Brexit: Johnson sends unsigned letter asking for delay, and second arguing against it

PM sends to Donald Tusk a photocopy of the request required by Benn Act, with a conflicting view in a second letter

Boris Johnson has sent an unsigned letter to European council president Donald Tusk requesting a further Brexit delay beyond 31 October - accompanied by a signed one arguing against it.

The prime minister sent three letters: an unsigned photocopy of the request he was obliged to send under the Benn Act, an explanatory letter from the UK's ambassador to the EU and a personal letter explaining why Downing Street did not want an extension.