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
Tory Brexiteer Marcus Fysh is moving amendment O, which seeks preferential trade arrangements with the EU if there is no deal.
Earlier, The SNP's Joanna Cherry also moved her motion (L) on revoking article 50 to avoid a no-deal Brexit.
Speculation is absolutely rife about what Theresa May will say when she addresses the 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers at 5pm.
The PM only goes to the 1922's weekly meeting when she has something important to say or if she has been summoned by backbenchers.
The big rumour is that she will tell Tory MPs that she will quit in return for them supporting her Brexit deal.
Journalists are not allowed to watch the meetings, so they tend to gather in the corridor outside to collar MPs coming in and out. There's a certain amount of listening at the door too.
Top colleagues Ashley Cowburn and Tom Peck are there, so we will bring you all the details as we get them.
The government is furious about John Bercow's latest intervention, after he said he will not accept a third meaningful vote this week without substantial changes.
A government source said the Speaker was "making it up as he goes along."
Downing Street was caught off guard by his comments, with the PM's spokesman saying: "I, for one, was not aware of that in advance, so there isn't anything I can add at the moment."
Asked if the vote would be allowed to be brought back, the spokesman said: "As he made clear himself it is a matter for the Speaker. He will determine that."
↵Apparently May has been telling MPs she will quit once Brexit is delivered. Important to caveat that this is single sourced at the moment.
NEW: Theresa May has told Conservative MPs she will step aside as prime minister after she has delivered Brexit.
She pledged to quit before the next stage of negotiations, allowing her successor to carry the Brexit process forward.
Read our breaking story here:
We've now got a partial readout from Theresa May's address to the 1922 committee.
The PM told Tory MPs: “I have heard very clearly the mood of the parliamentary party. I know there is a desire for a new approach – and new leadership – in the second phase of the Brexit negotiations – and I won’t stand in the way of that.
“I know some people are worried that if you vote for the Withdrawal Agreement, I will take that as a mandate to rush on into phase two without the debate we need to have. I won’t – I hear what you are saying.
“But we need to get the deal through and deliver Brexit.
[…]
“I am prepared to leave this job earlier than I intended in order to do what is right for our country and our party.
“I ask everyone in this room to back the deal so we can complete our historic duty – to deliver on the decision of the British people and leave the European Union with a smooth and orderly exit.”
If Theresa May does step aside as prime minister, then there will be a leadership contest this summer by the sounds of it.
Who could be in the frame to be the next Tory leader?
My colleague Ashley Cowburn has sent some lines from the 1922 frontline.
One MP outside the meeting said the PM told the committee: “She would not lead the party into the next phase of the negotiations” but stressed the deal needs to be passed first.
“There was respectful recognition for her work and service,” another MP said when asked about loud banging from inside the room.
“She praised her team - she’ll be sad,” Tory MP Pauline Latham said, adding that she would back May's deal.
George Freeman left the room saying it’s the “best speech she has ever given”.
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