01:51Belgium: All Brexit options still on table, says Tusk
European Council President Donald Tusk said all Brexit options were still on the table for the UK, during a press conference at the conclusion of the European summit in Brussels on Friday.
"Until the 12th of April anything is possible. A deal, a long extension if the UK decided to rethink its strategy or evoking article 50 which is a prerogative of the UK government," Tusk said while speaking next to European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. "The fate of Brexit is in the hands of our British friends. We are prepared for the worst but hope for the best. As you know, hope dies last."
When asked by a reporter whether he would like the UK to remain in the EU, Tusk said " I think that you know my position. I am more pro-British than you."
The EU-27 agreed on Thursday to to delay Brexit until May 22, if the MPs will approve Theresa May's Withdrawal Deal next week. If they do not, there will be a shorter delay until April 12.
The UK government will be able to seek a longer extension if it can come up with a plan and agree to participate in the upcoming European Parliament elections by April 12.
01:51European Council President Donald Tusk said all Brexit options were still on the table for the UK, during a press conference at the conclusion of the European summit in Brussels on Friday.
"Until the 12th of April anything is possible. A deal, a long extension if the UK decided to rethink its strategy or evoking article 50 which is a prerogative of the UK government," Tusk said while speaking next to European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. "The fate of Brexit is in the hands of our British friends. We are prepared for the worst but hope for the best. As you know, hope dies last."
When asked by a reporter whether he would like the UK to remain in the EU, Tusk said " I think that you know my position. I am more pro-British than you."
The EU-27 agreed on Thursday to to delay Brexit until May 22, if the MPs will approve Theresa May's Withdrawal Deal next week. If they do not, there will be a shorter delay until April 12.
The UK government will be able to seek a longer extension if it can come up with a plan and agree to participate in the upcoming European Parliament elections by April 12.