Euro MPs back Brexit delay in letter to Britain
More than 100 members of the European parliament have promised to back a delay to Brexit to allow voters to think again, in a letter to British citizens.
The cross-party group of MEPs wrote as Prime Minister Theresa May faces a probable defeat on Tuesday when British lawmakers vote on the Brexit withdrawal plan.
Speculation is rising that Britain will have to ask Brussels to pause the "Article 50" process that will see it leave Europe on March 29 with or without a deal.
Officials say EU leaders, who signed the withdrawal agreement with May in late November, may agree to extend the deadline to avoid a disruptive breakdown in ties.
A European Court has ruled Britain could unilaterally revoke the decision to launch the two-year withdrawal countdown if it decides to abandon Brexit altogether.
But a delay to allow May time to win over sceptical MPs -- or to organise an election or a second referendum -- would need to be unanimously agreed by EU leaders.
The European lawmakers, including socialist group leader Udo Bullmann and the Greens' Philippe Lambert, said they would support such a delay.
"Any British decision to remain in the EU would be warmly welcomed by us," the signatories...