British PM, Ministers Agree Brexit Deal Must Be Ratified by Summer Break

LONDON – The British government agreed on Tuesday it was “imperative” to ratify Britain’s exit from the European Union before the summer break, setting out the clearest deadline so far for the embattled plan and the prime minister’s possible departure.

Prime Minister Theresa May was due to meet Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the opposition Labour Party, later on Tuesday to discuss the impasse in their cross-party Brexit talks, a Labour Party spokesman said.

Nearly three years after the United Kingdom voted 52% to 48% to leave the EU, there is still no agreement among politicians about when, how or even if the divorce will take place.

Britain had been due to leave the EU on March 29, but May was unable to get her divorce deal ratified by parliament.

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said EU leaders did not want an extension beyond the new deadline of Oct. 31, when the legal default is to leave with or without a deal.

REUTERS

R.S