Express Daily

Brexit: EU leaders gave two more weeks to Theresa May, but at what conditions: What happened in Brussels : A complete story: What’s the reaction of EU Leaders today?

The EU has agreed to postpone Brexit from next Friday and give UK Prime Minister Theresa May more time to get her deal approved in Parliament.

But – and with Brexit there is always a but – it is not as simple as it may sound. Here is what just happened, why it matters, and what might happen next.

What happened in Brussels?

Mrs May was forced to ask EU leaders to delay Brexit after the UK Parliament twice overwhelmingly rejected the deal she had agreed with the EU on how to withdraw from the bloc and voted against a no-deal exit.

EU leaders are among those who fear the UK leaving the bloc without a deal would lead to chaos.

Mrs May had hoped to persuade the EU to delay the 29 March Brexit date – which is set in law – to 30 June. Instead the 27 EU leaders offered her two dates:

But the EU says a further extension beyond 12 April is only possible if the UK agrees to hold European elections on 23 May.

Mrs May has said the UK will not take part in the vote.

The EU’s offer means a no-deal Brexit is considerably less likely on 29 March. But it is not off the table yet and the way forward is far from clear.

What will happen next?

MPs are expected to vote for a third time on the Brexit deal, possibly on Tuesday.

Speaker John Bercow had originally refused a third vote on the deal unless what was put forward must be substantially different to be voted on.

They also have to agree to change the 29 March date to leave the EU.

If MPs approve her deal…

The UK leaves under Theresa May’s EU Withdrawal Agreement on 22 May, to enable Parliament to pass all the legislation needed.

But getting it approved will be a tough task for Mrs May, especially after she angered MPs on Wednesday by going on television to essentially blame them for the impasse.

She did offer a more conciliatory tone on Thursday but it remains to be seen if she will be able to convince MPs to back her agreement.

If MPs reject her deal…

The UK could still leave with no deal on 12 April if a way forward is not found. But other options include:

How does the EU see it?

EU leaders were reportedly unconvinced by Theresa May’s assurance that she could convince the UK Parliament to back her withdrawal deal.

Mrs May made her case for a delay in a 90-minute presentation to her European counterparts and then left the room and the discussions continued for eight hours.

French President Emmanuel Macron said he thought she had a chance of 10% of having her deal approved but after listening to her he had cut his estimate to 5%, Reuters news agency said.

European Council President Donald Tusk replied that Mr Macron was being “very optimistic”, it reported.

But the end could be in sight?

Not yet. It is worth remembering that the debate now is focused on the terms of the UK’s exit from the European Union.

The conditions of the future relationship between the country and the bloc still have to be negotiated.

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