Brexit news latest: Boris Johnson says he will advise EU that 'delay is not a solution' after vowing to press ahead despite Commons defeat

Rebecca Speare-Cole20 October 2019
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson has written a letter to MPs saying he will advise the EU that "further delay is not a solution" as he vows to press ahead despite his Commons defeat.

He must now ask the EU for an extension to the October deadline after MPs backed an amendment aimed at ruling out a no-deal Brexit, by 322 votes to 306.

Mr Johnson has told EU Council President Donald Tusk that he will send a letter seeking the delay, according to an EU official.

Under the terms of the Benn Act, passed last month by MPs, the PM has until 11pm on Saturday to send it.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaking on a point of order after the House of Commons in London
PRU/AFP via Getty Images

In his letter to MPs and Peers, Mr Johnson said he would not negotiate an extension with Europe, adding that he had "made it clear that I do not want more delay."

Mr Johnson wrote: "The public want us to get Brexit done so the country can move on. The best thing for the United Kingdom and the European Union is for us to leave with this new deal on 31 October.”

“I will not negotiate a delay with the European Union," he added. "I will tell the EU what I have told the British public for my 88 days as Prime Minister: further delay is not a solution."

“That is why next week this Government will introduce the legislation needed for us to leave the European Union with our great new deal on 31 October.

“It is quite possible that our friends in the European Union will reject Parliament’s request for further delay (or not take a decision quickly). In these circumstances, I hope colleagues on all sides of the House will — faced with a choice of our new deal or no deal — support this new deal.”

Meanwhile, in a call to European Council President Donald Tusk, Mr Johnson confirmed that a Brexit extension request would be sent on Saturday, according to an EU official.

"Tusk will on that basis start consulting EU leaders on how to react. This may take a few days," the official added.

Having spoken to Mr Johnson earlier this evening, Mr Tusk tweeted that he was "waiting for the letter".

"I have just talked to PM @BorisJohnson about the situation after the vote in the House of Commons," he added.

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