MPs remain divided on how to solve the Brexit deadlock, after a series of alternatives to Theresa May’s deal failed to get a majority in the Commons for a second time.

In another round of indicative votes, four options were put to Parliament – two “softer” forms of Brexit (adopting a customs union with the EU and a plan known as Common Market 2.0), a second referendum and MPs being given increased control over what happens next.

But, once again, a winner did not emerge.

A motion calling for a second referendum on any Brexit deal passed by Parliament was the most popular option, gaining 280 votes in favour. But 292 MPs voted against it.

This was followed by a demand for Britain to form a customs union with the European Union, which garnered 273 votes. This was close to passing, with 276 MPs casting ballots the other way.

Common Market 2.0 – a plan for close engagement with the EU after Brexit along the lines of Norway’s relationship with the bloc – got 261 votes in favour, with 282 ballots against.

The fourth option, which called for Article 50 to be revoked if a deal could not be agreed and MPs rejected leaving without a deal, went down by 191 votes to 292.

There were dramatic scenes after the vote when Conservative MP Nick Boles, the architect of the Common Market 2.0 plan, announced he was quitting the party because of what he said was its inability to compromise.

“I have given everything to an attempt to find a compromise that can take this country out of the European Union while maintaining our economic strength and our political cohesion,” he said.

“I accept I have failed. I have failed chiefly because my party refuses to compromise.

“I regret therefore to announce I can no longer sit for this party.”

Mr Boles was applauded by MPs for his announcement, with one heard saying “Oh Nick, don’t go, come on.”

The PM will consider what to do next at a marathon cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

Reacting to the votes, Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay told the Commons that “the only option is to find a way through which allows the UK to leave with a deal”.

He added that if MPs could pass a deal this week, it would still be possible to avoid taking part in next month’s elections for the European Parliament.

“This house has continuously rejected leaving without a deal just as it has rejected not leaving at all,” Mr Barclay said.

“Therefore the only option is to find a way through which allows the UK to leave with a deal.

“The government continues to believe that the best course of action is to do so as soon as possible.”

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn described the continued deadlock as “disappointing”, but said MPs should have another chance to consider the alternatives on Wednesday.

He said: “If it is good enough for the prime minister to have three chances at her deal, then I suggest that possible the House should have a chance to consider again the options we had before us today in a debate on Wednesday so the house can succeed where the prime minister has failed in presenting a credible economic relationship with Europe for the future that prevents us crashing out with no deal.”

Ian Blackford, the SNP’s Westminster leader, said it would be an “outrage” if MPs were asked to vote on Mrs May’s deal again, while Green Party MP Caroline Lucas said it was “dead”.

European Parliament Brexit co-ordinator Guy Verhofstadt wrote on Twitter: “The House of Commons again votes against all options.

“A hard Brexit becomes nearly inevitable. On Wednesday, the U.K. has a last chance to break the deadlock or face the abyss.”

MPs do have control of proceedings again on Wednesday, but Speaker John Bercow has said it is not yet clear what debates and votes will be staged.

Sir Oliver Letwin, the Tory MP behind the process, is expected to set out his proposals for what happens next on Tuesday.

Source: Read Full Article