It’s all crumbling.
A no-deal Brexit is now more likely but can still be avoided, the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier has said.
On Monday night, MPs voted on four alternatives to Theresa May’s withdrawal deal, but none gained a majority.
Here’s how they voted:
- Negotiate a permanent Customs Union – Ayes 273, Nos 276
- An enhanced ‘Norway-style’ exit deal known as Common Market 2.0 – Ayes 261, Nos 282
- Confirmatory Public Vote to approve Brexit deal – Ayes 280, Nos 292
- Revoke Article 50 if faced with no-deal Brexit – Ayes 191, Nos 292
Barnier gave his reaction to Monday night’s vote results on Tuesday morning.
He said that “over the last days and weeks a no-deal scenario has become more likely” and said the UK must “more than ever” explain how it plans to avoid one.
Barnier said: “No deal was never our desire or intended scenario but the EU 27 is now prepared. It becomes day after day more likely.”
So what exactly did MPs vote on in Commons last night?
MPs rejected a customs union with the EU by three votes while a motion for another referendum got the most votes in favour, but still lost.
The votes were only indicative votes and were not legally binding, but they had been seen as indication where the House of Commons might compromise towards some kind of agreement.
However that was not the case and now Theresa May will hold talks with her cabinet on Tuesday to decide what is the best course of action.
Some reports suggest that her Withdrawal Agreement, negotiated between her cabinet and the EU may be put to a fourth vote in Parliament on Wednesday. However, it is unclear at this moment whether it will happen or even if it will be allowed to happen by the Speaker of the House John Bercow.
If they were to vote on Wednesday and reject it once again, speculation is mounting that a general election may be called to try and get past the deadlock.
However, there are some suggestions that only three paths remain likely at this moment, either accept May’s Withdrawal Bill, request a long extension from the EU to sort out everything, or a no-deal Brexit.
As we mentioned earlier, the last option is looking more and more likely with each passing day.
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