European Union ambassadors could delay a decision on whether to grant an extension to the UK over Brexit after Boris Johnson called for a general election on December 12.
European Union envoys to Brussels are due to discuss another delay Friday, likely until January 2020 or until Britain’s parliament ratifies Johnson’s Brexit deal, which was passed last week.
Reuters reported that a a draft decision by the 27 EU countries staying on together after Brexit would grant the UK an extension “with the view to allowing for the finalisation of the ratification”
The draft text leaves the new Brexit date blank but says the split could take place earlier if ratification is completed earlier – an idea known as “flextension”.
“Consequently, the withdrawal should take place on the first day of the month following the completion of the ratification procedure, or on (blank), whichever is earliest,” it read.
The EU official explained: “It’s basically between a three-month flextension or a two-tier one.”
Under the first idea, Britain would leave on Jan.31, 2020, three months after the current departure date due on Oct.31. The second one would include a second specific date when Britain could leave.
But the person added, under condition of anonymity: “It’s unclear if a decision can be taken tomorrow … some might want to see the result of the early election motion.”
‘Bitterly divided’
Johnson on Thursday challenged the factious House of Commons to call an early election on Dec. 12 and the chamber is due to vote on that on Monday.
French President Emmanuel Macron has previously managed to sway the bloc’s extension decisions significantly from the plans prepared in advance of the bloc’s meetings and the line Paris would take is another risk factor on Friday.
A second EU official said: “We’ll see tomorrow. Might also be an argument for waiting one day more to see what happens in London.”
A third one added: “If there are elections in the UK, it is clear to everybody that we need to give Britain a long extension.”
The draft text also said: “The further extension cannot be allowed to undermine the regular functioning of the (European) Union and its institutions,” a clause the bloc hopes would shield its vital interests from the protracted Brexit drama.
More than three years since Britons voted out, the fate of Brexit remains uncertain, ranging from a disorderly split at the end of this month, to another delay and a national election in bitterly divided Britain.