UK Prime Minister Theresa May said at her Downing Street residence that the Brexit delay is “a matter of great personal regret”. She added “I passionately hope that (MPs) will find a way to back the deal I have negotiated with the EU, a deal that delivers on the referendum and is the very best deal negotiable, and I will continue to work night and day to secure the support” for the deal. Though, she emphasized she’s not preferred t delay Brexit any further than June 30.
European Council President Donald Tusk offered to approve Article 50 extension. But that would be “conditional on a positive vote on the withdrawal agreement in the House of Commons.” If his proposal is approved by all other 27 EU members, and there is a positive vote in the House of Commons next week, the EU can “finalize and formalize the decision on extension in the written procedure”. Tusk is ready to call for another EU summit next week if needed.
This position is rather unified in the EU as officials repeated emphasized that there much be a purpose for the extension, be it until May 23 or June 30. But then, the question remains on whether May could secure enough support for her deal. It remains a developing story.
