British MPs Reject Brexit Deal by Majority of 230

British MPs voted against Theresa May’s Brexit deal with an overwhelming majority of 230, marking the heaviest defeat of any British prime minister since the democratic era.

“This is a catastrophic defeat. The house has delivered its verdict on her deal. Delay and denial has reached the end of the line,” said Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the Labour party.

Speaking to MPs before the vote, May said the vote is “a decision that will define our country for decades to come. A decision that each of us will have to justify and live with for many years to come.”

Since the shock referendum result in 2016, May has struggled to unite the Conservative party over Brexit. Many MPs, including cabinet members and two Brexit secretaries resigned due to the exit agreement.

The UK now faces the very real prospect of a no-deal Brexit, the effects of which are unclear. Pro-remainers are pushing for a second referendum in the hope that the UK would then stay in the EU.

The Labour party has triggered a vote of no confidence in government which could, although unlikely, would result in a general election in the UK. With the date the UK is set to leave the EU on 29 March 2019 fast approaching, the country is still struggling to overcome its deep divisions. The coming weeks will tell if a new deal can be made, a result that seems ever more unlikely.

by Amy Jones 

Photo soure: The Guardian