Britain’s exit from the European Union could be delayed until at least 2019, ministers have privately warned senior figures, the Sunday Times reported, citing sources who were briefed by ministers.
Advertisement
Earlier, Brexit (a term commonly used to denote Britain’s exit from EU) was expected by politicians early in 2019.
They said Theresa May is considering delaying Brexit because Whitehall departments are not geared up for it.
Prime Minister Theresa May’s government has indicated that it is planning to trigger Article 50 of the EU’s Lisbon Treaty, which would start a two-year countdown to leaving the bloc, early next year.
However, she may be forced to delay it because her new Brexit and global trade departments will not be ready, the Sunday Times quoted sources as saying.
Britain created two new government departments to handle Brexit and global trade, led by David Davis and Liam Fox, two prominent “Leave” campaigners in the referendum.
In addition, the media noted, the upcoming elections in France and Germany are also being cited as a cause for the Brexit delay.
Mr Fox said economic diplomacy – policies concerning trade and Britain’s economic ties – should be transferred to his department, according to a letter quoted in The Sunday Telegraph. Johnson had firmly rejected the Fox’s demands, the newspaper said.
The spokesman said that the government did not comment on leaked documents.
After the declaration of the result, the pound fell to its lowest level since 1985 and David Cameron resigned as Prime Minister of this country.
The First Minister has said a second vote is “highly likely” and she is coming under pressure from party activists to go for it while there is still uncertainty about the outcome of the UK’s position.
Ms May, who supported Britain remaining in the European Union, has largely healed rifts in the party – but many of her MPs have called for a quick exit from the trade bloc.
Advertisement
A delay would give Nicola Sturgeon more time to stage a second independence referendum before the United Kingdom formally leaves the EU.
