Brexit extension: Why EU chose a six-month reprieve for its awkward partner

If the UK fails to ratify the agreement by May 22, it must take part in the European parliament elections taking place between May 23 and 26

Brexit extended to October 31: why the EU chose a six-month reprieve for its awkward partner Nieves Perez-Solorzano, University of Bristol

In another Groundhog Day experience, and at the end of a difficult seven-hour meeting, the EU27 has agreed to give the UK until October 31 2019 to ratify the withdrawal agreement. The bloc has, however, attached three very specific conditions to this offer.

Should the UK and EU ratify the withdrawal agreement before October 31, the UK would exit the EU on the first day of the following month – hence why