The second round of indicative votes has failed to break the Brexit deadlock. Again, none of the options got a majority.
The customs union came closest for a second time, falling only three votes short on this occasion—273 to 276. Nick Boles’ Common Market 2.0 was 21 short of a majority despite the support of Labour and the SNP. If the DUP’s 10 MPs had voted for it, then it would have got exceptionally close. Boles responded to the defeat by quitting the Tory party saying that it was the Tory party’s refusal to compromise that meant no consensus could be found. The confirmatory—or second referendum—was 12 votes shy and there was a 101 vote majority against revoking Article 50 to prevent no deal.
So, what happens now? Well, the Cabinet meets tomorrow to try and chart a way forward and Oliver Letwin takes over the Commons again on Wednesday afternoon.
Britain’s best politics newsletters
You get two free articles each week when you sign up to The Spectator’s emails.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in