead, we urge you to say to the EU at the summit:" Let us agree that we need to restart our negotiations. Our goal is a free trade agreement that benefits the United Kingdom and the European Union as well as millions of our citizens. "
"This would have a majority in Parliament, unlike the unpopular checkers' plan, seize the opportunity and create a better future for the UK.
"We are close to the moment of truth, Brexit offers the price of a better future, global free trade agreements and political independence.
"But if these potential gains are sacrificed because of the EU's bullying and the government's desperation to reach an agreement, the British people will not forgive us."
Brexit: Bettel warned "the match will be over" (Image: AFP / GETTY)
9:20 update: may be attacked during the transition period
Theresa May was attacked for the possibility of extending the Brexit transition period.
Conservative MP Anna Soubry, who supports a second referendum, tweeted: "The PM is forced to extend the transition because the government can not agree on support.
"Do not forget that the government insisted that it was a period of implementation because we would have a trade agreement to implement." New promises not held in Brexit No surprise calls for the People's Vote is growing, walk with us on Saturday. "
Liberal Democrat spokesman Tom Brake said, "The extension of the transition? It's more like a kick for further and a little more delay.
"No deal that the Prime Minister can get will be as good as staying in the EU."
9:10 update: Brexit uncertainty hinders British import and export activities
British trade is hampered by Brexit, making it difficult for companies to decide whether to import or export, a new survey revealed.
A survey conducted by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) of 2,500 companies showed that half of the companies must take into account the uncertainty surrounding Brexit before deciding whether to trade or not.
Dr. Adam Marshall, Director General of the BCC, said: "Companies have faced uncertainties about future relations with the EU since the referendum held more than two years ago .
"However, this survey shows that, with the approach of the crisis, the lack of precision begins to have a significant impact on their decision-making.
"While companies face a period of uncertainty, our research shows that companies doing international business are more innovative and dynamic than companies that focus solely on the UK market.
"It is essential that the Brexit negotiations move forward clearly to give companies confidence to take risks and to try to break into new markets, thus creating the UK that this government talks about so often."
Update 9 am: Khan warns about the government's "appalling incompetence", increasing the risk of no deal
Sadiq Khan launched a scathing attack on Theresa May's government, warning that their "appalling incompetence and their internal conflicts" increase the risk of a Brexit without agreement.
He said: "This summit was supposed to be the last chance to reach an agreement on Brexit – but because of the terrible incompetence and infighting of Theresa May's government, the risk of non-agreement is enormous.
"The options on the table are now limited to the bad deal proposed by Theresa May for Britain or the absence of agreement at all – which would be disastrous for the London economy and would limit opportunities for the next generation. "
The mayor of London said that he was trying to arrange a meeting with Dominic Raab but without success, reiterating his calls to the British people to have the final say on a Brexit deal.
He added: "Extremely disappointing and although he has been in this role for three months, he has not been able to meet me yet."
Mr. Khan said: "The constant chaos, internal quarrels and inefficiency show exactly why it is so crucial that the British public has the opportunity to express themselves on the final contract – what thousands of people will ask for. this weekend as they march across the country, streets of London. "
Brexit: Johnson and Davis are part of a group that wrote an open letter to May (Image: GETTY)
Update of 8:50: "March 29th, the game will be over!", Warns the Luxembourgish Prime Minister
Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel has declared that Europe "will not destroy the single market" while the United Kingdom is looking for a breakthrough in the Brexit negotiations.
He said: "Of course, an agreement is better than a non-agreement, but as I said, we're running out of time.
"The match will be over on March 29. Then there will be European elections and we have set rules and a deadline.
"The single market, in particular, is a problem – the UK may now want the benefits of the single market on their own terms, but that is not possible.
"We can not destroy the single market for a short time or longer, that's the problem.
"We also have other countries that closely monitor what we allow the British to do because they also tend to make themselves known.
"It's not an easy situation, but I know very well that it may not have been easy here in Brussels and that it's not easier for her in London.
"If there is an agreement here, there is no guarantee that London will also agree." It does not make things any easier. "
Update of 8:35: France leaves the door open for the extension of the transitional period
France is ready to support Michel Barnier 's proposal to extend the British post – Brexit transition period by one year.
Speaking this morning in Brussels, Theresa May said that she was willing to discuss an extension without ever considering using it.
French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire told Senat public television: "It's up to the French president to decide if an extension is in our interests.
"I think it's in our interest to do everything possible up to the last minute to reach an agreement with Britain.Our red line is an agreement that would weaken the single market and the future." 39; EU ".
He added that France was preparing the necessary for a scenario of no agreement.
Update 8:20: Tajani requires THREE YEARS of transition to Brexit and stated that May was not against an idea
The President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani, believes that Theresa May is not against a three-year transition period at Brexit.
"There are three key points. The rights of EU citizens living in the UK and Europe, money and the third point is the point of arrest.
"We have to work on that, we do not agree, but I want to be optimistic.
"Without this third point, we can not vote in favor of the agreement."
Asked about Ms. May's position on the extension of the Brexit implementation period, he said, "Yesterday, she talked about the transition period but not for or against it.
"The proposal is on the table."
The European Parliament would support a three-year implementation period, Tajani added.
8h update: May remains firm over the transition period
Theresa May insisted that Britain would not need an extension of the transition period to Brexit and could have a future relationship in place with the EU. here the end of December 2020.
She told reporters this morning: "We have made good progress on the withdrawal agreement and future partnership.
"On the withdrawal agreement, there are still problems to solve.
"The initial proposal presented by the EU was a proposal we could not have accepted in the UK It would have created a customs border along the Irish Sea at the beginning of the year. Year, we submitted a proposal on how to deal with this problem – another idea has now appeared.
"Another idea at this stage is to extend the implementation period by a few months and only a few months, but the fact is that it should not be used – because we are working to ensure that this future relationship is in place. end of December 2020.
"I am clear that it is possible to deliver, no proposal of this kind will be necessary – and the implementation will be completed by the end of 2020".
