Brexit Deadline Extended Until January 31

Photo © European Union, 2016 / Source: EC – Audiovisual Service / Photographer: Lieven Creemers

The European Union has accepted the UK’s request to extend the Brexit deadline until January 31, 2020.

The announcement was made on Monday by European Council President Donald Tusk after a meeting of the 27 EU ambassadors in Brussels.

“The EU27 has agreed that it will accept the UK’s request for a Brexit flextension until 31 January 2020. The decision is expected to be formalised through a written procedure,” Tusk wrote on twitter.

This means that the EU is offering the UK a “flexible” delay to Brexit of up to three months, with the option of leaving earlier if a withdrawal agreement is ratified by both sides.

Britain was initially scheduled to exit the European Union on March 29, but has been unable to ratify a Brexit deal in its divided Parliament.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has formally accepted the EU’s offer of a Brexit extension. In a letter to Donald Tusk and EU officials earlier on Monday he said that this was an “unwanted prolongation” and urged the EU to rule out any further extension.

“I am seeking a General Election in December to ensure the election of a fresh Pariament [in the UK] which is capable of resolving the issue in accordance with our constitutional norms. But, in case Parliament resists this too, I would also urge EU Member States to make clear that a further extension after 31 January is not possible,” he said.