Brexit Debate: Parliament rejects PM's withdrawal plan for third time

World
Europe

02:31

We start in the UK. Friday was the official day of a supposed Brexit. But as CGTN's Richard Bestic reports, the repeated failure of UK politicians to agree to terms is now having serious consequences.

On the streets outside Parliament, angry crowds gathered as news of Brexit's latest defeat spread.

A feeling of betrayal among many.

Inside, this last throw of the Parliamentary dice for May's deal was, in the words of the prime minister, a chance to save Brexit.

THERESA MAY BRITISH PRIME MINISTER "Approving the withdrawal agreement today avoids a cliff edge in two weeks' time. It avoids European elections, it avoids a long extension which would at least delay and could destroy Brexit."

When defeat came, May described it as a matter of profound regret and she said the implications were grave.

THERESA MAY BRITISH PRIME MINISTER "I fear we are reaching the limits of this process in this House."

From the EU's chief Brexit negotiator, offers to the UK of a free trade "customs union".

But also recognition of a stark and possibly imminent alternative.

MICHEL BARNIER EU BREXIT CHIEF NEGOTIATOR "Let me be frank, ladies and gentlemen. Without a positive choice, the default option will be a no deal, which has become more likely."

RICHARD BESTIC LONDON "With this third successive defeat for Theresa May's Brexit Deal, these people may get what they wish for. The country now has just two weeks to come up with an alternative plan and Members of Parliament will gather again on Monday when they'll take control of the Brexit agenda and try to stitch together their own alternative compromise. RB, CGTN, London."