Brexit ball back in EU court, delay offer likely
The Brexit ball is back in the EU's court.
It's now up to the 27 member states whether they want to grant Britain's request for a delay, with officials expecting a three-month postponement.
That could be cut short if Britain manages to pass legislation sooner.
But France may not agree - over doubts an additional delay to the Brexit process is justified.
European Council president Donald Tusk recommended EU leaders to allow an extension, but it must be agreed unanimously.
They have already agreed twice to postpone Brexit from the original deadline of March 29 this year.
Both times, the French complained but eventually relented.
As it stands, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's bill has been paused, after lawmakers initially signaled support for it on Tuesday (October 22), but then rejected his timetable to rush legislation through in just three days.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) BRITISH PRIME MINISTER, BORIS JOHNSON, SAYING:
"I must express my disappointment that the House has yet again voted for delay."
If the EU agrees to delay until the end of January, Johnson says he will push for an election.
But he would need the support of the parliament.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn says he would only support an election if the threat of Britain leaving the European Union without a deal was taken off the table.
On Wednesday (October 23), he reiterated his offer to Johnson to agree a "reasonable timetable" to pass Brexit legislation.
The sterling slipped on Wednesday, off recent highs around $1.30.
