The EU opens the door to delaying Brexit by up to TWO YEARS

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Brussels could demand Theresa May ask for a lengthy extension to the Brexit negotiations of up to two years at an EU summit next week, amid signs attitudes are hardening towards the stricken Prime Minister. 

EU Council President Donald Tusk tweeted today: 'During my consultations ahead of #EUCO, I will appeal to the EU27 to be open to a long extension if the UK finds it necessary to rethink its #Brexit strategy and build consensus around it.'

MPs will debate a motion today telling rebels that if the Commons backs Mrs May's Brexit deal next Wednesday - on the eve of a summit in Brussels - she will seek to extend Article 50 from March 29 until June 30. 

But if her deal is defeated for a third time, the motion warns, EU leaders could ask for a delay of up to two years, in a sign they are taking a harder line towards the weakened leader. 

'Somebody must tell her the truth,' one senior EU source told The Telegraph, 'asking for a short extension is simply pre-programming no deal Brexit for the summer.'