AIBU to think he's bluffing about the Benn Act and thinking he can get away without asking for an extension.
He is a big fan of the Art of War. One of the many sayings is make enemy think you are strong when you are weak.
He might be trying to get the other parties to do something that could weaken them by getting people to think they can bypass the Benn Act.
No matter what you think, it's fascinating psychology and game theory.