Boris Johnson news: PM sends unsigned extension request to EU after he is forced to seek delay by MPs
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Boris Johnson has sent a series of letters to the EU after he was forced by MPs to seek a further Brexit extension.
The prime minister sent two letters to European Council president Donald Tusk – an unsigned message relaying parliament’s request for an extension to Brexit and a letter from him setting out why he does not believe delay would be in the interests of the EU or UK..
Downing Street said it believes the move fulfils the requirements of the Benn Act, which required the prime minister to seek an extension beyond his 31 October deadline if he was unable to secure parliamentary approval of his Brexit deal by the end of Saturday.
You can relive our coverage of a historic day in Westminster below:
Mr Johnson’s decision follows a tumultuous day in Parliament.
MPs backed a rebel amendment during a special Saturday sitting, throwing Mr Johnson’s Brexit plans into disarray by forcing him to seek the extension.
As hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets to call for a Final Say referendum, MPs used the historic sitting to approve amendment from Sir Oliver Letwin, which withholds Commons approval until legislation to ratify the Brexit deal has passed.
The prime minister insisted he “would not negotiate a delay” – despite being legally compelled to do so – prompting speculation No 10 might try to get around a law forcing the PM to send a letter to the EU asking to delay Brexit beyond the 31 October deadline.
In a letter to all MPs and peers, sent on Saturday evening, Mr Johnson repeated his claims.
“I will not negotiate a delay with the European Union,” he said.
“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.”
Additional reporting by agencies
Crowds gather at Parliament Square as speeches set to begin
We’re expecting the speakers advocating a Final Say vote on Brexit to begin very shortly. Labour’s shadow home secretary Diane Abbott is among those who will address the protesters.
Votes expected shortly as debate begins to wrap up
Rebecca Long-Bailey says no Labour MP could support this Brexit deal as she wraps up for the opposition.
The shadow business secretary says the blueprint prioritising the 'fantasy' of chasing trade deals with Donald Trump over the needs of the country. She says the government has 'slashed every level playing field commitment' in the deal.
She says: "Agreeing to this deal doesn’t get Brexit done. Instead it would sell out our country and sell out our communities, leaving us open to an onslaught of deregulation and reduction of rights that would put jobs at risk.
"And it is something no Labour MP nor any other MP worried about protecting their community could ever support."
Michael Gove says meaningful vote will not happen if Letwin wins and urges MPs to back the deal
Summing up, the cabinet minister says: "If MPs vote for this deal without the amendment our constituents will feel that a cloud has been lifted."
Mr Gove also gave a nod to the Labour rebels who will back the deal - such as Melanie Onn and Caroline Flint.
Protesters arrive at Parliament Square
The tension mounts. We’re just waiting for the first speakers to address the crowds at Parliament Square – as the MPs inside the Commons prepare to vote on that all-important Letwin amendment.
Protesters demand Final Say vote outside parliament (Reuters)
Patrick Stewart says people were ‘misled and lied to’ over Brexit
The actor is addressing the crowd at Parliament Square.
“There was nothing democratic about that referendum ... people weren’t just misled, they were lied to!”
Letwin amendment PASSES
MPs have backed the Letwin amendment.
322 for
306 against
Boris Johnson says he is not dissuaded by losing the vote
PM insists there will be no delays to Brexit - despite losing this vote. The government will introduce the legislation needed to enact this deal next week. He hopes the EU will not be attracted by delay.
He said: "I will not negotiate a delay with the EU and neither does the law compel me to do so.''
He said: "Alas the opportunity to have a meaningful vote has effectively been passed up because the meaningful vote has been voided of meaning. I wish the house to know I'm not daunted or dismayed by this particular result.
"I continue in the v strong belief that the best thing for the UK and the whole of Europe is for us to leave with this new deal on October 31 and to anticipate the questions that are coming from the benches opposite, I will not negotiate a delay with the EU and neither does the law compel me to do so."
He said further delay would be "bad for this country, bad for the EU and bad for democracy".
Mr Johnson added: "I hope (MPs) faced with a choice of our new deal, our new deal for the UK and the EU, will change their minds."
He added: "No delays, and I will continue to do all I can to get Brexit done on October 31st and I continue to commend this excellent deal to the House."
Protesters outside parliament cheer Letwin amendment result
Tory MPs leave the chamber after government loses Letwin vote
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