Brexit: UK attempts to renegotiate but EU says nothing has changed
CNNLondon CNN — After the historically huge defeat for Theresa May’s Brexit plan in the House of Commons two weeks ago, anything short of a repetition on Tuesday night would have felt like a victory. As justifiable as the backstop is, EU leaders – as keen as many UK lawmakers to avoid a no deal scenario – should do whatever they can to make a Brexit deal possible even if it involves more concessions. It emerged on Tuesday evening, while lawmakers were debating the amendments, that European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker had telephoned May at lunchtime to tell her the withdrawal agreement was not up for renegotiation – before she told the Commons she would throw the government’s weight behind the Brady amendment seeking a change to the backstop. After Tuesday’s vote it may have seemed like the PM was closer to getting Brexit over the line – but in reality it remains as challenging and complicated as ever.