European Union leaders took back control of the Brexit process from British Prime Minister Theresa May, saying Friday they believe the risks were too great and that action was needed to protect the smooth running of the world's biggest trading bloc.
May's mantra since the Brexit referendum in 2016 has always been about "taking back control" of U.K. affairs from the EU. But leaders from the bloc showed at a Brussels summit that they too have a big say in how Brexit ends up.
Instead, the leaders agreed to extend the date until May 22, on the eve of EU elections, if she can persuade the British parliament to endorse the Brexit deal. Failing that, May would have until April 12 to choose a new path. "The U.K. government will still have a choice of a deal, no-deal, a long extension or revoking Article 50. The 12th of April is a key date," said EU Council President Donald Tusk, who chaired the summit.
"We are now waiting for the British to say clearly to the European Union what they want for the future," he told reporters.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
EU agrees to delay Brexit to May 22 -- but only if May gets deal passedEuropean Council President Donald Tusk says he has spoken to British Prime Minister Theresa May and she has agreed to the bloc's plan for a Brexit delay.
Read more »
Theresa May to ask EU for short Brexit delayNearly three years since the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, British politicians are still arguing over how, when or even if the world’s fifth largest economy should leave the bloc it first joined 1973
Read more »
'A bit more time': British PM Theresa May prepares to ask EU for short Brexit delayBritain voted in June 2016 to quit the EU, but almost three years later, its politicians are deadlocked over how — and even whether — to leave.
Read more »
U.K.'s May prepares to ask EU for short Brexit delayU.K. Prime Minister Theresa May is preparing to ask the European Union for a short delay to the country's divorce from the European Union.
Read more »
UK's May prepares to ask EU for short Brexit delayBritish Prime Minister Theresa May was set to ask the European Union on Wednesday for a delay to the country's divorce from the bloc, due to take place in nine days. But the EU warned it could keep Britain waiting for an answer.
Read more »
EU leaders open to short Brexit extension if Theresa May can win support for dealMay has a tough day ahead as she arrives in Brussels to lobby her European partners to extend the Brexit date from March 29 until June 30
Read more »
British Prime Minister Theresa May seeks Brexit extension from EU of June 30European Union leaders will discuss the request during a summit this week in Brussels
Read more »
Evening Update: SNC-Lavalin CEO Neil Bruce speaks out; Doug Ford did not break rules in hiring Taverner, integrity commissioner rulesAlso: British PM Theresa May asks EU for three-month Brexit extension
Read more »