Brexit day: Have we left it too late to leave the EU on 29 March – even with a deal?

Analysis: There are still plenty of laws needed to complete the UK’s departure from the European Union but, says John Rentoul, it might be possible to rush them through, given the flexibility of parliament’s rules

Busy times ahead? (PA)

Theresa May has cancelled the half-term break for MPs, and Jeremy Hunt, the foreign secretary, has said our departure from the EU might have to be postponed if the deal is approved “in the days before” 29 March.

Does this mean that the government has left it too late to take the UK out of the EU by the target date, even if the House of Commons approves a Brexit deal on 13 February?

The short answer is no. There would still be time to complete the legislation needed before exit day.