News

Brexit: What Happens Next?

Prime Minister Theresa May will face a vote of no confidence in her government today. Picture by House of Commons/PA Wire
Prime Minister Theresa May will face a vote of no confidence in her government today. Picture by House of Commons/PA Wire Prime Minister Theresa May will face a vote of no confidence in her government today. Picture by House of Commons/PA Wire

* VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE

Today will see MPs return to the House of Commons for a formal vote of no confidence in the government tabled by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Under the Fixed-Term Parliaments Act, if the Tory adminstration loses, and an alternative government formed by other parties is not able to win a vote of confidence, there will be an early general election - at the earliest 25 working days later.

If the government wins the motion - with support pledged by its DUP partners - it will carry on trying to achieve a new agreement acceptable to MPs.

Brexit: What Happens Next?
Brexit: What Happens Next?

* BACK TO THE NEGOTIATING TABLE

If she survives the vote, Theresa May technically has until Monday to try to hammer out a new deal which she believes could command the support of the House of Commons.

This would require talks to re-open with EU negotiators who, to this point, have insisted that the deal is a full and final offer.

Opponents of the defeated Withdrawal Agreement are demanding a complete renegotiation, which is likely to need longer than the scheduled deadline and may require an extension of Article 50 to delay Brexit.

Brexit: What Happens Next?
Brexit: What Happens Next?

This can only happen if a request from the UK is agreed by the EU for an extension, with all member states required to vote in the EU Council.

The British government would also have to table a `statutory instrument' to change the definition of exit day in the EU Withdrawal Act - this would need a vote by MPs.

Read More:

  • Mixed reaction to Brexit vote defeat from Northern Ireland politicians
  • Brexit vote result increases risk of UK crashing out of EU, warns Dublin government
  • Sinn Féin urges Leo Varadkar to 'stand firm' after Westminster rejects Brexit deal
  • Arlene Foster says UK Parliament right to reject Brexit deal