UK, EU, agree on new Brexit deadline date

The UK and the EU have agreed to extend Brexit till 31 October, BBC reports.

Speaking after five hours of talks at an EU summit in Brussels, European Council president Donald Tusk said his message to British friends was that they should maximize the time given to them while Theresa May said the UK would still push to exit the EU as soon as possible.

Prime Minister Mrs May had earlier told leaders she wanted to move the UK’s exit date from this Friday to 30 June, with the option of leaving earlier if her withdrawal agreement was approved by Parliament.

Read more: British PM to make plea for June 30 Brexit date at EU summit

Mrs May who spoke to reporters at 02:45 said that although the delay extends until 31 October, the UK can leave before then if MPs pass her withdrawal deal.

“I know that there is huge frustration from many people that I had to request this extension,” she said.

“The UK should have left the EU by now and I sincerely regret the fact that I have not yet been able to persuade Parliament to approve a deal.”

She added:

“I do not pretend the next few weeks will be easy, or there is a simple way to break the deadlock in Parliament. But we have a duty as politicians to find a way to fulfil the democratic decision of the referendum, deliver Brexit and move our country forward.

“Nothing is more pressing or more vital.”

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