UK Parliament rejects Brexit deal

United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May has suffered another huge defeat in Parliament, with Members of Parliament rejecting her European Union withdrawal agreement, with 391 voting against the deal and 242 voting for it.

There will now be two further crucial Brexit related votes in Parliament this week. On Wednesday, members will vote on leaving the EU without a deal. They are expected to vote against a so-called no-deal Brexit.

A third vote will then be held on Thursday that will decide if Parliament wants May to go to the EU and ask for more time to get a deal done. As things stand, the UK is set to leave the EU on March 29. An extension could see the departure date pushed back by several months.

All 27 EU member states must agree to grant an extension. Heads of state including French President Emmanuel Macron have previously stated that the UK must have a strong reason to extend, beyond merely buying more time.

“I profoundly regret the decision Parliament has taken tonight,” said May. “I believe the deal we have negotiated is the best deal available.”

May’s future as Prime Minister is also in doubt. This is the second time Parliament has rejected a withdrawal agreement negotiated by May.

Opposition Leader Jeremy Corbyn suggested it was time that a general election was called to elect a new government.