Her ten-point plan to break deadlock Jack Doyle
THERESA MAY yesterday set out ten commitments in a last-ditch bid to win votes for her Brexit withdrawal agreement, including allowing a vote on a second referendum:
Avoid the backstop
MRS May will enshrine in law a promise to try to find alternative arrangements designed to keep the Northern Ireland border open. This falls far short of the demands of Tory Brexiteers who want the backstop dropped entirely.
Keep Northern Ireland’s laws tied to Britain’s
A STRAIGHT pitch to the Democratic Unionist Party which wants to limit, or stop entirely, divergence between the province and the mainland. A repeat of an earlier promise, it last night failed to satisfy the DUP.
MPs to set the agenda
INSTEAD of the Government drawing up its plans for the next phase of the talks with the EU – the future trading arrangement – this ‘negotiating mandate’ will have to be approved by Parliament. Could help win over a small handful of Labour MPs at best.
Follow EU worker rights
MRS May has promised a bill to ensure the UK adopts any employment laws passed by Brussels. This is a key Labour demand but Tory MPs fear extra red tape and pro-trade union laws.
Preserve EU green rules
ANOTHER offer to Labour that there will be no change in environmental protection after Brexit and a new green regulator. Doesn’t meet Labour’s demand that we follow all EU environment laws automatically and will alienate Tories who want the UK to set its own rules outside Brussels’ orbit.
Keep trade ‘frictionless’
TRYING to mirror Labour’s demands, Mrs May has pledged to keep trade barriers as low as possible while leaving the single market and ending free movement. Hard to see how it wins over significant numbers of MPs.
Follow EU goods and agriculture rules
EVEN after Brexit, the UK would follow EU rules to keep trade flowing smoothly. A slightly firmer promise than before. Works for Labour MPs but, again, alienates Tory Brexiteers.
Customs plan options
MPs will be offered a choice between Mrs May’s proposal, which has many elements of a customs union but allows for trade deals, and a full customs union until the next election. Still the thorniest knot of the negotiations, and seemingly impossible to resolve.
Second referendum
DOWNING Street had repeatedly ruled out a second vote. Yesterday that position was ditched, with the PM saying the Withdrawal Bill will allow for a vote on a second national poll. Even making the offer enrages Tory MPs. If it passed, the Conservative Party would implode.
Legally binding changes
A COMMITMENT to make changes to the political declaration – part of the deal with the EU – to make this offer a reality. She would then go back to the EU. However, MPs would have to pass the Withdrawal Bill – and this already looks highly unlikely.