MPs head to Brussels to try to negotiate deadline extension

A cross-party group of UK MPs have travelled to Brussels to urge Euro chiefs to prolong the deadline for Brexit.

Glenrothes SNP member Peter Grant joined Labour’s David Lammy, Plaid Cymru leader Liz Saville Roberts, the Greens’ solitary MP Caroline Lucas and Tory rebel Dominic Grieve travelled to the waterlogged Belgian capital yesterday for meetings with top diplomats from France, Ireland and Dutch representatives.

This was ahead of the beginning of crunch talks in Brussels as the European Council is set to sit today to discuss a number of important issues, including Brexit.

Chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier updated members yesterday ahead of today’s meeting, noting negotiations had intensified.

The cross-party group of MPs all supported the Benn Act – which would force the prime minister into asking for an extension – but differ on when an election should be called.

There are also fears, denied by Number 10, the PM would find a legal loophole to avoid asking for a delay.

Mr Grant continued to call for no deal to be taken off the table.

He said: “Once again, it is clear that the Tories are content to leave communities and business picking up the pieces from the fall-out of their disastrous ‘do or die’ Brexit gamble.

“Action is needed now – the UK Government must categorically rule out any situation that would see the UK crash out of the EU without a deal to protect businesses, communities and tourism across Scotland and the rest of the UK. Anything short of this will have a devastating impact on Scotland.”

Meanwhile, MSPs are to quiz Michael Gove on the impact Brexit will have on devolution.

The senior UK politician is to give evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s finance and constitution committee about the constitutional implications of leaving the European Union.

It is understood the recess meeting is due to both the urgency of Brexit, which is due to happen on October 31 if the UK Government can negotiate a deal with the EU and pass it through Westminster, along with Mr Gove’s availability.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack confirmed that a “package of proposals” will be presented to the devolved administrations before the end of the year at a meeting of the Scottish affairs committee on Wednesday.