Britain’s May defuses revolt in parliament over Brexit plans

LONDON, (Reuters) - Prime Minister Theresa May defused a rebellion in parliament over her Brexit plans yesterday but only after having to compromise and hand lawmakers more control over Britain’s departure from the European Union.

After winning yesterday’s ballot over changes to a future “meaningful vote” on a final agreement with Brussels in her EU withdrawal bill, May’s plans to end more than 40 years of membership in the bloc were still on track.

Her concession to discuss the changes may mean lawmakers could have more power if she fails to secure a Brexit deal, possibly leading to a softer approach to Britain’s divorce. However, as things stand now, they will not be able to send the government back into negotiations if they reject an agreement with the EU.

Brexit campaigners still voiced concern that the concession may open the door to the EU trying to force Britain into retaining the closest possible ties with the bloc by weakening the government’s hand in the talks.

Pro-EU lawmakers, however, welcomed it as a signal that the government was moving towards ruling out a hardline “no deal” Brexit.

For now, May saw off a revolt that would have challenged her authority at a time when she is increasingly under pressure to move ahead with all-but-stalled Brexit talks in Brussels by offering a more detailed plan.

The pound traded higher against the euro and the dollar after the votes.