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A few instant thoughts on @eucopresidents's statement. It reflects growing frustration on EU side with UK's incompetent political class and untrustworthy govt. A growing feeling among 27 that UK should just get out asap, lest it pollute the EU system with its weird politics. 1
So Tusk has adopted hard line of French: no short extension unless Parl adopts the Withdrawal Agreement. Tusk is also being tactical - his statement makes it easier for May to pass her deal. So the chances of softer Brexit or Ref 2 are diminished, but not dead. 2 @CER_EU
Tusk has not ruled out a different pol decln, for a softer Brexit, or even the prospect of a longer extension if UK asks for it. IMHO @YvetteCooperMP and co will force May to accept indicative votes on options for the future.... 3
conceivably before the meaningful vote, or more likely afterwards. These may well lead to a softer Brexit. EU happy to change pol decln to reflect that - this can be done easily before end-June or even end-May, if EU goes for v short extension. 4
If Parl votes down May's deal, not clear if European Council will be as tough as Tusk/French imply. EU doesn't want no deal. A lot of member-states would seek a way of avoiding no deal, however fed up they are with UK. 5
As for Ref2, its proponents need to acknowledge that many EU govts do not want one - as stated above, they want to be shot of the UK problem. But if somehow the UK requests a longer extension so that it can hold Ref2, EU will probably say yes (with some of 27 gritting teeth). END
