Boris Johnson news: PM sends unsigned extension request to EU after he is forced to seek delay by MPs
Follow all the latest developments
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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
Michael Gove has police escort in Westminster
The cabinet office minister Michael Gove is under heavy police escort as he leaves parliament this afternoon.
Michael Gove is escorted by police outside parliament (Reuters)
Hillary Benn says PM must pop extension letter ‘in the letterbox’
Labour MP Hillary Benn – he of the Benn Act – is speaking in Parliament Square.
He says he wants Boris Johnson “to pop that letter in the letterbox today”.
Benn adds: “In a democracy there is a fundamental question – do we have the right to change our minds. I know that a confirmatory referendum will put it back to the people and we will get a decision.”
The SNP’s leader in the Commons Ian Blackford also addressed the crowd.
“We have all sorts of shenanigans going on from the prime minister – who is a liar, we know that.”
“Let’s make sure the people get a vote …and we will remain European citizens.”
Hillary Benn speaks in Parliament Square
Michael Heseltine says government ‘frightened’
The Tory veteran Michael Heseltine is up now. “We believe that only the people can take the most historic decision in modern times,” he says.
He attacks the “salesman’s pitch of lies and distortion” in 2016.
“They’ve got a new argument – civil unrest. This is the language of the mob. And Europe in my lifetime has seen the price you pay to regain control once the mob takes over.”
“They have another argument – it’s too late, just get on with it. They’re too many like this – the quiet-lifers. I reject so cavalier an approach.
“There is only argument that really drives the government against a referendum – they think they will lose it. They’re frightened of us.
“Brexit is a creeping paralysis,” he adds. “The very existence of our United Kingdom now hangs by a thread.
“You are British and proud of it – that is the heart of the matter. Pride in our history, our traditions, our culture. All of this commits to the partnership of modern Europe. ... By coming here today, you are marching into history - the history of tomorrow. March on!”
Michael Heseltine addresses Parliament Square crowd
Jacob Rees-Mogg given police escort
The Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg, like Michael Gove, has been given a police escort in Westminster – as he is “barracked” by some People’s Vote campaigners.
Footage posted to social media also Andrea Leadsom being heckled and under police escort.
Home secretary Priti Patel tweeted: “Thank you for the support of police in helping people leave parliament today. We all have strong opinions … but that is never an excuse to intimidate or direct abuse to others.”
Steve Baker says PM ‘not going to negotiate extension’
Tory MP Steve Baker – chair of the ERG – has been speaking about the Letwin amendment.
Asked by the BBC whether MPs voted for the Letwin amendment because many didn’t trust that there wasn’t still as risk of Brexiteer MPs would try to force through a no-deal Brexit, he said:
“The reason it went through is the Remain side have shifted the goalposts … denied [Boris Johnson] the conditions to avoid writing the letter.”
“Myself, Mark Francois and other colleagues are clear – we vote for the deal and we vote for the legislation all the way through … we say what we mean, and we do what we say.”
“At least the prime minister is absolutely clear that he is not going to negotiate an extension.”
Final Say march: Do you want a second referendum before or after a general election and why?
Guy Verhofstadt to ‘consider’ today’s Letwin vote
Guy Verhofstadt, the European parliament’s Brexit co-ordinator, has responded to the big news on the Letwin amendment – which forces a delay on the government.
He says MEPs “will consider the outcome of today’s vote”.
DUP will consider ‘all amendments’ – including Final Say vote
David Gauke says he’ll still vote for Brexit deal next week
Expelled Tory MP David Gauke has said been speaking about the impact of the Letwin amendment. He said he understood to be an “insurance policy” against a no-deal Brexit.
“If there is a clean vote in the deal I will back it,” he tells the BBC.
“With the insurance policy in place people like me can support the deal … I also think we’ve got a better chance of getting Labour MPs on board.
“I hope, in fact, that the prime minister can make progress ... I think he can win the vote, whether it’s on Monday or Tuesday.”
Asked about the extension letter the PM is required to sign, Gauke said: “The prime minister has to abide by the law … [but] let’s remember if it’s possible to get the legislation through by 31 October, because although the letter will have gone in, it won’t ever be operative.”
Final Say march: If the election was tomorrow how would you vote?
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments