Brexit ongoing crisis – Time running out for all options
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Theresa May will hold negotiations with EU leaders on Thursday over whether the UK and Brussels can agree an extension to the Article 50 process for leaving the bloc, currently due to end on March 29.
The Financial Times reports that how these discussions will go at the European Council in Brussels is unclear, especially given the added uncertainty over when or even if the prime minister can submit her exit deal to a third vote in the House of Commons following tough conditions laid down on Monday by Speaker John Bercow.
But with just 11 days to go before the Article 50 clock runs out, questions are being asked about the procedure Brussels and London must go through to ensure the UK does not crash out of the EU at the end of the month
How, and by when, do Britain and the EU need to make a decision on Article 50 extension? – A decision to prolong Britain’s EU membership beyond March 29 requires the unanimous consent of all EU leaders, including Mrs May. But, in legal terms, it can be left until the very last moment before Britain’s scheduled departure.
The terms for granting an extension will be discussed in detail at Thursday’s EU summit. This could include agreeing, in principle, the detailed conditions of any such decision. EU diplomats say this would likely signal approval for a short extension — of up to three months — to allow for ratification of a deal. Alternatively, a longer extension would be required to allow Britain more time to rethink its policy.
The longer preapproved extension could run from anywhere between nine and 21 months, and could be cut short if Britain and the EU ratify a withdrawal agreement.
If a long extension is agreed, is the UK definitely committed to participating in European parliamentary elections? No. Even if the Article 50 extension begins on March 30, the UK will have until April 11 to decide whether or not to participate in the European elections on Thursday May 23.
The government has stated that under the European Parliament Elections Act 2002, it has to legislate for the date of the May 23 poll by no later than April 11. Returning officers must publish notice of the poll by April 12. Whitehall officials say that these deadlines could give the government one more chance to get a meaningful vote on Mrs May’s deal through the Commons in the 13 days between March 29 and April 11.
But senior EU officials have stressed the fundamental importance of Britain holding an election if it remains a member state on May 23-26, when voting takes place to select a new European Parliament. Member states are considering whether to include a “termination clause” in any decision to delay Brexit. This would cut short the UK’s membership if Britain is unable to send MEPs to the first session of the new European Parliament on July 2.
