Theresa May

The UK and the EU have agreed a “flexible extension” of Brexit until 31 October, European Council president Donald Tusk has said.

Speaking after five hours of talks at an EU summit in Brussels, Mr Tusk said his “message to British friends” was “please do not waste this time”.

Theresa May said the UK would still aim to leave the EU as soon as possible.

Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the UK must now hold European elections in May, or leave on 1 June without a deal.

The PM had earlier told leaders she wanted to move the UK’s exit date from this Friday to 30 June, with the option of moving that date forward again if she can get her withdrawal agreement ratified by Parliament.