EU27 is said to be generally supportive to giving UK another Brexit extensions. But there are some minor differences on the duration. A final decision might not be made until Friday. The question is on whether to follow European Council President Donald Tusk’s recommendation of a three-month delay through a “written procedure”. Or, leaders would likely to France’s idea of a shorter extension, possibly to November 15 only.

In UK, Prime Minister Boris Johnson failed to agree on a timetable for the Brexit bill with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn yesterday. Johnson could opt for a general election if the parliament is seen as unwilling to vote for the Brexit deal. But it’s reported that his own Conservative party is 50/50 split on the idea of election. Meanwhile, Corbyn is also said to be facing significant pressure from Labour to resist any call for an imminent election.

It’s reported that EU27 leaders would move quickly to approve request for another Brexit extension. It’s noted that it’s the first time UK has not rejected a Brexit deal. And there was agreement among MPs that there is not enough time to complete the whole legislation process before the October 31 deadline. thus, the principle for the extension is “completely uncontroversial”.

Germany’s government spokesman Steffen Seibert also said that ” I can say on behalf of the federal government that Germany will not stand in the way of an extension.” UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson still seemed to disagree on the delay, European Council President Donald Tusk talked to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on phone and explained why he recommended EU 27 leaders to accept UK’s request for another Brexit extension.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson got the backing from Commons on his Brexit Withdrawal Agreement Bill in principle (second reading), with 329 to 299 votes. However, more MPs were against the ultra tight timetable to complete the legislative process. They believed that more time is needed to scrutinize the details, than just three days of debate. The schedule for the bill was voted down by 322 to 308 votes.

Another Brexit delay beyond October 31 looks inevitably needed. But Johnson refused to commit to that yet. He said after the votes “let me be clear: our policy remains that we should not delay, that we should leave the EU on Oct. 31 and that is what I will say to the EU and I will report back to the House”.

Hours later, European Council President Donald Tusk tweeted that he will recommend the EU27 to accept UK request for extension. And he will propose a written procedure, i.e., without another emergency summit.

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Sterling weakens slightly after the news. GBP/USD’s retreat from 1.3012 might extend lower. But there is no indication of reversal yet.