Latest Position on the EU Exit Timetable
Concluding the 10th April Special European Council, the PM agreed with the EU27 leaders an extension to the EU Exit process. The key points are that:
- The UK and the EU27 have agreed to grant a flexible extension of the Article 50 period for six months to 31 October;
- If we are able to pass a deal in the first three weeks of May, the UK will not have to participate in European Parliament elections, and the UK will officially leave the EU on Saturday 1 June.
- If the UK has not ratified the Withdrawal Agreement by the 22 May 2019, and continues to be a member after this date, then the UK must hold European Parliamentary elections. If the UK chooses not to hold these elections, the withdrawal will take place on 1 June 2019.
- If the Withdrawal Agreement is ratified by both parties before 31 October, the extension would be terminated (withdrawal would take place on the first day of the following month);
- The agreement also includes a “take stock” moment at the 20-21 June European Council;
- During this time, the UK will continue sincere cooperation as a full Member State with all the relevant rights and obligations;
- HMG has agreed this extension through a letter from Sir Tim Barrow to Donald Tusk.
The PM confirmed in her press conference that further talks will take place between the Government and the Opposition to seek a way forward on EU Exit.