Tusk Says Short Brexit Extension Possible, But Depends On Positive Commons Vote On Deal

European Council President Donald Tusk said Wednesday he believes a short Brexit extension possible, but conditional on a positive vote on the withdrawal deal in the UK House of Commons

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 20th March, 2019) European Council President Donald Tusk said Wednesday he believes a short Brexit extension possible, but conditional on a positive vote on the withdrawal deal in the UK House of Commons.

Earlier in the day, Tusk received a letter from UK Prime Minister Theresa May asking the European Union for a Brexit deadline extension until June 30.

"Just now I had a phone call with Prime Minister May about these proposals. In the light of the consultations that I have conducted over the past days, I believe that a short extension will be possible, but it will be conditional on a positive vote on the withdrawal agreement in the House of Commons," Tusk told reporters.

The European Council president added that the question of the duration of that extension remained open.

"Prime Minister May's proposal of June 30, which has its merit, creates a series of questions of a legal and political nature," Tusk said.

Tusk added that he did not expect an extraordinary session of the European Council to take place "if the leaders approve my recommendations and if there is a positive vote in the House of Commons next week."

"However, if there's such a need, I will not hesitate to invite the members of the European Council for a meeting to Brussels next week," Tusk said.