Angela Merkel told EU leaders a Brexit extension would be unavoidable if MPs reject Boris Johnson’s deal.
The German chancellor told her fellow leaders they could not pretend an extension would not be offered if the UK asks for one, according to the Guardian.
Yesterday the European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker ruffled feathers when he said he was “ruling out” an extension.
“If we have a deal, we have a deal and there is no need for prolongation,” he said.
This was interpreted by many as a sign that the EU believes there is enough time to complete all the necessary procedures in time for October 31st.
But his words help Boris Johnson by piling pressure on MPs to back the deal.
EU council president Donald Tusk – who gets more of a say over whether an extension will actually happen – was much clearer.
(Image: OLIVIER HOSLET/EPA-EFE/REX)
He said yesterday: “It isn’t for me to comment on political developments in the UK. But if there is a request for an extension, I will consult member states to see how they react.”
The PM assured the EU27 he has the votes in Westminster but without the DUP’s support he faces an uphill battle.
Back in London today he launched a frantic charm offensive in a bid to get his Brexit deal passed in the House of Commons.
The Prime Minister returned from Brussels at 3.30am after a dinner of scallops, veal and pastry-covered figs to start persuading MPs to back the agreement tomorrow – despite having a majority of minus 45.
He called a Cabinet meeting in Downing Street at 4pm.
MPs will hold their first Saturday sitting since the Falklands War tomorrow after the Prime Minister’s new pact was backed by 27 other EU leaders last night.
In a boost to the PM, ousted Tory Oliver Letwin today said 17 or 18 of the 21 Tories who lost the whip last month were likely to back the deal in the House of Commons.
But key ally Dominic Raab admitted it will be “tight” after 10 DUP MPs vowed to vote against – and warned they will be encouraging Tory Brexiteers to do the same.
That will force the Prime Minister to rely on Labour votes if he is to have any hope of getting the deal through.
While some Labour MPs will back a deal, the party has warned there will be “consequences” for the few backbenchers who do – and sources are sceptical about there being more than a dozen or so.
The PM began the day with team meetings with Tory whips.
He was then expected to hold a string of meetings or calls with wavering MPs in 10 Downing Street as he attempts to persuade them to back the pact.
Mr Johnson’s spokesman said: “The Prime Minister and his team will be speaking with MPs right across the House.”
