EU agrees to delay Brexit

EU leaders have agreed a plan which will delay Brexit from March 29 until May 22, so long as MPs approve the Prime Minister’s withdrawal deal next week.

However, leaders added that if Theresa May’s deal is not approved in the “third meaningful vote” next week, the UK has until April 12 to declare its next steps.

The possibility would be open for a further extension of several months if the UK agreed to take part in European Parliament elections which take place between May 23 and 26.

European Council President Donald Tusk said that the response to Britain’s request for an extension to the Article 50 withdrawal process was agreed “unanimously” by leaders of the other 27 member-states.

Speaking at a Brussels press conference, Mr Tusk said Mrs May had agreed to the EU’s proposals.