EU agrees to Brexit extension but sets no date

The European Union (EU) yesterday agreed to London’s request for a Brexit deadline extension, but set no new departure date, giving Britain’s divided parliament time to decide on Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s call for a snap election.

“There was full agreement on the need for an extension,” an EU official said after ambassadors to the 27 countries staying in the bloc met to discuss postponing Britain’s exit, less than a week before the current deadline of October 31.

“Work will continue over the weekend” and envoys will meet again in Brussels on Monday or Tuesday, the person said. A day after admitting that he will not meet his “do or die” deadline of October 31, Johnson said it was up to the EU to decide on an extension.

Pointless ‘Brexitology’

“Of course October 31 is still possible — we could leave on October 31 — unfortunately it depends on what the EU says,” he said, adding that if opponents frustrate his bid for an election on December 12 his minority government would not engage in pointless “Brexitology” in parliament.

One EU diplomat said France pressed the other 26 to wait and favoured a delay until November 15 or November 30 to keep pressure on the British parliament to approve Johnson’s deal or face a disorderly Brexit.

“Everyone wanted a decision today. But France had a problem with that and wanted to wait until Monday/Tuesday to see what happens in London,” the diplomat said.