London [UK]: Even after hours of debate, the British Parliament on Thursday failed to give an outright majority to any of the eight alternative Brexit options including no deal and Labour’s alternative deal.
According to the CNN, calling for a second referendum received the highest numbers of votes.
Along with that, an instrument was also passed with 441 votes in favour to change the date of Brexit from March 29 to May 22, or if possible, April 12.
Earlier today, UK PM Theresa May told that she will step down as the prime minister if her deal gets passed.
The further course of actions is uncertain. Some MPs are proposing another round of indicative votes. However, several claiming that another round would be a sheer waste of time.
While Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay said tonight’s results prove that lawmakers should back Prime Minister Theresa May’s deal as it was “in the national interest.”
“The results of the process this House has gone through today strengthens our view that the deal the Government has negotiated is the best option,” Barclay told Parliament.
British MPs on Monday defied Prime Minister Theresa May’s government and voted in the favour of an amendment that gives them the power to control the country’s Parliament.
As many as 30 Conservative MPs have voted against Theresa May. Letwin Amendment has allowed the lawmakers to make a series of indicative votes on various alternative options-including Norway-style deal with the EU and no Brexit.
Last week, at least one million people protested against May’s handling of the Brexit process, demanding for a second referendum to be held.
In 2016, over 50 per cent of the UK electorate voted to leave the EU, following which the British government triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, beginning the country’s process of its exit from the European bloc. The then-Prime Minister David Cameron, who supported continued membership to the EU, resigned, making way for May to take charge.
The bloc agreed to extend Article 50 till May 22, provided the British Parliament supports the Withdrawal Deal next week when May holds a meaningful vote. If the Parliament rejects the deal again, the UK will be given an extension only till April 12, according to Donald Tusk, the President of the European Council.
[source_without_link]ANI[/source_without_link]