U.K. Leaders Adamant That Brexit Will Happen By Oct. 31

The latest on Brexit: leaders in the United Kingdom insist that it will happen one way or another by the Oct. 31 deadline, despite requests to the European Union for an extension.

Guest

Rob Watson, BBC World Service U.K. political correspondent. (@robwatsonbbc)

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Vox: “UK leaders insist Brexit will happen by October 31 despite an extension request” — “Senior officials in the British government said Sunday the country will leave the European Union by the end of the month, despite Prime Minister Boris Johnson sending EU leaders a letter requesting another extension to the Brexit deadline.

“‘We are going to leave by October 31,’ the official in charge of planning for a ‘no-deal’ Brexit, Michael Gove said Sunday. ‘We have the means and the ability to do so.’

“In a second, personal letter Johnson sent to EU leaders Saturday evening, he wrote, ‘I remain confident that we will complete the [Brexit] process by 31 October.’

“Despite this confidence, Johnson has asked for a three month extension, requesting EU leaders allow the UK to leave the bloc on January 31 rather than October 31. He made that request in a formal, unsigned letter he was required by law to send to the EU following the passage of a measure mandating it be sent in Parliament Saturday.”

BBC: “Brexit: PM sends letter to Brussels seeking further delay” — “Boris Johnson has sent a request to the EU for a delay to Brexit – but without his signature.

“The request was accompanied by a second letter, signed by Mr Johnson, saying he believes a delay would be a mistake.

“The PM was required by law to ask the EU for an extension to the 31 October deadline after losing a Commons vote.

“EU Council President Donald Tusk tweeted that he had received the extension request and would consult EU leaders ‘on how to react.’

“Earlier, Mr Johnson rang European leaders, including Mr Tusk, to insist that the letter ‘is Parliament’s letter, not my letter.’ “

This article was originally published on WBUR.org. [Copyright 2019 NPR]