Theresa May set out a plan to extend Article 50

UK Prime Minister Theresa May has laid out plans for a possible extension to Article 50 to avoid the UK leaving the European Union at the end of March without a deal. Such an extension would first require MPs to vote to reject both the prime minister’s current deal and a no-deal scenario. Speaking to the House of Commons on Tuesday, May acknowledged fellow ministers’ worries that “time is running out,” but maintained that she believed a no-deal Brexit would not be as disastrous as predicted. “I believe, if we have to, we will ultimately make a success of a no-deal,” the prime minister said, amid loud scoffs from the House.

The steps toward the contested extension were outlined in May’s “three commitments,” a three-step process planned for mid-March.

The Three Commitments

• MPs will take part in a meaningful vote on March 12 over May’s current Brexit deal
• Should her deal be rejected, MPs will then be invited to vote on March 13 on whether the UK should leave the EU without a deal
• Rejection of both of the above would lead MPs to a third vote on March 14 on the extension of Article 50

Parliament divisions

However, May warned that an extension, should it happen, would be a one-off situation and would be brief, creating “a much sharper cliff edge.” The only way to avoid leaving the EU without a deal would be to agree a deal or to revoke Article 50 altogether, the latter of which “is something I will not do,” the prime minister said. May rejected proposals of a second referendum, saying it would take the country “back to square one.” “This House voted to trigger Article 50 and this House has a duty to deliver on the result,” she added. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who is due to announce his backing of a second referendum, said in response to May’s speech that he would expect a public vote, should May’s deal pass parliament’s meaningful vote.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May lays out plan for extension of Article 50, EuroNews, Mar 01