#Brexit - Any extension must be for purpose of breaking deadlock say #Greens

The UK House of Commons has voted to extend the Article 50 period and delay Brexit. The day before (13 March), the Commons voted against leaving the UK without a deal, which comes a day after voting down the Withdrawal Agreement. The UK will have to agree with the EU-27 how long the extension will be for at the next European Council summit on the 21st and 22nd of March.

President of the Greens/EFA group and member of the Brexit steering group, Philippe Lamberts said: "Now that its clear the UK Parliament has voted against no deal and to delay Brexit, it's time to set out exactly what will extra time be used for to get out of this mess. The UK has spent the last two years dashing back and forth, and is still unable to find a consensus back home. Any extension cannot be just for the sake of yet more shouting and arguing in the House of Commons.

"Instead of aiming for a losing hattrick and holding a third vote on the Withdrawal Agreement, it's time to ask the British people if they really want this deal or whether they want to stay in the EU."

President of the Greens/EFA group Ska Keller said: "Everyday this chaos and brinkmanship continues, people on both sides of the Channel live in fear and anxiety. Businesses are in limbo and people's livelihoods are on the line.

"Brexit is a tragedy in which both sides can only lose. If the British people in a second referendum decide to stay, the other 27 EU member states must be ready to welcome them back with open arms."

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