Brexit has a new deadline of 31 October. A shorter extension made no sense as we would likely end back where we are now. Even 31 October offers no guarantee that an exceptable deal can be reached. In fact, I think I don't think a deal will be made before 31st.

May has put Britain in a very bad negotiating position by taking no deal off the table. No deal hurts the EU as much as Britain and May should have made them work to avoid it rather than put all the pressure on Britain to get the May/EU deal through parliament.

I believe should Britain should have left without a deal. Negotiating can still continue after Britain leaves the EU.