Previously the date was left blank as “December 31 20XX” but has now been entirely scrapped for a new format.

The new version reads: “The Joint Committee may, before 1 July 2020, adopt a single decision extending the transition period for up to one or two years.”

If the Prime Minister opts to use the full two years available for an extended transition, Britain will remain under EU rule after the next general election, which is scheduled for May 5 2022.