Small Extension to Brexit Timetable Could Be Acceptable: Rees-Mogg

LONDON (Reuters) – Leading British eurosceptic lawmaker Jacob Rees-Mogg has indicated that he would be open to a brief postponement of the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union, currently scheduled for March 29, provided that Prime Minister Theresa May pursues his Brexit plan.

Rees-Mogg, who leads the influential pro-Brexit European Research Group (ERG) within May’s party, stated that a short extension could be acceptable if the government reaches an agreement with the EU similar to the proposed Malthouse Compromise.

The UK Parliament has called on May to renegotiate the Brexit agreement after her initial proposal was rejected by lawmakers. Rees-Mogg has introduced the Malthouse Compromise, named after one of its advocates, Kit Malthouse. This proposal seeks to win over Brexiteers by eliminating an unpopular policy regarding the Irish border, while also appealing to pro-EU Conservatives with assurances to mitigate potential disruptions if a deal cannot be reached with Brussels.

In a piece for the Telegraph, Rees-Mogg noted the urgency of the situation. "Currently, there are only 55 days left to Brexit," he wrote. "This makes the timetable tight for agreeing and legislating for a deal. If an agreement is reached but some additional parliamentary time is required… a short extension is not impossible."

In recent days, other senior lawmakers in May’s Cabinet have also suggested that a minor delay might be necessary as the UK prepares for its exit from the EU.