10 DOWNING STREET
LONDON SWIAZAA

28 October 2019

THE PRIME MINISTER

(pm ??nal/b

I refer to the draft European Council Decision EUCO XT 20024/ 1/19 REV l,
which extends to 31 January 2020 the period under Article 50(3) TEU. As you
are well aware, I have no discretion under the European Union
(Withdrawal) (No.2) Act 2019, which was imposed on this Government against
its will, to do anything other than con?rm the formal agreement to this
extension, as per the attached draft Decision.

I must make clear my view that this unwanted prolongation of the 
membership of the EU is damaging to our democracy and to the relationship
between us and our European friends. While we will of course not seek to
deliberately disrupt the business, I must underline that I continue to have a
responsibility as Prime Minister to protect the national interests during this
period, including in EU decision-making.

I would have much preferred it if the UK Parliament could have proceeded
rapidly to ratify the deal we reached between us. Unfortunately I very much fear
that this Parliament will never do so as long as it has the option of further delay.
That is why I am seeking a General Election in December to ensure the election
of a fresh Parliament which is capable of resolving the issue in accordance with
our constitutional norms.

But, in case Parliament resists this too, I would also urge EU Member States to
make clear that a ?lrther extension after 31 January is not possible. This is plenty
of time to ratify our deal. It will avoid this Parliament simply extending our
membership again and again, distracting from the good conduct of the business
of the European Union, and corroding public trust in politics in the UK.

I very much hope that we can soon put this dif?cult period behind us, and move
forward rapidly to ending our EU membership and beginning the negotiations on
the future Free Trade Agreement and the future partnership of friends which will
come with it.

I am copying this letter to members of the European Council, the President of the
Commission, and the President of the European Parliament.

1116/5


His Excellency Mr Donald Tusk