Brexit could be delayed until 2021, EU sources reveal

[Denzil_DC]

Brexit could be delayed until 2021 under plans being explored by the EU’s most senior officials, at a time of growing exasperation over Theresa May’s handling of the talks, the Guardian can reveal.

A lengthy extension of the negotiating period is gaining traction as the EU’s default position should the Commons continue to reject May’s deal, and a request emerge.

Replacing the 21-month transition period with extra time as a member state would allow the UK and the EU to develop their plans for the future relationship with the aim of making the contentious Irish backstop redundant.

Brussels is determined to avoid offering a short extension only to have to revisit the issue in the summer when the government again fails to win round parliament.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/feb/24/brexit-could-be-delayed-until-2021-eu-sources-reveal

I can hear the frantic squawking from the hardline Leavers as I type.

The three-month deadline extension that's been floated elsewhere sounded worse than useless, so this seems like an eminently sensible suggestion that would allow time for a possible second referendum, a general election/new party leaderships to emerge, and if Brexit's to go ahead, the government to do all the preparatory work it appallingly failed to do over the last 30 months or so. Which means it probably won't happen.

It's something of a shame that this has been "leaked" as a suggested position of the EU, as that's going to set Leaver hackles on edge with a vengeance.

[Hokie]

1. This rumor will drive the Brexit morons crazy

I can't wait to hear what the Brexiteers like Farage and Rees-Mogg have to day.

[mwooldri]

2. Let this be true.... please!

Then the farce of Brexit can continue to be exposed for the sham that it is. A Trojan horse.

I'd rather see the UK in a reformed European Union where there is one set of countries working on closer political and economic Union, and another that looks a bit like the old EEC. That way, member States can have European Union their way... Euro or no Euro, Schengen or no Schengen... States should be able to choose to devolve their powers to the EU, not opt out.

[Denzil_DC]

3. From euronews NBC's Political Editor on Twitter:

Link to tweet

Darren McCaffrey @DarrenEuronews

BREAK: Donald Tusk says he discussed extension of A50 with Theresa May as he says there is no majority for anything in Parliament.
Tusk says extension would be “rational” at this point but Theresa May says she can still carry her deal.

Darren McCaffrey @DarrenEuronews

NEW: @EUCOPresident “An extension would be a rational solution.”

Darren McCaffrey @DarrenEuronews

TUSK QUOTE: “For me it's clear there is no majority in the House of Commons to approve a deal..."
“a chaotic Brexit or an extension ... the less time there is until the 29th of March, the greater the likelihood of an extension" #Brexit

[LeftishBrit]

4. Wish it would be delayed until the twelfth of never!

[Denzil_DC]

5. Contrary to the Guardian's story, EU Brexit Coordinator Verhofstadt is taking a hard line:

Link to tweet

Guy Verhofstadt ✔
@guyverhofstadt

If the UK Parl rejects her deal, Theresa May would like to extend the negotiating period. In my firm opinion, if this happens, this can never be longer than a couple of months so that a cross-party majority can be found. But certainly not 21 months! More: https://www.facebook.com/99985820015/posts/10157412574245016/ …