THE European Union has agreed to grant the United Kingdom a Brexit extension, according to the president of the European Council.

In a tweet, president of the council Donald Tusk said: "The EU27 has agreed that it will accept the UK's request for a Brexit 'flextension' until 31 January 2020.

"The decision is expected to be formalised through a written procedure."

The term 'flextension' means that the UK could leave before the January 31 deadline if a deal were agreed by parliament.

The news comes as MPs prepare to vote on a possible December 12 election.

The Lib Dems and SNP have both put forward December 9 as possible dates.