European Council President Donald Tusk is reportedly to propose EU leaders agree to offer the UK a year-long “flexible” extension to Article 50 beyond 12 April to 31 March 2020 with the option of leaving the EU earlier if the UK parliament ratifies the EU Withdrawal Agreement. Which means European Elections and the inevitable return of Nigel Farage to Brussels…

May has written to Tusk pleading for an extension until June 30, just before MEPs return to the European Parliament. This is legally challengeable… so in all likelihood it is really an invitation to the EU to impose a flextension. Shamefully weak.

UPDATE: Here’s the letter in full:

When asked about a second referendum at PMQs this afternoon, the Prime Minister refused to take the opportunity to oppose it. Instead she said that “the deal that the government has put forward has been rejected by this House, of course the Leader of the Opposition’s deal has been rejected by this House, a second referendum has been rejected by this House.” Why didn’t she just categorically say that she will not hold a second referendum..?

UPDATE: A Government source tells Guido that “Other than revoking Article 50, we’re not preempting and not ruling out anything before these talks – otherwise there’s no point having the talks.” Staggering…

Lee Rowley asked a stinging question at today’s PMQs. May’s answer is predictably robotic…

Downing Street has confirmed Theresa May will meet Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today after meeting Jeremy Corbyn. Guido for one does not welcome our new socialist overlords…