Brexit delay: Could Matteo Salvini prevent an extension by using Italy’s EU veto?

Analysis: There have been rumours of an Italian intervention to prevent Article 50 being extended. But what, asks Jon Stone, is the reality?

Italy has had its own disagreements with the EU in recent months (Reuters)

Could the EU veto an Article 50 extension?

Theresa May will go to Brussels on Thursday to ask EU leaders for an Article 50 extension. This would have happened irrespective of John Bercow's dramatic intervention in parliament to start the week.

There has been some speculation that the EU could decide not to permit an extension, either collectively or because some members are not keen.