French MP Marie Lebec spoke to BBC Radio 4’s Today show about France’s position on accepting a Brexit extension. In order to prevent the UK from leaving the EU without a deal, European leaders are deciding on an extension to the October 31 deadline. However, it has suggested that France would like to see a much shorter extension than the January 31 deadline stated in the Government’s letter to the EU.
Ms Lebec told the BBC: “The French position is okay for a delay.
“But only as long as we see the UK Government is clear about its ability to lead to a consensus or hard Brexit.
“The French position is really that now we need to go to the next level with the relationship with the UK.
“And obviously the extension should not be an extension for nothing.”
READ MORE: France could leave UK on brink of no-deal Brexit over election chaos
She added: “The French position has always been very clear regarding an extension or a delay.
“France considers that what we need from the UK is really to know what they want.
“They should give us an incentive if they are okay for a deal or if they want a hard Brexit.”
A decision on the extension was expected for today, but it now looks like it will happen on Monday.
The Benn Act required him to do so if a deal was not passed in time, in order to avoid a no deal Brexit.
He has also written to other EU leaders saying he doesn’t really want a delay.
The President of the European Council, Donald Tusk recommended to the EU27 accept the UK request for an extension.
The EU Parliament has also recommended an extension.
EU ambassadors are meeting in order to discuss the next steps.