Deadlines three and four for the UK departing the EU were agreed in a late-night European Council meeting in Brussels.

The UK has now an option to leave on 30 June or at the latest 31 October this year and while there was a long discussion among the heads of state, there were always clear signals that the EU would be inclined towards an extension. The question was, for how long?

Uncertainty continues

For farmers and Irish exporters, particularly in the agrifood industry, it means that the precipice that could have been tomorrow night is avoided just as it was on 29 March by moving the departure date back.

Many in the trade were more relaxed this time as the principle of extension was established by extending the first deadline.

No-deal Brexit avoided

However, the new dates – while avoiding the dreaded no-deal Brexit (for now) – do little to create certainty.

The basic options are the departure deal or withdrawal agreement that has been rejected by Parliament on three occasions or a no-deal departure.

The attempts by the prime minister to secure cross-party support seem to be struggling as the opposition Labour Party is also seriously divided and also has its eye on a general election given a series of favourable opinion polls recently.

What the extension process does reveal is the lack of appetite in Westminster for a no-deal Brexit. The withdrawal agreement many not preserve the perfect trading relationship but it is an improvement on no-deal for Irish exporters and trade in agricultural produce on the island of Ireland.