6:50 a.m. ET, October 23, 2019
What Brussels is saying about a Brexit delay
European Union leaders are weighing up the UK's request for another Brexit extension, with the general consensus being that they will grant a flexible delay which would be broken if Parliament approves a deal.
Annika Breidthardt, a European Commission spokesperson, said on Wednesday: “We take note of the votes the House of Commons last night. President Tusk is now consulting EU27 leaders on the UK’s request to extend article 50 the 31st January 2020 and you will have seen that he tweeted last night. It is therefore first and foremost the UK to explain its next steps. We will continue to follow all events in London this week very closely.”
David Sassoli, the European Parliament President, added in a statement after last night's votes in the House of Commons: "After the vote of the British Parliament to allow more time to examine details of the withdrawal agreement and Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s decision to pause the bill following the vote, the British government’s request for an extension until January 31 remains on the table.
“I think it is advisable, as requested by President Donald Tusk, that the European Council should accept this extension.
“This extension will allow the United Kingdom to clarify its position and the European Parliament to exercise its role.”