German MP Norbert Roettgen said it was “good news” because “finally MPs are taking control of Brexit” after rebels voted to wrestle control of the process from the Government with series of “indicative votes”. He welcomed the news after Parliament last night voted to support the cross-party amendment, which was passed by 392 to 302, in another humiliating reverse for Mrs May.
Writing on Twitter, Mr Roettgen said: “Finally MPs are taking control of Brexit,” referring to the House of Commons’ vote to indicate whether it can agree on a deal with closer ties to Brussels.
The shocking result means MPs could potentially dictate the Commons’ handling of Brexit talks, potentially paving the way for a “softer” deal that would keep Britain closely tied to the EU with a series of votes tomorrow.
Mr Roettgen, who is the head of the foreign affairs committee in Germany’s lower house of parliament, added: “Short extension therefore almost certainly off the table.
“This is good news!”
The so-called indicative votes are expected tomorrow and are based around seven options including: revoking Article 50, a second referendum, Theresa May’s Brexit deal, a Canada-style free trade agreement, a customs union, joining the single market and a no deal Brexit.
Nearly three years after the 2016 EU membership referendum and four days before Britain was supposed to leave the bloc, it remains unclear how, when or even if Brexit will take place, with Parliament and the nation still bitterly divided.
But Mrs May could try to bring her deal back to Parliament on Thursday for a third vote on Britain’s biggest trade and foreign policy shift for more than 40 years.
On Monday, MPs seized control of the process in Parliament for how Britain should leave the EU.
The three ministers who quit were among 30 Tory MPs to defy the whips and support the cross-party amendment which was passed by 329 to 302 – a majority of 27 – in another humiliating reverse for Mrs May.
The defeat heaps further pressure on Mrs May’s position and could increase the chances of an early general election if MPs back plans for a softer Brexit which would be unacceptable to the Prime Minister or Tory Eurosceptics.
Mrs will address Tory MPs at a meeting of the 1922 Committee on Wednesday amid speculation that setting a timetable for her departure could sway more Conservatives to back the deal.