Trick or Treat on Hallowe’en?

Brexit latest

On Monday, the European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 5) Bill, aka the Cooper-Letwin Bill, received Royal Assent as the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2019. Under it, the Commons will be able to vote on “no deal” or an extension to Article 50 if the deal is not passed. Late on Wednesday evening, the EU Council agreed that the UK should remain in the EU until 31 October, with the option of leaving earlier if the Prime Minister can get the Withdrawal Agreement through the Commons. Under the extension, the UK will need to hold elections for the European Parliament on 23 May if the Commons does not agree to the Withdrawal Agreement by then – or otherwise leave by 1 June.