COUNTY MPs have been reacting to the news European Union leaders have granted the UK a six-month extension to Brexit.

The new deadline, October 31, has prevented the prospect of the UK having to leave the EU without a deal today. The six-month extension, to Halloween, was a solution thrashed out by EU leaders after Prime Minister Theresa May asked for a extension until June with French President Emmanuel Macron opposed to a longer delay lasting into 2020.

The announcement though has drawn sharp criticism from Tory Eurosceptics, and prompted questions about how long Mrs May can stay in power.

Robin Walker, MP and Brexit minister, said: “I had supported the Prime Minister in calling for a short extension.

“My hope is now that we will leave with a deal, before October 31. It has been a turbulent period, I hope this is all sorted out and we leave with a deal, which I have voted for three times now.

“Labour and Conservatives have both said they will respect the referendum result, so I hope the (cross-party) talks will help get that deal through - but I’m not certain.”

Nigel Huddleston, Mid-Worcestershire MP, said: “The PM asked for a extension but it is the EU that decided to give a longer extension. I am hopeful we wont need that longer extension.

“The other complication is the EU elections - none of the major parties want to fight those. I am frustrated.

"I voted for the withdrawal deal three times - it is not a perfect deal but one that could get us to the next stage, and I hope my colleagues support it.

“I get more people writing to me about the domestic agenda and Brexit is not top of their list.

“We need to move on, and refocus to the domestic agenda.”

Harriett Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire, added: “I have been voting consistently to respect the referendum result.

“I voted to trigger Article 50 and I’ve voted three times to pass the withdrawal agreement which would have allowed us to leave in a smooth and orderly way on March 29.

“This would give certainty for British citizens in Europe, certainty for farmers and businesses and avoids friction on the Northern Irish border with the Republic.

“It’s a great shame that Labour, Liberal Democrats, Scottish Nationalists and others have not been able to support it thus far.

“I do hope they will be able to so that we can avoid European elections.”

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