What is Britain asking for?

Prime Minister Theresa May has written to the EU asking for a second delay to Brexit. So what’s in the letter and what does it mean?

Who has the Prime Minister written to?

European Council president Donald Tusk – leaders of the other 27 EU member states will consider it ahead of the 10 April emergency summit in Brussels.

What is she asking for?

She wants the date of the UK’S withdrawal from the EU to be put back from 12 April to 30 June, with an option for the break to come sooner if Parliament ratifies a deal.

What does the EU want?

Mr Tusk has recommended an extension of a year to the spring of 2020, with a “flextension” clause allowing for earlier departure on ratification.

Why does Brussels want a longer delay?

After two years of negotiations and repeated parliamentary defeats for the PM, the EU is far from convinced that the UK can get a new deal approved by MPS in a matter of weeks - let alone have it confirmed in a referendum, if one is called. Frustrated leaders do not want to be called back to Brussels again and again to respond to pleas from London for more time, so they want any extension to be long enough to give a realistic chance of success.

Will we get an extension?

This is likely, but not guaranteed. All of the EU27 leaders must agree and some - notably France’s Emmanuel Macron - are showing signs of impatience to get the process over.

What happens if there is no extension?

The UK leaves the EU without a deal on 12 April next Friday.

Didn’t Mrs May get turned down when she asked for 30 June before?

Yes. But the big difference from the last time in March is that she is now willing to make preparations to stage elections to the European Parliament in May.