Prime Minister Theresa May has until Monday to come back to Parliament with a Plan B for Britain’s European Union exit—aka Brexit. On Tuesday, Parliament defeated the previous deal she had reached with the EU. May is calling for politicians to “put self-interest aside” and find a compromise for Britain’s path out of the EU.
May spoke outside her 10 Downing Street residence after her government narrowly won a no-confidence vote in Parliament on Wednesday evening. The main opposition Labour Party called for the vote.
In Britain, a no-confidence vote tests whether the government has the support of lawmakers. If a no-confidence vote passes, the ruling government must resign or call a general election.
The House of Commons expressed confidence in the government by 325 votes to 306, meaning May can remain in office. Had the government lost, Britain would have faced an election within weeks—while preparing to leave the European Union on March 29.
Now May faces a struggle to come up with a so-called “deal” for Brexit. The deal dictates how the withdrawal happens. It puts into law things like how much money Britain owes the EU and what happens to British citizens living in EU countries: Are they now illegals? Must they apply for citizenship in order to stay? It’s complicated. (See “Brexit and Gibraltar.”)
A “no-deal” Brexit on March 29 could bring gridlock at ports and disrupt the supply of goods. EU countries don’t conduct checks between member nations, but if Britain is no longer a member. . . . Suddenly, officials would need to change customs and security measures.
Yesterday, Armed Forces Minister Mark Lancaster said military reservists are on standby to smooth the way in case of “a no-deal EU exit scenario.”
(Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May, center left, speaks in the House of Commons, after the legislature rejected a no-confidence vote against the government. Mark Duffy, UK Parliament via AP)
