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As it happenedended

Brexit news: Theresa May stands by her deal in face of renewed threat from Conservative rebels

Follow all the latest updates

Lizzy Buchan
Political Correspondent
,Ashley Cowburn
Tuesday 11 December 2018 19:30 GMT
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Theresa May: 'The deal we've negotiated is a deal that honors the referendum, it's the only deal available'

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Theresa May has claimed her Brexit blueprint is “the only deal available” after she travelled to Europe in a desperate scramble to win concessions from EU leaders.

The prime minister was forced to shelve Tuesday's crunch vote on the withdrawal agreement in the face of near-certain defeat by Tory rebels, embarking instead on a whistle-stop diplomatic tour of European capitals.

It comes as Tory rebels renewed a push to overthrow her, with some members of the European Research Group claiming more letters calling for her resignation have been submitted.

Meanwhile, Downing Street said the delayed vote would take place by 21 January, though insiders hope it could be before depending on what happens in Brussels.

To follow events as they unfolded, see our live coverage below

Ashley Cowburn11 December 2018 11:03

Theresa May will bring her Brexit deal back to the House of Commons “before January 21”, the PMs official spokesman tells a Westminster briefing.

Ashley Cowburn11 December 2018 11:33

Interesting moment in the Chamber just now - the chancellor Philip Hammond told his opposite number John McDonnell to vote for the Brexit deal on the table at the moment.

But the Commons Speaker John Bercow interrupted: "It's quite difficult to vote for something if there isn't a vote."

Ashley Cowburn11 December 2018 11:53
Ashley Cowburn11 December 2018 12:12

This is from my colleague Lizzy Buchan, who is currently at a People's Vote press conference in Westminster. The organisation were due to hold a rally today, but are outlining their next steps after the PM decided to pull the deal on Monday.

Ashley Cowburn11 December 2018 12:16

Ashley Cowburn11 December 2018 12:34

Opposition parties have warned Jeremy Corbyn has until the end of the day to table a confidence motion in Theresa May, writes Lizzy Buchan

SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford issued the Labour leader with an ultimatum, saying he must act before close of play on Tuesday or other parties will be forced to intervene.

Mr Corbyn is facing growing pressure to put forward a no-confidence motion in the government after the prime minister was forced to pull a vote in her Brexit deal at the eleventh bout to avoid a catastrophic defeat at the hands of her backbenchers.

Speaking at a press conference in central London, Mr Blackford said Britain was facing a “constitutional crisis unparalleled in modern times” and suggested that his party, the Greens, the Liberal Democrat’s and Plaid Cymru could attempt to force a vote in the government if Labour won’t.

Asked by The Independent for more details, he gave Mr Corbyn until the end of the day to act.

Ashley Cowburn11 December 2018 12:41

Arriving in Germany for talks with Angela Merkel, the chancellor, Theresa May appears to have run into a little difficulty after getting locked inside her car. Quite a metaphor for the Brexit negotiations.

Ashley Cowburn11 December 2018 12:45
Ashley Cowburn11 December 2018 13:08
Ashley Cowburn11 December 2018 13:32

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