Brussels set to force UK to hold European elections in return for long Brexit extension

BRUSSELS is set to attach a ‘guillotine clause’ to a long Brexit extension that will force the UK to hold European Elections.

European capitals are debating plans that would dump the UK into a ‘No Deal’ from June 30 unless we take part in the EU Parliament contest.

The proposal has emerged as opinion in EU capitals swings towards a long delay to Brexit which could keep Britain in the club until the end of 2020.

Sources in London claim Whitehall is already preparing for the UK to hold elections for the European Parliament on May 23.

Senior officials are believed to have told MPs this week that preparations have to be complete by April 12.

An EU diplomat told The Sun: “I doubt anybody will object to a long extension, the reality is that’s now the preference.

“But it’ll come with strict conditions. We’ll build in that if the UK hasn’t held EU elections by the end of June the extension automatically expires.

“That’ll be a rock hard commitment. So if the Brits don’t organise them, it’ll be entirely their fault when they leave without a deal.”

Sources said that leaders were converging around a long Brexit delay because of their lack of faith in Theresa May’s authority.

There is little belief in many European capitals that the PM can get her deal through no matter how many times she makes MPs vote on it.

One diplomatic source told The Sun: “A long extension might just allow time for compromise. Frustration with the May government’s handling of Brexit has reached very high levels.

“There’s no trust at all that she can do what needs to be done, so we’ll likely go long to defend our own interests.”

Sources also dismissed suggestions Britain could be stripped of its EU voting rights during a long extension as “bulls***” and “pure nonsense”.

• GOT a story? Ring The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or email exclusive@the-sun.co.uk.