Brexit deadline could be extended if London provides good reason: EU

British PM Theresa May will once again try to forge consensus in parliament on Brexit divorce agreement

BRUSSELS: European Union leaders could decide to extend the March 29 deadline for Britain's exit from the EU if London provided a valid reason for such a request, the European Commission said on Wednesday.

There has been no UK request for an extension.

"Should there be a UK request to extend setting out the reasons for such an extension it will be a matter for the EU to decide by unanimity," Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas told a regular news briefing.

“The compromise reached after 18 months is the best compromise. It is the result of constructive work and attitude, which we will maintain until the end: calm, unity, dialogue and transparency. It is now for the UK to clarify how it wishes to proceed"@MichelBarnier #Brexit pic.twitter.com/VFEtEH9TKe

— European Commission (@EU_Commission) January 16, 2019

Prime Minister Theresa May will try on Wednesday to forge consensus in parliament on a Brexit divorce agreement after the crushing defeat of her own deal left Britain's exit from the EU in disarray 10 weeks before it is due to leave.