"I believe in the situation we are in, an extension would be a rational solution but Prime Minister May still believes she's able to avoid this scenario," Tusk told a closing summit press conference. Britain remains as divided as ever over Brexit, which a narrow majority of voters called for in a June 2016 referendum. The decision increases the chances that lawmakers will move next week to delay Brexit beyond March 29, to avoid a no-deal Brexit. Taking a united stand, the EU and its remaining 27 countries have repeatedly rebuffed May's efforts to reopen the Brexit deal struck with her government in November. Tusk said he told May that "no matter which scenario, all 27 (EU countries) will show maximum understanding and good will".

Source: News 24 February 25, 2019 19:41 UTC