Tusk says May accepts Brexit extension

European Council President Donald Tusk says British Prime Minister Theresa May and EU leaders have agreed to a Brexit extension until the end of October.

British Prime Minister Theresa May and EU leaders have agreed to a Brexit extension until the end of October, European Council President Donald Tusk has written on Twitter.

The EU member states and Britain "have agreed a flexible extension until 31 October," he wrote. "This means additional six months for the UK to find the best possible solution."

May had asked to postpone Britain's departure from the European Union until June 30, but most EU leaders had favoured a longer term, according to EU sources.

The extension is flexible, EU diplomats say, meaning Britain can leave once its Brexit divorce deal is ratified. However, if it stays beyond May 22, the country will likely be required to participate in EU elections.

May needs time to broker parliamentary approval on her divorce deal negotiated with Brussels, which lawmakers have rejected three times.


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Source: AAP



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