Boris Johnson news: PM sends unsigned extension request to EU after he is forced to seek delay by MPs
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Your support makes all the difference.Boris Johnson has sent a series of letters to the EU after he was forced by MPs to seek a further Brexit extension.
The prime minister sent two letters to European Council president Donald Tusk – an unsigned message relaying parliament’s request for an extension to Brexit and a letter from him setting out why he does not believe delay would be in the interests of the EU or UK..
Downing Street said it believes the move fulfils the requirements of the Benn Act, which required the prime minister to seek an extension beyond his 31 October deadline if he was unable to secure parliamentary approval of his Brexit deal by the end of Saturday.
You can relive our coverage of a historic day in Westminster below:
Mr Johnson’s decision follows a tumultuous day in Parliament.
MPs backed a rebel amendment during a special Saturday sitting, throwing Mr Johnson’s Brexit plans into disarray by forcing him to seek the extension.
As hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets to call for a Final Say referendum, MPs used the historic sitting to approve amendment from Sir Oliver Letwin, which withholds Commons approval until legislation to ratify the Brexit deal has passed.
The prime minister insisted he “would not negotiate a delay” – despite being legally compelled to do so – prompting speculation No 10 might try to get around a law forcing the PM to send a letter to the EU asking to delay Brexit beyond the 31 October deadline.
In a letter to all MPs and peers, sent on Saturday evening, Mr Johnson repeated his claims.
“I will not negotiate a delay with the European Union,” he said.
“I will tell the EU what I have told the British public for my 88 days as Prime Minister: further delay is not a solution.”
Additional reporting by agencies
Nigel Farage says Johnson’s deal ‘not Brexit’
Nigel Farage has appealed to MPs to vote down Boris Johnson deal (whether that meaningful vote happens today or Monday), claiming the agreement was “not Brexit”.
In a double-page advert in the Brexit-backing Daily Telegraph, Farage also fired off a warning to the prime minister, saying: “Sorry Boris. Your deal is not great, it’s not new - and it’s not Brexit.”
PM urges Oliver Letwin to ditch his amendment
Boris Johnson said says he believes Sir Oliver Letwin is motivated “by best intentions” but asks him to pull his amendment – the amendment set to derail his showdown vote.
Letwin smiles.
Independent MP Nick Boles, formerly of the Conservatives, says “there is more chance of him being called up to the England rugby team.”
Protesters demanding a People's Vote make their way to Hyde Park
Today's march begins in Hyde Park, London and moves through the capital to Westminster. Here are a few more pictures and videos of people calling for a Final Say as they arrive from all over the country.
Together for a Final Say
Today's march kicks off at midday and culminates with a series of speeches outside the Palace of Westminster. All of this is coincidentally taking place while MPs debate and vote on Boris Johnson's Brexit deal in the House of Commons. We'll be updating you on the latest updates from inside and outside Westminster.
Together for a Final Say (Photograph: Tom Richell)
Will the Letwin amendment pass?
We’re expecting the big vote on the Letwin amendment around 2.30pm. It is expected to pass – but how close could the outcome be?
Robert Peston has been told it’ll pass by five votes. One Labour MP has told Sky News’ Lewis Goodall that backing the amendment “gets us off the hook for a bit longer”.
Remember, the amendment tabled by Sir Oliver Letwin would withhold the House’s approval until legislation to ratify the deal has completed its passage through parliament.
No 10 has made clear it would, if passed, render a vote later today on Boris Johnson’s deal “meaningless” – and the next “meaningful” opportunity would come on Monday.
Cummings puppet spotted in Whitehall as Final Say march begins
Giant puppets of Boris Johnson and Dominic Cummings are being paraded down Whitehall as the big Final Say vote march gets under way in London.
Labour confirms it will back Letwin amendment
Sir Keir Starmer is methodically taking apart the deal. He says there is nothing in the deal that is better than Theresa May's agreement - arguing that it is the 'weakest of weak deals' for services.
Praise for his efforts comes from Nicola Sturgeon, who suggests the Brexit secretary doesn't even understand them.
Alliance of groups gather for Final Say march
Groups from across the political spectrum are marching to demand a second referendum this afternoon. We’re expecting the speeches at Parliament Square to begin at around 2pm.
Sadiq Khan joins march for Final Say vote on Brexit
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has joined the march – leading from the front by the looks of things. He says protesters will make sure the message is heard “loud and clear”.
The Lib Dems’ Chuka Umunna is there in spirit – saying the party is making the argument for a referendum inside the Commons.
Sir Oliver Letwin moves his amendment
Expelled Tory says he is moving his amendment to ensure MPs are 'secure in the knowledge the UK has requested an extension tonight'.
He confirms he will vote for Boris Johnson's deal but he still gets a bit of a barracking from Tory MPs.
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