Who is responsible for Britain failing to leave the EU this week?

Analysis: There are two groups of MPs, diametrically opposed to each other, whose actions have led to the postponement of Brexit day, says chief political commentator John Rentoul

John Rentoul
Thursday 11 April 2019 16:36 BST
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May speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday
May speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday

With 100 days to go until 29 March 2019 – set out as the date on which Britain would leave the European Union – The Independent began our Brexit Explained series, answering a key question a day until the UK’s departure.

But with 29 March almost upon us, the Brexit date has been pushed back. The decision that the UK would be staying in the EU for at least another two weeks was formally taken in Brussels by the leaders of the other 27 member states on Friday last week.

This was embarrassing because Theresa May asked for the extension of the two-year notice period, but it had to be agreed unanimously by the other leaders. So much for “taking back control”. It was doubly embarrassing for our prime minister because she did not want to delay the Brexit date, but she had to bow to the will of parliament, rather late in the day.

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