Barnier warns any Brexit delay would come at 'cost' to EU

The European Union's chief negotiator warned Tuesday any extension of the Brexit talks would come at a cost to the bloc, urging London not to take one for granted.

Michel Barnier said when EU leaders meet to consider any request to postpone Brexit beyond March 29 they would expect Britain to explain why it might help. Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to send a letter in the coming hours to ask EU leaders to delay Brexit as Britain seeks an orderly divorce.

The leaders, who will meet May on Thursday at their Brussels summit, are expected to approve an extension to avoid the chaos of a cliff-edge split.

But it is still not clear whether May can command a House of Commons majority to approve the deal she signed in November and remains the only one available.

Barnier told reporters the leaders would decide but that any "long extension... should be linked to something new, a new element or new political process." "Extending the uncertainty without a clear plan would add to the economic cost for our businesses but could also incur a political cost for the EU," he said.

"It is for the British government and parliament to decide very quickly what the UK wants to do next." If, for example, Britain wants a more ambitious plan for close economic and trade ties, then that could be placed in the political declaration annexed to the deal.

"This political declaration, which sets out the framework for our future relations, could be made more ambitious in the coming days if a majority in the House of Commons so wishes," he said.

"If not, what would be the purpose and the outcome of an extension?" he demanded. "And how can we ensure that, at the end of a possible extension, we are not back in the same situation as today?" If Britain does not approve the withdrawal agreement in the next 10 days, or secure a delay, then it will quit the EU and four-decades of legal and regulatory ties on March 29.

Many observers predict political and economic chaos, but Barnier -- speaking after contingency talks with ministers from EU member states -- put a brave face on things. "On the EU side, we are prepared," he said. "The European Parliament and the Council have now approved nearly all the foreseen contingency measures.