EU member states grant Britain three-month Brexit 'flextension'
dpa
BRUSSELS (dpa)- EU member states have agreed to grant Britain a three-month delay on its departure from the European Union until January 31, European Council President Donald Tusk announces on Twitter.
The so-called "flextension" would allow Britain to leave earlier if the withdrawal agreement has been ratified by both sides in time.
EU member states are expected to formalize the decision in writing, Tusk adds.
The British parliament has indicated preliminary support for the deal, but rejected a three-day ratification timetable proposed by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The British premier is due to ask lawmakers to vote later Monday on holding an election on December 12 in return for more time to scrutinize his Brexit deal.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------