Donald Tusk urges MPs to make most of latest Brexit extension as it ‘may be the last’

DONALD Tusk urged MPs to get Brexit done by January 31, warning them the latest extension “may be the last”.

The outgoing Council chief implored Parliament to “please make the best use of this time” in an emotional farewell message to Britain.

Announcing that the EU27 has formally signed off on the three-month delay, he told the UK: “I will keep my fingers crossed for you.”

Mr Tusk has continued to voice hope that Britain will change its mind and stay in the bloc - long after others like Jean-Claude Juncker gave up.

But at the end of the month he will be replaced by ex Belgian PM Charles Michel, who supported Emmanuel Macron’s tough line on extension.

His remarks came as it emerged Brussels is exploring how to spare Boris Johnson’s blushes by saving him from having to nominate a new Commissioner.

Incoming chief eurocrat Ursula on der Leyen is scoping out “all options” including exempting the UK from the requirement.

I will keep my fingers crossed for you.

Donald Tusk

A source close to the German said: “This is a unique in EU history and our legal services are very careful.”

The PM has vowed “under no circumstances” to send a Brit to serve in the next Commission, which is due to take office on December 1.

France insisted that a clause demanding No 10 “suggests a candidate” to replace Sir Julian King was written into the three-month extension.

In his reply accepting the delay Mr Johnson said he would “not seek to deliberately disrupt the EU’s business” but didn’t mention proposing anyone.

And EU ambassadors will meet today to try and find a way around the problem by discussing reconstituting the bloc’s executive at 27.

Diplomats told The Sun there was “no appetite” outside of Paris to force the UK into sending a Commissioner as there would be “no point”.

EU law states that the Commission “shall consist of a number of members equal to the number of Member States” but the Council can override it.

If the PM refuses to nominate anyone Brussels could start disciplinary proceedings but they’re very unlikely to be completed before we leave.

Jean-Claude Paris, a former EU Council legal chief, said there would be no “earthquake” if the he fails to do so.

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