Brexit deal vote: what happens next?

UK MPs have backed proposals to replace the controversial Irish backstop in the prime minister's Brexit deal but questions remain about what the next steps are.

WILL THE PM GO TO BRUSSELS?

Theresa May vowed to seek "legally binding" changes to the Withdrawal Agreement with the European Union but gave no firm date for returning to Brussels to reopen negotiations. May told MPs on Tuesday night that while there was "limited appetite" to amend the deal, MPs had "made it clear what it needs to approve a withdrawal agreement".

WILL THE EU MAKE ANY CONCESSIONS?

Key figures in Brussels roundly rejected the PM's suggestion, as Donald Tusk insisted that the Withdrawal Agreement struck last November was not open for renegotiation. Meanwhile, the European Parliament's chief Brexit negotiator, Guy Verhofstadt, said there was "no majority to reopen or dilute" the agreement.

WHAT ABOUT THE LABOUR PARTY?

Jeremy Corbyn, who boycotted cross-party talks after that vote, said he was now ready to meet the prime minister to discuss a "sensible Brexit solution that works for the whole country". He called on May to "face the reality that no deal is not an option".

COULD BREXIT BE DELAYED?

This option became less likely after MPs rejected two proposals to delay Brexit by extending the two-year Article 50 negotiation process if May was unable to secure an acceptable agreement by February 26.

WHAT SORT OF BREXIT IS NOW LIKELY?

It still remains unclear. The EU would have to significantly change their stance on reopening the Withdrawal Agreement if legally binding changes are to be made on the backstop. But while the UK and EU remain at loggerheads over the issue, one of May's key negotiating weapons was ripped from her hands by MPs who voted to block a no-deal.


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Source: AAP



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