Brexit: May wins backing to renegotiate Northern Ireland backstop but EU says nothing has changed
The IndependentSign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “It is now clear that there is a route which can secure a substantial and sustainable majority in the house for leaving the EU with a deal.” Earlier in the evening a plan put forward by Labour MP Yvette Cooper to prevent a no-deal Brexit in March by giving MPs the power to request an extension to Article 50 failed to receive the backing of the Commons, being defeated by 321 votes to 298. An amendment tabled by former Tory attorney general Dominic Grieve that would have seen MPs seize control of the Brexit process, by enabling backbenchers as well as Ms May’s executive to table legislation between now and March 29, was also defeated by the government by 321 votes to 301, a majority of 20. Brexit: Yvette Cooper's amendment defeated: Ayes 298, Noes 321 “I think it is possible to go for a different type of agreement, a much more bare bones agreement – some would call it a managed no deal.” Several Tory MPs told The Independent they expected to be back in the Commons to vote against Ms May’s deal, as they did not believe she would be able to secure sufficient changes. European Council president Donald Tusk’s spokesman said “the withdrawal agreement is not open for renegotiation”, and the European parliament’s chief Brexit negotiator, Guy Verhofstadt, said there was “no majority to reopen or dilute” the deal.