On Thursday, the House voted in favour of a short extension
if the House had supported a meaningful vote
before this week's European Council.
The motion also made it clear that a longer extension
would oblige the United Kingdom to hold elections
to the European parliament.
Mr Speaker, I do not believe such elections would
be in anyone's interests. [Background - Hear hear!]
The idea that three years after voting to leave the EU,
the people of this country should be asked to elect
a new set of MEPs is, I believe, unacceptable.
[Background – Hear hear!]
It would be a failure to deliver on the referendum decision
that this House said it would honour.
[Background noise] – Order!
I have, therefore, this morning written to president Tusk,
the president of the European Council,
informing him that the UK seeks an extension
to the article 50 period until 30 June.
Copies of the letter are being placed in the libraries of the House.
The government intends ...
The government intends to bring forward proposals
for a third meaningful vote.
If that vote is passed, the extension will give
the House time to consider the withdrawal agreement bill.
If not, the House will have to decide how to proceed.
But as prime minister ...
As prime minister I am ... [Background - heckling]
– Order!
I am not prepared to delay Brexit any further than 30 June.