[London, 20th Reuters]-British Prime Minister Johnson has been forced to request the European Union (EU) to extend the withdrawal deadline, but the British government is still ready to leave on October 31.
The House of Representatives passed a motion to postpone voting on a withdrawal plan that Johnson agreed with the EU on 19th until the relevant bill was passed. As a result, Parliament's approval of the withdrawal proposal would not be obtained during the same day, and Mr. Johnson would write in writing to the EU a postponement of withdrawal until 31 January next year, in accordance with a law established by the opposition parties without consent in September. I was forced to ask.
But the letter was not signed by Johnson, and he sent a signed letter indicating that he did not want to postpone it.
The main minister, Michael Gove, who is preparing for the withdrawal without agreement, insists to Skynews, “I will leave on October 31st.
“I sent a letter because it was mandated by the parliament, but the parliament cannot change the prime minister's decision, government policy, or determination.”
Mr. Johnson sent three letters to EU President Tusk. The first is an EU Ambassador's cover letter explaining that the government is simply following the law. The second letter is based on a law that requires a request for postponement of withdrawal, and is not signed by Mr. Johnson. In the third mail, Mr. Johnson's intention that he did not want to postpone withdrawal is written.
In the third letter, Johnson said, “Since I took office as Prime Minister, I have clarified my view and the government's position that further (withdrawal) postponement will undermine the interests and relations of the UK and EU countries. I made it clear again in today's Congress. ” The letter is signed with "Boris Johnson".
Johnson also showed confidence that the legislation would be passed in parliament by the October 31 deadline.
EU officials are confused by the conflicting intentions from the UK.
President Tusk revealed that he had received a postponement application from Mr. Johnson and indicated that he would begin discussions with the EU leaders on the response.
According to French officials, President Macron asked Mr. Johnson for a quick explanation of the situation following the postponement of the British Parliament's withdrawal vote. "(Mr. Macron) suggested that the postponement would not benefit anyone."
In light of the impact of a UK withdrawal without agreement, it is unlikely that the 27 EU member states will reject the UK postponement request. According to a diplomatic source on the 20th, the EU will not make a decision quickly and will gain time to identify the British situation.
Mr. Gove said that the risk of disengagement without agreement increased, and indicated a policy to strengthen preparations for exit, such as the implementation of a government crisis management plan.
The British opposition and labor parties are accused of acting as if Mr. Johnson transcends the law. He pointed out that he would face a legal battle.