EU gives UK breathing space over Brexit till May 22

The European Union will agree to hand Britain a Brexit delay until May 22 if its parliament approves the divorce agreement next week, according to draft conclusions considered by the other 27 national leaders on Thursday.

"The European Union commits to agreeing, before March 29 2019, to an extension until May 22, provided the Withdrawal Agreement is approved by the House of Commons next week," said the draft, seen by Reuters.

"Given that the United Kingdom does not intend to hold elections to the European Parliament, no extension is possible beyond that date."