What Next? EU gives UK an extension but impasse remains
LONDON (AP) — Following the decision early Thursday by the European Union to delay the U.K.'s departure for a second time, not much is clear about Brexit bar the certainty that the divisions in British society and in Parliament will remain.
The so-called "flextension" until Oct. 31 given to Britain to approve a Brexit withdrawal agreement will require the country to hold elections for the European Parliament on May 23 — provided the withdrawal agreement hasn't been passed by lawmakers.
Few think that's going to be likely after Prime Minister Theresa May saw the deal she agreed with the EU voted down by lawmakers on three occasions this year.
The extension at least provides more time for May to break the logjam, though it could easily just prolong the national agony. European Council President Donald Tusk acknowledged as much when he delivered a message to Britain: "Please do not waste this time."
A look at what could happen next:
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For two years, May pledged that Britain would leave the EU on March 29, 2019. But this is the second time she has been forced to agree to a delay.
The prime minister addressed the House of Commons Thursday afternoon and urged members to use the upcoming Easter break to "reflect on the decisions that will have to be made" in search of compromise.
She said that if talks with Labour do not lead to a plan both sides could back, then the government would ask Parliament to vote on a small number of options. She said the government would agree to accept the decisions and that the opposition would have to agree to that as well.
May stressed that Britain can still leave the EU without taking part in the European Parliament elections if lawmakers approve her deal by May 22.
May has in recent months failed to sway many...