UK Requests Further Brexit Delay

Prime Minister Theresa May has written to European Union officials to request a further Brexit delay until 30 June.

The date for the UK's departure currently stands just one week away, Friday 12 April, with no withdrawal agreement in place as yet.

Theresa May hopes a deal will be approved in Parliament before 23 May, allowing the UK to leave before the European elections. Candidates will prepare for election, however, in case a deal is not reached.

Writing to Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, she said: "The Government's policy has always been and remains to leave the European Union in an orderly way, and without undue delay. The House of Commons has not thus far approved the deal that would enable this, nor - despite considerable efforts by both Members of Parliament and by the Government - has it yet found a majority in favour of any other proposal. The House has, however, continued to express its opposition to leaving the European Union without a deal. The Government agrees that leaving with a deal is the best outcome."

Mrs May added that the current impasse cannot be allowed to continue, as it creates uncertainty within UK politics and prevents the EU from moving forward with its own official business.

She concluded: "It is frustrating that we have not yet brought this process to a successful and orderly conclusion. The United Kingdom Government remains strongly committed to doing so."



(JG/CM)