Theresa May gains two weeks' Brexit reprieve from British lawmakers
Updated 10:34, 28-Feb-2019
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Prime Minister Theresa May won a two-week reprieve from British lawmakers Wednesday, who postponed a threatened rebellion aimed at blocking a no-deal Brexit after she agreed to a possible delay to Britain's departure from the EU.
But the opposition Labour Party announced it would now support a new public vote on Brexit, the first time since Britain voted in 2016 to leave the EU that one of its main parties has backed giving voters a chance to change their minds.
After months of saying that Britain must leave the EU on time on March 29, May opened up the possibility on Tuesday of a limited extension to the exit date.
That was enough to avert a showdown in parliament on Wednesday with lawmakers-including ministers in her own government who had said they were prepared to join a rebellion this week to avert an exit with no agreement.
Anti-Brexit signs are seen outside of the Houses of Parliament in London, Britain, February 27, 2019. /VCG Photo

Anti-Brexit signs are seen outside of the Houses of Parliament in London, Britain, February 27, 2019. /VCG Photo

May's climb-down took much of the heat out of a series of votes on Wednesday that could have ripped control of the entire process away from the government.
In the end, lawmakers backed her promised timetable. But it now means British citizens and businesses will not learn how, or possibly even whether, they are to leave the EU until the final weeks or even days before the deadline.

Lawmakers' choice

May has now promised that if her deal is voted down, lawmakers will get a chance to vote on whether to leave with no deal, or to ask the European Union to delay the deadline.
Lawmakers voted 502-20 in support of an amendment proposed by opposition Labour lawmaker Yvette Cooper that spelled out May's proposed timetable. The government backed the amendment.
Opposition Labour MP Yvette Cooper speaking to members of the House of Commons in London, February 27, 2019. /VCG Photo

Opposition Labour MP Yvette Cooper speaking to members of the House of Commons in London, February 27, 2019. /VCG Photo

Before May's concessions on Tuesday, Cooper had been assembling support from all parties for an amendment that would have ensured parliament had a chance to block a no-deal exit and seek a delay.
Wednesday's votes also saw lawmakers defeat a Labour proposal for a permanent customs union with the EU.
While that was widely expected, Labour had said this week that its failure would be the trigger for the main opposition party to pledge its support for a new referendum.
Members of Parliament wait for the results of voting on amendments to Theresa May's Brexit withdrawal bill inside the House of Commons in London, February 27, 2019. /‍VCG Photo

Members of Parliament wait for the results of voting on amendments to Theresa May's Brexit withdrawal bill inside the House of Commons in London, February 27, 2019. /‍VCG Photo

"Disappointed the government has rejected Labour's alternative Brexit deal," Labour's Brexit spokesman, Keir Starmer, said. "That's why Labour will put forward or support an amendment in favour of a public vote to prevent a damaging Tory Brexit."
Most lawmakers oppose a no-deal exit, but May's promise to allow a vote on that after the vote on her deal was enough to persuade many not to intervene yet.
Another measure, calling on the government to guarantee the rights of EU citizens in the event of a no-deal exit, was also passed with government support.

'We only accept an extension with a credible solution'

In response to May's announcement of a possible Brexit delay, French president Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel reiterated that the agreement as written is non-negotiable. During a joint press conference Wednesday, however, they remained open to an extension, demonstrating their unity on Brexit.
"The withdrawal agreement cannot be renegotiated," declared the French President to members of the press at the Elysee Palace.
French President Emmanuel Macron (R) meets German Chancellor Angela Merkel (L) as she arrives for a meeting over Brexit and other European issues at the Elysee Palace, February 27, 2019. /VCG Photo

French President Emmanuel Macron (R) meets German Chancellor Angela Merkel (L) as she arrives for a meeting over Brexit and other European issues at the Elysee Palace, February 27, 2019. /VCG Photo

"If the British need more time, we can consider a request for an extension," said Marcon, "But we would in no way accept an extension without a clear view on the objective pursued," he added.
Merkel said she was "totally on the same line" as Macron but appeared more willing to show flexibility.
"If Britain needs some more time, we won't refuse but we are striving for an orderly solution, i.e. an orderly exit of Britain from the European Union," she said.
French officials have said Paris would agree to delay Brexit only if a credible solution surfaced. Such solutions include Britain calling an election, holding a second referendum, or presenting a new plan acceptable to all sides requiring more time to finalize.
(Cover: Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaking during the weekly Prime Minister's Questions session in the House of Commons, February 27, 2019. /VCG Photo)
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Source(s): Reuters