Thread by @Usherwood

This is an important one, so let's run through it

1/

https://twitter.com/Usherwood/status/1114073989893251072

Headline is another request for extension to art.50, this time to 30 June 2019.

Aim is to complete MV4/WAIB process by 22.5, so can leave on that date (i.e. ahead of #EP19)

2/

This time is needed for on-going negotiations with LAB and then Parliamentary process

3/

Big news is that UK will put orders in place for UK participation in #EP19 (albeit with the intention not to hold such elections, because it'll be out by then)

This is an essential pre-condition for EU27

3/

As far as plans go, it's "we're talking about it, we hope to wrap up quickly", which it what might have been expected

Existence and persistence of LAB talks will give this more weight, but whether it suffices for EU27 to be seen

4/

Important points to note:
- UK is sticking to EUCO timeline for notification, so (small) brownie-point for that
- substance seems to fix overnight chatter from BRX on variable timeline approach

5/

But:
- still framing as a little local difficulty (so short extension), which'll cause concern
- no definitive plan for action, plus no vote to add to weight of intentions

6/

Let's see what EUCO say, but response might well be to accept intention, but say timeline should stretch out much more, esp given possibility of #EUref2 in CON-LAB talks and desire not to be stuck on multiple short extensions (which EU really doesn't like)

7/

Sell back to UK might be that there'd be loads of time to whenever (year-end?), but don't have to use it [cough], so if UK gvt can make its plan work (as set out in letter), then can get out by 30/6 as intended

8/

In sum: probably as much as May could offer at this stage, with recognition of EU position, but may not be enough

/end