Jump directly to the content
STRIKING A DEAL

Will Theresa May get her Brexit deal passed tonight – and what will happen if she loses?

THERESA May's Brexit deal will once more come before MPs after it was rejected by a massive majority just weeks ago.

But if she loses the vote TONIGHT, what next? Here's what we know.

 May is facing another crunch vote on her deal with the EU
2
May is facing another crunch vote on her deal with the EUCredit: AFP or licensors

Voting timetable

Tonight, March 12 MPs will vote on May's new meaningful vote. If this is passed, the UK will leave the EU.

If Parliament rejects the deal, they will hold a further vote on whether to crash out of the EU with a No Deal.

That's due to take place on March 13.

BUT, if that is also rejected, there'll be yet another vote on March 14 on whether to delay Brexit by extending Article 50.

If that fails, the UK will also leave the EU without a deal.

But if MPs vote for that scenario, the PM will then need to request an extension from the EU.

Whether they'll be amenable to an extension is another question entirely.

Of course, if the EU does grant us more time, we would still need to work out a deal. Again.

Option 1: No Deal

Theresa May has warned MPs that no Brexit at all is more likely than a No Deal.

A No Deal is widely thought to be the worst possible option, meaning the UK would have to cut ties with the European Union overnight without a transition period.

In this scenario, businesses would lose their passporting rights, which allow them to sell their services across the EU without having to obtain licences in each individual country.

A No Deal would also see residency rights for EU nationals in the UK potentially disappear overnight.

It would also lead to huge uncertainty over what would happen at the 310 mile border between Northern Ireland and the Republic.

Option 2: New Deal

In terms of parliamentary procedure, the European Union Withdrawal Act sets out the next steps should Parliament reject the Government’s Brexit deal.

However, because of the delayed vote, MPs have passed an amendment which will force the PM to return to Parliament with a fresh plan within three days if her deal is rejected.

But it remains to be seen whether MPs can form a cohesive solution to Brexit, with no specific outcome favoured by the majority of MPs.

Option 3: General Election

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has raised the possibility of calling a General Election.

Speaking ahead of the 'meaningful vote' in Wakefield, Yorkshire, he said: “Let there be no doubt: Theresa May's deal is a bad deal and Labour will vote against it next week in Parliament.

“If the Government cannot pass its most important legislation then there must be a general election at the earliest opportunity."

But Corbyn has been vague about the timings of this proposed election.

 Jeremy Corbyn spoke on the Andrew Marr show, pledging to call for a General Election
2
Jeremy Corbyn spoke on the Andrew Marr show, pledging to call for a General Election

Option 4: Another referendum

Nearly a million people marched in support of a 'People's Vote', campaigning for a second referendum to be held on Brexit.

But both the Conservatives and opposition party Labour have all-but ruled out the possibility of another vote.

We say "all but", because just about anything could happen right now.

Chuka Umunna, Anna Soubry, Layla Moran and Caroline Lucas are among the MPs who have been vocal in their support.

And even Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd has said she can see a "plausible argument" for a People's Vote on Brexit if Parliament fails to reach a consensus.

Option 5: No Confidence vote

May has survived a vote of No Confidence from her own party, meaning she cannot be challenged for another three years by her colleagues.

However, Labour could call a vote of No Confidence in the Government - which leader Jeremy Corbyn has threatened to do.

The Leader of the Opposition would have to table a motion that “That this House has no confidence in Her Majesty’s Government”.

MPs then vote, with a simple majority needed to succeed.

On the Andrew Marr show, Corbyn promised that Labour would call a No Confidence motion "soon", but has refused to comment on whether that would be as a reaction to May's Brexit plan.

The Labour leader followed through on his words after Theresa May lost the vote, tabling a No-Confidence motion to be debated the following day.

Jeremy Corbyn wants to table a motion of no-confidence in the government and says it's going to happen soon


We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368 . You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.


Topics