Brexit: What just happened?

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Reuters

The EU has agreed to postpone Brexit from next Friday and give UK Prime Minister Theresa May more time to get her deal approved in Parliament.

But – and with Brexit there is always a but – it is not as simple as it may sound. Here is what just happened, why it matters, and what might happen next.

What happened in Brussels?

Mrs May was forced to ask EU leaders to delay Brexit after the UK Parliament twice overwhelmingly rejected the deal she had agreed with the EU on how to withdraw from the bloc and voted against a no-deal exit.

EU leaders are among many who fear the UK leaving the bloc without a deal would lead to chaos.

Mrs May had hoped to persuade the EU to delay the 29 March Brexit date – which is set in law – to 30 June. Instead the 27 EU leaders offered her two dates:

• A delay until 22 May if MPs approve her withdrawal deal in a vote next week
• A shorter delay until 12 April if they reject it. By that time the UK must set out its next steps – either another extension or leaving without a deal

But the EU says a further extension beyond 12 April is only possible if the UK agrees to hold European elections on 23 May.

Mrs May has said the UK will not take part in the vote.

• Here are 10 ways a no-deal could affect people
• A really simple guide to Brexit

The EU’s offer means a no-deal Brexit is considerably less likely on 29 March. But it is not off the table yet and the way forward is far from clear.

What will happen next?

MPs are expected to vote for a third time on the Brexit deal, possibly on Tuesday.

Speaker John Bercow had originally refused a third vote on the deal unless what was put forward must be substantially different to be voted on.

If MPs approve her deal…

The UK leaves under Theresa May’s EU Withdrawal Agreement on 22 May, a date aimed at enabling Parliament to pass all the legislation needed.

But getting it approved will be a tough task for Mrs May, especially after she angered MPs on Wednesday by going on television to essentially blame them for the impasse.

She did offer a more conciliatory tone on Thursday

If MPs reject her deal…

The UK could still leave without a deal on 12 April. Other options include:

• The opposition Labour party could table a vote of no confidence aimed at bringing down Mrs May’s government – but it would require the support of some Conservatives
• Mrs May could ask Parliament to hold an early general election or, most unlikely, call another referendum
• Parliament could try to take control of the process and offer a new strategy, possibly a softer version of Mrs May’s Brexit such as staying in the EU Customs Union. In that case the EU could reopen talks
• Article 50, the two-year treaty provision that the UK invoked to leave the bloc in 2017, could be revoked by Mrs May, delaying Brexit indefinitely. But she is strongly opposed to that

How does the EU see it?

European diplomats say the bloc has largely lost faith in Mrs May’s leadership and that she has lost much of her authority during a tumultuous process.

Mrs May made her case for a delay in a 90-minute presentation to her European counterparts, reassuring them she could win next week’s vote in parliament. She then left the room and the discussions continued for eight hours.

EU leaders were not convinced, reports say. French President Emmanuel Macron said he had thought she had a chance of 10% of approving her deal but after listening to her he had cut his estimate to 5%, Reuters news agency reported.

European Council President Donald Tusk replied that Mr Macron was being “very optimistic”, according to the report.