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
Jo Swinson says 'we must stop Brexit'
Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson is speaking now. She says he heard the crowd cheer as the Letwin amendment was read out. “When the vote was read out – you sounded wonderful.”
“We can stop Brexit and get on with fixing the problems, with making people’s lives better. There is a future out there – and you are helping deliver that.
“We must secure a People’s Vote, and we can secure a People’s Vote and we can win a People’s Vote.
“Keep the faith … We can stop Brexit – we must stop Brexit.”
Jo Swinson addresses crowd at Parliament Square
David Lammy says ‘we’re going to do this’
Labour MP David Lammy is up now. “We’re going to do it – we’re very, very close my friends,” he says of a Final Say vote.
“We did it today – we thwarted them,” he says of the Letwin amendment vote.
“They said we would leave on March 31. And you said no – get ready for a People’s Vote. We had three votes in parliament and you said you said no – get ready for a People’s Vote. And what do you say today? No – get ready for a People’s Vote.”
“We’re going to do this.”
David Lammy speaks in Parliament Square
Jess Phillips wants to ‘put Brexit to bed’
Labour MP Jess Phillips is now speaking. “I represent thousands of people who aren’t on this march today. Everyone who voted Leave in my seat wants what’s in the best interests of our country.
“The only way to make this stop is not to pass Boris Johnson’s deal – the only way to truly put this to bed is to trust the people. We must put this to bed through a people’s vote.”
Labour MP Caroline Flint says vote was a panic measure
Flint tweeted: "The Letwin Amendment was a result of the Benn Act not expecting a UK/EU WA Deal back today thereby triggering an extension to 31 Jan.
"This was a panic measure to reinsert the 3 month delay for one reason only to thwart a deal. The public want an orderly Brexit this doesn't help."
Joanna Cherry says PM ‘must send that letter’ to Brussels
SNP MP Joanna Cherry is speaking now.
“We had important business in there today – inflicting another defeat on Boris Johnson,” she says of the delay enforced by the Letwin amendment.
“He has to send that letter to Brussels asking for that extension,” she says. “If he doesn’t, I can tell you I and my colleagues will be in court on Monday morning.”
“Democracy is a process, an ongoing process – it didn’t stop on 23 June 2026.”
Alistair Campbell asks marchers why they want referendum
Alistair Campbell has been talking to people at the march for The Independent. The former Labour communications boss and People’s Vote campaigner asked them why they’re fighting for a Final Say vote.
The Independent’s editor Christian Broughton addresses campaigners in Parliament Square
Our editor Christian Broughton is speaking now about our Final Say campaign.
“When we started the Final Say campaign … we did it so you could make your voices heard. Thank you – 1.3 million of you backed our petition.
“Every MP in parliament could definitely hear you today,” he adds. “That in there is not a symbol of a healthy democracy. This is. Just look at the power you have.”
On the Letwin amendment he said: “Boris Johnson after the vote just now said, ‘I will not negotiate with the EU’. Now everyone is speculating on exactly what that means … I tell you what it does mean – it means we need to keep going.
“Today we’re joining with People’s Vote again, this time to ask you to sign a letter from the people to the powerful, demanding a Final Say. We’re going to send these to all kind of places – to No 10, every MEP, every MP and to the European Council, because they have a say in this process too.
“Take out your votes and go to independent.co.uk/letter or peoples-vote.uk/letter – and together we can take back control.”
Christian gets a big cheer. You can find out more about the letter, sign it and send a message to the politicians here.
Leo Vardkar says ‘no request for extension has been made’
Taoiseach Leo Vardkar has just made a statement. He says no request has yet be made by the UK government for a delay.
He also says Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, would ‘consult’ on whether it would be granted.
“The European Union and United Kingdom made a Withdrawal Agreement last Thursday that defends Ireland’s interests. The House of Commons voted today to defer a decision on whether or not to ratify that agreement.
“To date, no request for an extension has been made by the UK Government. Should that happen, President Tusk will consult with all 27 Heads of State & Government on whether or not we will grant one. An extension can only be granted by unanimity.”
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