Brexit news: Theresa May secures ‘legally binding’ changes to EU deal after last-ditch Strasbourg visit
Follow live updates from Westminster
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Theresa May has secured “legally-binding’’ changes to her Brexit deal after an eleventh-hour dash to Strasbourg on the eve of a dramatic Commons vote.
In a late-night press conference with European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker, Ms May urged MPs to back her “improved” deal in the meaningful vote tomorrow after pledging she had secured reassurances that the UK would not be trapped in the Irish backstop.
Cabinet Office minister David Lidington set out details of some of the changes agreed with Brussels in a Commons statement as he tried to buy the prime minister time to finish her talks before the Commons rose for the night.
It comes ahead of a parliamentary showdown on Ms May’s Brexit deal on Tuesday, which returns to the Commons after it was overwhelmingly rejected by MPs in January.
As speculation mounts over a fresh humiliation for Ms May, all eyes will be on the Brexiteers and her DUP allies to see if the changes the prime minister has secured will be enough to get the deal over the line.
Please allow a moment for the liveblog to load
Everything is moving very quickly, but if Theresa May manages to get some sort of agreement tonight then there could be several critical votes this week.
Read our explainer on what's to come:
The Irish premier, Leo Varadkar, who was due to begin his journey to America for St Patrick's Day, returned from Dublin airport and is currently in government buildings for the cabinet briefing.
European parliament Brexit chief Guy Verhofstadt is also meeting May tonight.
Theresa May has arrived in Strasbourg and has gone straight into talks with senior EU figures. Lots of journalists who are there have been tweeting that May and the others look pretty cheerful.
It looks like they may have something.
Reminder - while all eyes are on Strasbourg, MPs are still waiting for the government to make a Brexit statement. The prime minister must lay down a motion for tomorrow's meaningful vote before the Commons rises tonight, meaning they are racing against the clock to get this done.
MPs will then be able to table amendments to the government motion, to try to shape the process.
Earlier, Speaker John Bercow, insisted the Commons will "not be messed around" by ministers over a crucial Brexit vote, amid widespread uncertainty over the government's plans.
The Speaker sounded his warning after several MPs condemned the lack of time available for them to consider any changes to the Brexit deal and to table amendments.
Brexit minister Robin Walker confirmed a second meaningful vote on Theresa May's deal will take place on Tuesday, but he was unable to offer further details as to when the motion will be brought forward, noting that negotiations are ongoing.
Mr Bercow hinted Tuesday's debate on the Brexit deal could be delayed by extra business being added to the schedule, which would give MPs a chance to assess new information, while Independent former minister Chris Leslie suggested a suspension of the sitting may be required.
The Speaker also confirmed Brexit secretary Steve Barclay's statement to the Commons on Monday was expected at either 10pm or it "might come a little earlier".
He added it will take place when the government is "in a position to make, dare I say it, a meaningful statement" to MPs.
Several cabinet ministers left Government Buildings in Dublin at about 8.40pm.
None commented as they left.
A spokeswoman for the Irish government said the meeting had been adjourned and would reconvene later tonight.
"The Taoiseach spoke to President Juncker this evening," she said.
"The Cabinet met to discuss developments across the day. Cabinet meeting adjourned just after 8.30pm and will resume again later this evening. Discussions are continuing."
Leading Brexiteer Steve Baker says it is important to remember that MPs voted to replace the backstop with alternative arrangements but "I very much doubt that has been achieved".
He told Sky News: "Deal fever abounds tonight but the crucial thing is will this backstop come to an end? Could we safely vote for the agreement without having that kind of entrapment?"
He says the European Research Group (ERG) will take their public duty seriously and plan to have their top lawyers scrutinise the legal text. But they haven't seen it yet.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments