Brexit news: MPs reject every single indicative vote option as Theresa May vows to quit to get her deal passed
Follow The Independent's coverage of how the day's political events unfolded
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.MPs have failed to unite around any Brexit strategy after a series of indicative votes revealed no majority in the Commons for any plan.
Attempts to break the Brexit impasse floundered when MPs rejected eight different options, including a fresh referendum, a customs union and a no-deal exit.
In a dramatic day in Westminster, Theresa May told Tory MPs she will resign before the next phase of Brexit talks, in an attempt to secure support for her deal.
Addressing the 1922 committee of backbench Conservatives, the prime minister said she “would not remain in post for the next phase of the negotiations”, making way for a successor once her Brexit deal has passed.
Senior Brexiteers including Boris Johnson and Iain Duncan Smith signalled they would pivot to back the prime minister’s deal – but the DUP dealt Ms May a fresh blow by refusing to support her.
But it seems her offered sacrifice may have been in vain, as the Democratic Unionist Party announced it would not back a deal which “poses an unacceptable threat to the integrity of the United Kingdom”.
In a potentially fatal blow to Ms May’s chances, DUP leader Arlene Foster said the Northern Irish party “cannot sign up” to the deal because of its controversial “backstop” provisions.
Westminster leader Nigel Dodds made clear the party’s 10 MPs will vote against the deal if it is brought back for a third “meaningful vote”, declaring: “The DUP do not abstain on the Union.”
The decision leaves Ms May in need of the votes of large numbers of Labour MPs or rebel Tory Brexiteers, many of whom are expected to be strongly influenced by the DUP’s stance.
She has indicated she will only make a third attempt to pass the deal, following its overwhelming defeat by 230 votes in January and 149 in March, if she has a credible chance of success.
Follow along with our coverage of how the day unfolded
Please allow a moment for the live blog to load
Corbyn says her deal has been defeated. His plan protects jobs and standards.
The government is playing roulette with the livelihoods of the public, he says. Why is she running down the clock to persuade Tory MPs to back her?
May says she is protecting jobs and livelihoods. Her government has enhanced workers rights. Labour can never stand it when Tories stand up for workers, she says.
Lots of jeering from Labour MPs.
Corbyn says she was unable to guarantee dynamic alignment with EU standards and Labour's plan is to use that as a baseline.
In his resignation letter, business minister Richard Harrington told May to act in the national interest and find consensus, he says.
Will the PM accept the result of the indicative votes?
May says her objective is to deliver for the British people. She says she will listen to parliament on workers rights, not just blindly accepting what the EU says.
Corbyn is wrapping up. He accuses May of being unable to find consensus and for ignoring MPs.
May asks him to talk to Keir Starmer, the shadow Brexit secretary, who apparently plans to ignore MPs. She runs through policies that her government has brought forward.
The biggest threat to our security and economy is the Labour front bench, she says.
Brexiteer Maggie Throup asks her to ensure online petitions cannot be signed abroad - in the wake of the viral petition to revoke article 50.
She says it could be being influenced by foreign powers.
May says petitions are subject to checks as part of due diligence.
SNP's Ian Blackford addresses reports May might 'ride off into the sunset' and usher in a hardline Brexiteer into No10. He asks if she feels any sense of responsibility for what she is about to do?
May says her sense of responsibility is evident through her work to deliver on Brexit.
Blackford says it's not to late to change course. He went on the anti-Brexit march at the weekend and points to the revoke article 50 petition. Will she respect the will of parliament or allow Scotland and the rest of England to be held hostage by the rightwing of the Tory party and the DUP?
May says the government is delivering on the referendum. He wants to stay in the EU. Scottish Conservatives are the ones standing up for the people.
Tory Brexiteer Jack Lopresti asks about the "witch hunt" of veterans from the Troubles. He asks her to reassure soldiers that they won't be charged with murder in 50 years time if something goes wrong.
May says its clear that the legacy system in Northern Ireland is not working. The majority of crimes were committed by terrorists rather than the security forces, but work is being done across government to ensure that it is fair to all.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan, another Tory Brexiteer, asks a question about the army bases in her constituency.
Interestingly, the Brexiteers are a bit more muted in their criticism of May - and are asking about other matters.
Tory MP Peter Bottomley says the people of the country are behind her and they want her to get her deal through.
May says this is the view that she hears all the time and thanks him for his support.
May is being fiesty today. Lib Dem MP Jamie Stone raises the new space port planned for his constituency in northern Scotland.
She asks why he hasn't invited her to a hotel in his constituency - which must be a running joke between them.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments