Thread by @AlbertoNardelli

EU27 ambassadors met this evening:

- confirmed position outlined by Tusk today (support short extension conditional on the deal passing in Commons)
- most member states have indicated a preference for May over June
- EU27 expected to have a 3-4 hour Brexit discussion tomorrow

- EU27 expected to endorse Strasbourg documents
- Reaffirmed Tusk position on additional EUCO: no plans for one, but open to it if need be
- One of several issues with extension beyond May is EU citizens voting rights

*May the month

Some more bits from yesterday’s EU27 ambo meeting & chats: EU27 not expected to form a position on alternatives to extension outlined by Tusk. It would be decision for leaders if deal voted down & would be on basis of UK ask. Feeling is there is no point in predicting UK politics

However, views range among member states: from ‘no extension without withdrawal agreement’ (ie conditionality should not be removed) to keeping all options on the table

My sense is that the EU27 will not make an "offer" – it will be for the UK to make a reasoned request, which the EU27 would then consider. And the longer the extension the more precise that ask needs to be – and the more challenging it will be

Finally, there is bafflement among some diplomats that PM May indicated June in her letter – in effect, she has asked the EU27 to break the treaties, creating a bad precedent.

It begs the question: what was the PM thinking, and who is advising her?