Brexit alternatives rejected, as UK Prime Minister Theresa May says she will quit if her deal is passed
- May’s offer came before parliament voted on eight Brexit proposals – but all failed, possibly strengthening the contention that hers is the best way forward
- May: ‘I know there is a desire for a new approach – and new leadership – in the second phase of the Brexit negotiations, and I won’t stand in the way of that’
British Prime Minister Theresa May said on Wednesday she would quit if her twice-defeated EU divorce deal passes at the third attempt, making a last-ditch attempt to persuade rebels in her Conservative party to back her.
“I know there is a desire for a new approach – and new leadership – in the second phase of the Brexit negotiations, and I won’t stand in the way of that,” she told a meeting of the Conservative Party’s backbench 1922 Committee.
“I am prepared to leave this job earlier than I intended in order to do what is right for our country and our party,” she added, according to a press release from her Downing Street office.
Conservative MP James Cartlidge, who was at the closed-door meeting, told reporters as he walked out that May had said she would step down before the “next phase” of Brexit negotiations.
Fellow MP Pauline Latham told reporters that May had said she would resign “after the meaningful vote was through”, meaning the vote on her EU divorce deal.