Karins hopes that clear signal from EU will encourage British parliamentarians to support Brexit deal

RIGA - A clear signal by leaders of European Union member states in regards to Brexit could help encourage British parliamentarians to support a Brexit deal, Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity) told LETA this morning.

Karins said that it is hard to tell after EU leader last night agreed to a short extension whether or not the divided British parliament will change their mind and agree on a Brexit deal.

''The British parliament has unfortunately failed to come to any sort of agreement. It is possible that this clear position by the European Council will encourage them to finally agree on a deal,'' he said.

Karins emphasized that EU leaders certainly do not want a no-deal Brexit, which would lead to more uncertainty and chaos.

''The final decision is up to Great Britain itself,'' Karins added.

The AFP news agency reports that European leaders and British Prime Minister Theresa May agreed Thursday on a short delay to Britain's divorce from the European Union in the hope of ensuring an orderly Brexit.

Britain had faced a sharp cliff-edge deadline of March 29 to leave, but May's EU colleagues said the split could wait until May 22 if British lawmakers approve a withdrawal accord next week.

But if the House of Commons rejects the deal -- as it has done twice before -- Brexit will take place on April 12, unless Britain has decided by then to take part in this year's European Parliamentary elections.