(London) “The UK is seeking an extension to the Article 50 period under Article 50(3) of the Treaty on European Union until 30 June 2019”. The BBC reveals the content of the letter sent by UK Prime Minister Theresa May to the President of the European Council Donald Tusk this morning.
In the letter, the prime minister reaffirmed the intention of the UK government “to leave the European Union in an orderly manner on the basis of the Withdrawal Agreement” signed with the EU in November. The letter also contains a summary of what has happened in recent days. Theresa May explained that she could not ask for a second vote on the deal negotiated with Brussels because of the speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow. “It remains my intention to bring the deal back to the House”, Mrs May added. More time is needed for Parliament to “ratify the deal”, which is why “the UK is seeking an extension”. The letter – then circulated by Downing Street – does not seek an extension beyond June as some have suggested in recent days. And sets the June 30 exit date.
Mrs May also ruled out the possibility of the UK taking part in May’s European elections. “The idea that three years after voting to leave the EU, the citizens of this country should be asked to elect a new set of MEPs is unacceptable”, the prime minister said. Also this morning, a spokesperson for the EU Commission explained that it was the Commission’s view that “any extension offered to the United Kingdom should either last until 23 May 2019” or should require European elections.