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The U.K. prime minister spoke to his Irish counterpart Leo Varadkar Tuesday night and European Council President Donald Tusk this morning, the spokesperson said.
The calls come after the House of Commons voted in support of Johnson's Brexit deal during an initial assessment of the legislation Tuesday night, but then said they need more time to scrutinize it. The bill is currently paused while Johnson waits to hear what, if any, extension the EU will grant. He was forced by U.K. law to request one in order to avoid the U.K. leaving without a deal on October 31.
EU leaders are keen not to be drawn into the U.K.’s internal political disputes and are unlikely to be swayed by any of Johnson’s personal entreaties, senior EU officials and diplomats said.
Tusk tweeted that he explained to Johnson why he is recommending the EU27 accept the U.K.'s extension request. EU ambassadors are scheduled to meet at 5:30 p.m. Brussels time this afternoon to discuss the request.
Earlier, a spokesperson for the Irish government said Varadkar supports an extension until January 31, as suggested by U.K. law. [...]
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