Prime minister Theresa May blames parliament after requesting delay to Brexit

Prime Minister Theresa May making a statement about Brexit in Downing Street, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday March 20, 2019. See PA story POLITICS Brexit. Photo credit should read: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire

PRIME minister Theresa May blamed parliament for the failure of Britain not leaving the EU at the end of this month – with her now requesting an extension of Brexit until June 30.

Ms May, addressing the nation at Downing Street, said it was a matter of ‘personal regret’ that MPs had not been able to agree a deal to leave the EU on March 29.

In a statement this evening, she said: ‘We will now not leave on time with a deal on March 29. This delay is a matter of great personal regret for me.’

She continued: ‘Of this I am absolutely sure – you, the public, have had enough.

‘I am on your side. It is now time for MPs to decide.’

Earlier, European Council president Donald Tusk said a short delay ‘would be possible’ after the formal request for an extension.

But the EU would only agree the delay if MPs accepted Ms May’s deal.