LONDON (AP) Following the decision early today by the European Union to delay the U.K.s departure for a second time, not much is clear about Brexit bar the certainty that the divisions in British society and in Parliament will remain.
The so-called flextension until Oct. 31 given to Britain to approve a Brexit withdrawal agreement will require the country to hold elections for the European Parliament on May 23 provided the withdrawal agreement hasnt been passed by lawmakers.
Few think thats going to be likely after Prime Minister Theresa May saw the deal she agreed with the EU voted down by lawmakers on three occasions this year.
The extension at least provides more time for May to break the logjam, though it could easily just prolong the national agony. European Council President Donald Tusk acknowledged as much when he delivered a message to Britain: Please do not waste this time.
A look at what could happen next:
MAYS MARKETING
CAMPAIGN
For two years, May pledged that Britain would leave the EU on March 29, 2019. But this is the second time she has been forced to agree to a delay.
The prime minister addressed the House of Commons Thursday afternoon and urged members to use the upcoming Easter break to reflect on the decisions that will have to be made in search of compromise.
She said that if talks with Labour do not lead to a plan both sides could back, then the government would ask Parliament to vote on a small number of options. She said the government would agree to accept the decisions and that the opposition would have to agree to that as well.
May stressed that Britain can still leave the EU without taking part in the European Parliament elections if lawmakers approve her deal by May 22.
May has in recent months failed to sway many hard-line Brexiteers in her party partly because of deep opposition to provision in the withdrawal agreement about making sure the border between EU member Ireland and Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, remains seamless.
It remains to be seen whether her pleas win anyone over. Many of them find the prospect of Britain participating in the European elections unpalatable, given that it will be almost three years since Britain voted to leave the EU.
CROSS-PARTY COMPROMISE
Having failed to win enough support from her own Conservative Party, May last week began negotiations with the opposition Labour Party.
Labour favors a softer Brexit than the governments plan and is seeking a close economic relationship with the bloc through a customs union. Thats anathema to many Conservatives, who say it would prevent Britain from striking its own trade deals with countries like the United States, China and India.
Several days of talks have failed to produce a breakthrough. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn says the government hasnt been willing to compromise on its red lines.
Still, the negotiations are set to continue.
LET PARLIAMENT DECIDE
If the talks fail, May says she will let Parliament vote on a variety of Brexit alternatives, including the governments proposed deal, in hope something can command a majority.
A so-called soft Brexit might get through Parliament and would be welcomed by the EU, allowing Britain an orderly departure before Oct. 31.
But it could also blast open rifts within both the Conservative and Labour parties. Pro-Brexit government ministers could resign, increasing pressure on May to quit. The prime minister has already said she will resign if her Brexit deal is approved and Britain leaves the EU, but rivals are circling.
