Remainer plot to delay Brexit and hold a second referendum both fail (for now): May narrowly WINS by just two votes as she defies rebel MPs’ attempt to seize control – but she WILL still ask the EU to delay Britain’s departure
The Prime Minister pictured in Downing Street today told Parliament she must have clarity on what it will support before she meets EU leaders in Brussels next Thursday
Theresa May finally won a vote on Brexit tonight as she saw off an attempt by Remain MPs to seize control of the Commons agenda.
A cross party amendment from Labour’s Hilary Benn and Yvette Cooper with Tory Oliver Letwin wanted to cancel Government business next Wednesday.
The idea was to set the stage for ‘indicative votes’ on what kind of Brexit might happen.
Mrs May is now on track to try and hold a third vote on her deal next week before heading to the latest EU Council to plead for a delay that avoids No Deal on March 29.
MPs earlier voted against a second referendum – crushing it 334 to 85 in the first Commons contest on the idea.
Talks ahead of the third meaningful vote are focused on using the 1969 Vienna Convention to tweak legal advice – but few think Mrs May can bring 75 rebels back to the fold and over turn Tuesday night’s shattering 149-vote defeat.
Brexiteer rebels are incandescent with the Government after Remain ministers abstained last night to let a motion ruling out No Deal forever pass by 43 votes.
Last night, the Prime Minister told Parliament she must have clarity on what it will support before she meets EU leaders in Brussels next Thursday.
Mrs May has said if MPs have backed a deal she will ask for a short technical extension that postpones Brexit to the end of June. If they want a more fundamental change of tack she will ask for much more time.
EU leaders must agree unanimously on the terms of delay – and Britain will not get a vote on the decision at the summit.
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Tory ministers gathered in Downing Street this afternoon for a ‘political Cabinet’ – a meeting without Civil Servants to discuss the party political ramifications of the Brexit crisis. It is first first time several ministers (including from left Amber Rudd, Greg Clark and David Gauke today) defied orders and abstained on a vote to rule out No Deal last night
