UK government, opposition cling to hope of Brexit compromise

LONDON (AP) — Britain’s government and the main opposition party were clinging to hope Monday of finding a compromise Brexit deal, two days before Prime Minister Theresa May must try to persuade European Union leaders to grant a delay to the U.K.’s departure from the bloc.

If the bloc refuses, Britain faces a sudden and chaotic departure on Friday, the Brexit deadline previously set by the EU.

May sought talks with the opposition Labour Party after Parliament three times voted down her divorce deal with the EU.

Three days of negotiations last week failed to yield a breakthrough, with Labour saying the Conservative government had not offered concrete changes to its Brexit plan.

Labour Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer said “the ball is in the government’s court.”

“At the moment we’re waiting to see what the government is putting on the table as a proposal,” he said.

May’s Downing Street office said the talks had shown “willingness to compromise on both sides.”

“We hope that there will be further formal discussion” with Labour later Monday, said May’s spokeswoman, Alison Donnelly.

May has asked the EU to delay Brexit until June 30, to give Britain’s divided politicians time to agree, approve and implement a withdrawal agreement.

The bloc’s leaders are due to meet in Brussels Wednesday to consider the request.

An extension requires unanimous approval from the 27 remaining national leaders, some of whom are fed up with Brexit uncertainty and reluctant to prolong it further.

We want to hear from you! Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169, email us at editors@gleanerjm.com or onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com.