THE DUDS OF MAY..

The false moves, inflated promises and negotiating errors that led to the PM’S historic, humiliating defeat

BLUNDERING Theresa May’s Brexit deal was doomed months before last night’s crushing, historic humiliation in the Commons.

She unwittingly plotted her path to parliamentary defeat almost exactly two years ago, when she painted her withdrawal “red lines”.

The Prime Minister delivered a speech at Lancaster House outlining what she wanted a future relationship with the EU to look like.

Yet it was made without consulting opposition MPS, the EU, Tory back- benchers or even her Cabinet. The UK would quit the single market and customs union and end free movement, the issue driving many to reject the EU at the June 2016 referendum.

There would be no hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic, and Britain could sign trade deals around the globe.

But in making this address, Mrs May threw away her one chance to unite a divided country, which voted by a majority of 1,269,501 to Leave.

This stubborn leader made no attempt to craft a consensus and find out what could secure a Westminster majority. As Home Secretary, she had backed Remain at the referendum.

On becoming PM, she felt she needed to demonstrate her Brexiteer credentials. That strategic misjudgment further alienated the 16,141,241 voters who opted to stay in the EU.

But as well as fuelling Remainers’ disillusionment, she was building up Brexiteers’ hopes, unwilling to tell them compromise would be needed.

It blew up spectacularly just after 7.30pm yesterday, as pro-eu MPS ganged up with hard Brexiteers to detonate her blueprint.

The PM’S record shows she refused to listen, consult or learn as she went along. Secretive Mrs May had to be forced at every point to share information or give Parliament a say.

Campaigners had to take her to court so she would need MPS’ backing before Article 50 could be activated.

She even tried to prevent last night’s “meaningful vote”.

Opposition MPS resorted to an ancient parliamentary procedure to uncover Brexit impact assessments.

The PM also resisted releasing key legal advice until forced to by MPS using the same arcane tactic. Whitehall frustration with Mrs May had