Parliament votes to reject ‘no deal’ Brexit

Posted in UK and EU legal framework The Withdrawal Agreement

The House of Commons has voted against the UK leaving the EU without a deal.

The Government originally proposed a motion that rejected the UK leaving with no deal on 29 March. However, a backbench amendment was passed which changed the motion to reject leaving the EU without a deal in any circumstances. 

The amended motion, which was approved by a majority of 43, provides that: “This House rejects the United Kingdom leaving the European Union without a Withdrawal Agreement and a Framework for the Future Relationship.”

MPs will now vote on whether to request an extension of Article 50 from the EU – and it may be that a further vote on the draft Withdrawal Agreement will also be held.

It is worth reiterating that notwithstanding Parliament’s rejection of a ‘no deal’ Brexit, legally ’no deal’ remains the default option insofar as the UK will exit the EU on 29 March unless either a deal is reached; or Article 50 is extended or revoked.