UK Cabinet Minister David Lidington told BBC radio the default for the government is still to leave the EU on March 29. He said “I hope still we can leave as soon as possible in an orderly fashion but that depends upon parliamentary approval both in principle of a withdrawal agreement but also then the implementing legislation that has to follow before lawfully we can ratify that treaty”.

And, by the end of March we have to have an alternative in place, not just a resolution of the House of Commons, a preference, but a solution in place that enables us to have an extension so there isn’t crash out on March 29.”

German Justice Minister Katarina Barley told rbb broadcaster that “the EU would be ready to delay Brexit, but one has to have a plan on what is supposed to happen during this period.” She added that delaying Brexit doesn’t bring a solution.

UK parliament passed the motion to seek Brexit delay by 413 to 202 votes. Under the motion, if a Brexit deal is approved, the government will seek 30 days Article 50 extension till June 30, 2019. If a deal is not approved, the length of the extension will depends on the purpose of it. But in the latter case, it will most likely be a long extension.

Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to bring her twice-defeated Brexit deal back to the Commons for another meaningful vote on Tuesday March 19, just ahead of EU Council meeting on March 21-22. Meanwhile, May also promised that she will give Parliament the chance to take over on March 25 if her deal is defeated again. The development after March 25 is wide open, with possibilities of a softer Brexit, a second referendum and a general election.

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The vote on delaying Brexit in the Commons is the major focus today. A big question is… for how long. Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond said, “this is not in our control and the European Union is signaling that only if we have a deal is it likely to be willing to grant a short technical extension to get the legislation through.” He added “if we don’t have a deal, and if we’re still discussing among ourselves what is the right way to go forward, then it’s quite possible that the EU may insist on a significantly longer period”.

Opposition Labour Party’s finance spokesman John McDonnell said “we will be putting an amendment down to ensure parliament considers an extension, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a long extension”. He added “we will go for a limited extension today.”

German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier urged the EU to discuss “constructively” with UK on the question of delaying Brexit. He emphasized “we urgently need clarity, we need clarity fast, but we will not make this by always criticizing our British friends and partners from a high moral standpoint, but only if we reach a reasonable solution”. And, he said “I would not set any artificial boundaries here”, regarding the time of the delay.