The Brexit catastrophe continues.
Theresa May’s withdrawal agreement has been defeated in the House of Commons by the overwhelming margin of 202 to 432. It is a record defeat for a government motion in the history of parliamentary politics in the United Kingdom.
The landslide vote has seen MPs from all parties vote against the Conservative party leader and Prime Minister’s agreement, which would have prevented a hard border on the island of Ireland.
The unpopular agreement faced opponents on every side, including MPs who want a second referendum, those who would not allow for a backstop in order to avoid to a hard border in Ireland, and those who believe the UK should reopen negotiations with the EU.
Speaking after the vote Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn informed the Speaker of the House John Bercow that he has tabled a motion of no confidence in Theresa May, and has demanded that the debate on the matter of May’s leadership be conducted tomorrow (16 January).
If such a motion passes, Theresa May will have to resign — a move which would likely force a general election. May has not resigned of her own accord.
As things stand, the UK is set to leave the EU on the 29 March. If no deal can be struck before that time, then the UK will leave the EU without any trade agreement — possibly restricting food, air travel, and travel across the Irish border.
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