May to make MPs a final ‘bold Brexit offer’

LONDON: British Prime Minister Theresa May says she is preparing to make a “bold offer” to MPs in one final attempt to get them to back her Brexit deal.

May said when she brings the Withdrawal Agreement Bill before parliament early next month, it will come with a new package of measures attached that she hopes can command majority support.

“I still believe there is a majority in parliament to be won for leaving with a deal,” May wrote in yesterday’s The Sunday Times newspaper.

MPs three times rejected the deal May struck with Brussels, forcing Britain’s European Union departure date to pushed back from March 29 to April 12 and again to Oct 31.

The Bill is needed to ratify the divorce deal struck with the EU.

On Thursday, May agreed to set out a timetable for her departure following the vote in the week starting June 3, regardless of whether MPs back her deal at the fourth time of asking.

It is thought that she will trigger a contest for the leadership of her governing Conservative Party once the Bill either falls or completes all of its stages through parliament.

“When the Withdrawal Agreement Bill comes before MPs, it will represent a new, bold offer to MPs across the House of Commons, with an improved package of measures that I believe can win new support,” she told The Sunday Times.

“Whatever the outcome of any votes, I will not be simply asking MPs to think again. Instead I will ask them to look at a new and improved deal with fresh pairs of eyes – and to give it their support.”