heresa May offers MPs Brexit delay vote

Theresa May has promised MPs a vote on delaying the UK’s departure from the EU or ruling out a no-deal Brexit, if they reject her deal next month.

Mrs May is making a statement to MPs on Brexit, amid the threat of a revolt by Remain-supporting ministers.

The prime minister promised MPs a meaningful vote on her Brexit deal by 12 March. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn accused the prime minister of trying to “string” the Brexit process out.

The prime minister said she will put her withdrawal agreement – including any changes she has agreed with the EU – to a meaningful vote on 12 March.

If that fails, MPs will be offered two separate votes

One, on 13 March, on whether MPs support a no-deal Brexit – so the UK would “only leave without a deal on 29 March if there is explicit consent in the House for that outcome”

If that fails, then MPs will get a vote the following day on requesting an extension to the two-year Article 50 negotiation process to delay EU withdrawal beyond 29 March.