Katy Balls Katy Balls

MPs reject every Brexit option – what next?

When a cross party group of MPs managed to seize control of the Commons and win backing for a plan to hold indicative votes on Brexit options, the hope was that this would show what type of Brexit – or no Brexit – there was a majority for in Parliament. In the end, things didn’t work out exactly as planned. MPs voted on eight proposed options – from a permanent customs union to a second referendum – but not one commanded a majority. Instead, the exercise appeared to show that there is currently no majority for any form of Brexit.

The option which won the most votes was a proposal for a permanent customs union with the EU – which was beaten by 272 to 264 votes. Given that Theresa May’s deal won 242 votes at the second meaningful vote, it could be argued that a customs union is the most popular option at present. However, given that a string of Brexiteers have now said they would back May’s deal at a third vote this could well change.

Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay was quick to herald the results as proof there was no easy solution to the deadlock – pointing to May’s deal as a suitable compromise:

‘The House has today considered a wide variety of options as a way forward. And it demonstrates that there are no easy options here. There is no simple way forward. The deal the Government has negotiated is a compromise, both with the EU and with members across this House.’

The threat of MPs backing a permanent customs union could help May tempt more Eurosceptics to back her deal.

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