BREXIT VOTE: Parliament backs British PM Theresa May, calls for no deal rule out and backstop changes

BRITAIN’S Prime Minister has told MPs the government will redouble its efforts to secure changes to the EU Withdrawal Agreement following a series of votes in Parliament tonight (Tuesday).

MPs backed the government’s motion which acknowledges she has Parliament’s backing for efforts to secure changes to her Brexit deal. It comes after Parliament rejected her original deal earlier this month.

Two of the seven amendments put forward by MPs passed. Conservative Caroline Spelman and Labour’s Jack Dromey’s amendment calls on the government to take a no deal scenario off the table.

Conservative Graham Brady’s amendment stated the Commons would back a withdrawal agreement if the Northern Irish backstop was replaced with “alternative arrangements”.

Theresa May said there was a “substantial” majority to leave the EU with a deal in March.

“A fortnight ago this House rejected the Withdrawal Agreement.

“Tonight a majority has said it will support the deal with changes to the backstop. We will now take this mandate forward,” May said.

“There is limited appetite for change within the EU and the path will not be easy.  But in contrast to a fortnight ago this house has made it clear what it needs to approve a withdrawal agreement,” the Prime Minister added.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he was now prepared to meet May for talks on the deal going forward.

“We are prepared to meet her to put forward the point of view of the Labour Party on the kind of agreement we would want,” Corbyn said.

May is now set to return to Brussels to make the case for changes to the agreement. EU officials previously ruled out re-opening negotiations.