British Prime Minister Theresa May insisted that the UK is still aiming to leave the EU “as soon as possible” despite signing a ‘flexible extension’ of Brexit until 31 October in Brussels on Thursday morning.
An agreement was reached after five hours of talks at an emergency European Council summit.
“I know that there is huge frustration from many people that I had to request this extension,” May admitted in a statement.
“The UK should have left the EU by now and I sincerely regret the fact that I have not yet been able to persuade parliament to approve a deal which would allow the UK to leave in a smooth and orderly way,” she added.
Under the terms of the extension, the UK will not participate in European elections should Parliament ratify the withdrawal agreement in the first three weeks of May.
However, if no majority is forthcoming then Brexit will be delayed until 31 October, with all options remaining open.