Thread by @BrunoBrussels

Tusk will announce summit for 10 April if withdrawal treaty not ratified
thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/g…
(As reported), choice for May will be...

No deal - prob not on 12 April but within a few weeks of it. 22 May will be avoided as too close to EU elections. Date of 7 May was floated by Macron last week. EU will make the point that the only way the Commons can stop no deal is to revoke Article 50

OR
Long extension - beginning with a one year period to April 2020, very possibly longer as institutional changes, new commission etc, this autumn/winter means scope for progress in talks might be limited.

Offer will be made publicly to put pressure on May to make the request. Conditions and options within that period will be: elections, softer Brexit, second referendum out revoke Article 50

UK will also have to agree to continue voting with majorities in EU decisions - as it has been doing since 2017, to the dismay of some traditional allies - particularly on trade and budget. It might have to agree to freeze British trade talks for the duration

==========>>>>>>>>>> If, IF deal passed “technical extension” could be later than 22 May - legal advice and position of EU member states allows until 1 July

Unless no deal Brexit, UK will have to hold European elections, that might not have to happen on 23 May to satisfy senior MEPs who do not want them to take place at same time as the rest of Europe