EU SHELVES BREXIT DELAY DECISION

As Britain squabbles over election

The European Union agreed on Friday to London’s request for a Brexit deadline extension but set no new departure date, giving Britain’s divided parliament time to decide on Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s call for a snap election.

“There was full agreement on the need for an extension,” an EU official said after ambassadors to the 27 countries staying together in the bloc met to discuss postponing Britain’s exit, less than a week before the current deadline of Oct. 31.

A day after admitting that he will not meet his “do or die” deadline of Oct. 31, Johnson said it was up to the EU to decide on an extension but that Britain “should be leaving on Oct. 31”. “Of course October 31 is still possible -- we could leave on Oct. 31 -- unfortunately it depends on what the EU says,” he said, adding that if opponents frustrate his bid for an election on Dec. 12 his minority government would not engage in pointless “Brexitology” in parliament.

One EU diplomat said France pressed the other 26 to wait and favoured a respite until Nov.15 or Nov.30 only to keep pressure on the House of Commons to approve Johnson’s deal or face a disorderly Brexit.

“Everyone wanted a decision today. But France had a problem with that and wanted to wait until Monday/ Tuesday to see what happens in London,” the diplomat said. “We will come back to this discussion on length after the weekend. And this time is to be used for political consultations.”

One EU diplomat said France pressed the other 26 to wait and favoured a respite until Nov.15 or Nov.30