German minister doesn't rule out short Brexit extension

Germany's foreign minister said he hoped British lawmakers would vote on Monday to proceed with an orderly Brexit, adding that he could imagine a short extension to Britain's departure from the European Union if London needed the time to pass legislation. "I hope that the British lower house, showing the necessary responsibility, can take a decision on this today and that on the basis of this decision we will be in a position to achieve an orderly Brexit," Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in Berlin.

"Should there be problems in Britain with the ratification, I would not rule out that there could be a short, technical extension," he added. "Should there not be a majority in the British lower house, then we in the European Union would have to look at whether there would then be a full extension - and only then would there be a decision about that. At the moment, I don't think it is sensible or appropriate to speculate about that."

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