UK parliament backs Theresa May’s plan for Brexit votes
UK lawmakers backed a plan by Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday that could result in a delay to the country’s planned exit from the European Union.
More than 500 MPs voted in favor of a motion by Labour Party MP Yvette Cooper that voiced support for the three-step plan, which foresees parliament voting a second time on a revised version of May’s Brexit deal by March 12.
If the deal is defeated, parliament would then vote on whether to leave the EU without a deal or delay its departure date.
The vote came a day after May presented her plan to lawmakers.
Read more: Brexit: Theresa May offers MPs a choice between a deal, ‘no deal’ or delay
Alternative Labour plan rejected
Cooper’s motion was one of four that lawmakers voted on during a parliamentary debate on Wednesday:
- The Labour Party’s amendment (a) on an alternative Brexit plan: to negotiate with the EU for changes to the Political Declaration, a non-binding document that accompanies the legally binding Withdrawal Agreement, to secure a customs union, close alignment with the single market, alignment on rights and protections, participation in agencies and agreement on security arrangements. The amendment lost by 83 votes.
- An amendment from Scottish National Party MP Ian Blackford (k) that the UK should not leave the EU in any circumstances without a deal “regardless of any exit date.” The amendment lost by 36 votes.
- Former Conservative ministerial aid Alberto Costa’s amendment (b), backed by 141 MPs, to ensure EU citizens’ rights in the UK after Brexit, with or without a deal. This amendment was accepted verbally by the house. There were no voices in opposition.
- Labour MP Yvette Cooper’s motion (f) for supporting May’s three-step plan. The amendment passed by a majority of 502 votes. Several lawmakers abstained and 20 voted against.
Macron and Merkel weigh in
Ahead of the debate, Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed Brexit during a meeting with President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.
President Emmanuel Macron and Chancellor Angela Merkel in Paris
At the press conference after their discussions, both leaders made statements about an extension to the process — with a slight difference in tone.
Merkel said that Germany and France “agree completely” that the already-negotiated withdrawal agreement between the EU and the UK stands.
Read more: Brexit: What Europe wants
However, she added that the EU would not refuse the UK more time, if an extension was requested. “If Britain needs a bit more time, we will not refuse that, but we are aiming for an orderly solution — an orderly withdrawal by the British from the European Union,” she said.
Macron said there was a need for a clear objective if any delay was envisaged: “We would agree to A50 [Article 50] extension only if it is justified by a new choice by the British.” He added: “In no way can we accept an extension without a clear objective.”
Read more: The draft Brexit deal — what you need to know.
Ahead of the parliamentary votes, UK premier May repeated that she did not want any postponement: “The government’s policy is to get the legally binding changes so a deal can be brought back to this house… and we can leave on March 29 with a deal,” she said.
Article source: https://www.dw.com/en/uk-parliament-backs-theresa-may-s-plan-for-brexit-votes/a-47714767?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf