Skip to main content

Johnson could be forced to eat his words on refusal to ask EU for Brexit extension

BORIS JOHNSON could be forced to go back on his refusal to ask the EU for a Brexit extension if MPs do not agree to any withdrawal agreement by this weekend.

Previously, the Prime Minister said he would “rather die in a ditch” than ask the EU for more time.

But today Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay confirmed that Mr Johnson will write a letter asking for an Article 50 extension if his deal is not approved in Parliament on Saturday.

MPs are expected to sit on a Saturday for the first time since 1982 — but the session was not confirmed when the Star went to print.

The Benn Act passed by MPs trying to prevent a no-deal Brexit states that Johnson must write to Brussels asking for a delay if Parliament does not agree to any deal he puts forward.

Hopes of reaching a Brexit agreement were hanging in the balance this evening ahead of a key EU summit to take place tomorrow.

“A number of significant issues remained unresolved,” British and EU officials said.

DUP and pro-Brexit Tories gave a lukewarm response towards the possible deal.

European Research Group (ERG) chairman Steve Baker said he was “optimistic” that Mr Johnson‘s team would finalise a “tolerable deal,” however the Prime Minister cut short his meeting with the group last night.

Earlier in the day, European Council president Donald Tusk had said: “Theoretically in seven to eight hours everything should be clear.”

Chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said that a legal text would have had to have been agreed during last night’s marathon negotiation — a deadline that was missed.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn voiced his “deep concerns” over what Johnson would be agreeing with the EU — saying that the PM’s ongoing negotiations would lead to a “mega loss of rights.”

Mr Corbyn said: “This is not a deal that we can support.”

But Corbyn added that he would not remove the whip for Labour MPs that vote for such a deal.

Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson said that her party could vote for any deal Johnson achieves if another referendum with the option to remain is attached to it.

OWNED BY OUR READERS

We're a reader-owned co-operative, which means you can become part of the paper too by buying shares in the People’s Press Printing Society.

 

 

Become a supporter

Fighting fund

You've Raised:£ 13,288
We need:£ 4,712
3 Days remaining
Donate today