Theresa May’s deal to exit European Union is now taking a different twist after MPs rejected the deal.
Britain’s Parliament on Wednesday turned down multiple alternatives to the government’s twice-rejected deal for leaving the European Union, leaving the future of Brexit more uncertain than ever.
The House of Commons took over Brexit from Prime Minister Theresa May, who had failed to secure approval of a deal.
The House of Commons took over Brexit from Prime Minister Theresa May, who had failed to secure approval of a deal.
Lawmakers began debate Wednesday with 16 separate plans. Negotiators reduced that number to eight, which were brought to votes. All were rejected.
Among the alternatives turned down was one that would have kept Britain in a customs union with the EU, and one that would have put the question of leaving the EU to another referendum.
The EU has given Britain until April 12 to let members know what it plans to do, or it will leave the EU with no exit plan in place, which could lead to economic chaos.
May said Wednesday that she would step down as prime minister “earlier than I intended” if lawmakers adopted the plan she negotiated with the EU.
Stephen Barclay, Britain’s Brexit secretary, said the fact that eight different proposals failed was another sign that May’s plan “was the best option.”