Germany says delay aims to avoid no-deal Brexit

Germany's foreign minister says the delay granted to Britain on leaving the trade bloc should be used to determine how to avoid a no-deal Brexit but should not be taken as a sign that the EU would renegotiate an agreement.

Foreign Minister Heiko Maas told reporters in Berlin on Thursday "a decision was taken that averted the unregulated Brexit for the time being, however this must not be misinterpreted in such a way that there is new negotiating scope about the agreement."

He says it's in Europe's best interests to prevent a no-deal "hard Brexit," which is why the extension was given.

He says "I hope the extra time that has now been granted will be used to swiftly bring things to a mutually beneficial conclusion."