Theresa May delays key Brexit vote over ‘widespread and deep concern’ over the Irish backstop

Theresa May at the dispatch box


Support us and go ad-free

On 10 December, Theresa May addressed MPs to formally delay the ‘meaningful vote‘ on Brexit. The vote on the prime minister’s Brexit deal was due to go ahead on 11 December.

Delay to the meaningful vote

May said during her statement that although the debate has gone on for three days it must be delayed over “widespread and deep concern” over the Irish backstop. As there’s no current Brexit deal without the backstop, the prime minister will be meeting with EU leaders and the EU Commission.

Deputy group leader of the SNP Kirsty Blackman asked May when the vote will be deferred to but no clear answer was given. The prime minister suggested it could happen in January 2019.

House of Commons Speaker John Bercow stated it was “deeply discourteous” for May to halt the Brexit debate. He said that a minister could move a motion to adjourn the debate. MPs would then effectively vote on whether or not to have the vote. Bercow believes this to be the best way forward.

The Irish backstop

The leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Arlene Foster issued a statement and tweeted her views on the backstop:

DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds said the vote would not get through the House of Commons whilst the backstop remained part of the deal.

Opposition parties

Jeremy Corbyn asked the prime minister if she plans on making only small changes to her Brexit plan. As reported by the Guardian, he went on to say that the Irish prime minister, Leo Varadkar, claimed that May’s red lines were to blame for this mess.

Corbyn grilled May over her inability to carry on in government. He concluded by saying that if the prime minister could not renegotiate her deal then “she must make way” for those that can.

Leader of the SNP and Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted saying:

And Liberal Democrat leader Vince Cable said he would back Labour in a vote of no confidence against the Conservative government. Sturgeon has also expressed support if Corbyn goes for such a vote.

Featured image via YouTube – The Independent

Support us and go ad-free

We know everyone is suffering under the Tories - but the Canary is a vital weapon in our fight back, and we need your support

The Canary Workers’ Co-op knows life is hard. The Tories are waging a class war against us we’re all having to fight. But like trade unions and community organising, truly independent working-class media is a vital weapon in our armoury.

The Canary doesn’t have the budget of the corporate media. In fact, our income is over 1,000 times less than the Guardian’s. What we do have is a radical agenda that disrupts power and amplifies marginalised communities. But we can only do this with our readers’ support.

So please, help us continue to spread messages of resistance and hope. Even the smallest donation would mean the world to us.

Support us

Related articles