Time is not on the UK’s side, as getting the EU-UK deal through parliament is not the last step towards an orderly Brexit. The necessary legislation also needs be passed by the UK Parliament. An extension of article 50 could provide some relief. The UK government can request with the approval of the British Parliament. Support is likely given the majority against a ‘hard Brexit’ there. But the unanimous approval of the EU Council is not for granted, though the tone in Brussels seems to have softened. In case of a marked shift in British politics through an early election or a referendum an extension is likely and could also be longer. The extension might turn problematic if the current gridlock persists and there is no progress towards a consensus on the desired Brexit outcome in the UK.