May vows Brexit despite resignations

LONDON » Prime Minister Theresa May faced a volley of cabinet resignations, a torrent of criticism from Parliament and talk of a leadership challenge Thursday, but insisted Britain will leave the European Union in March, deal or no deal, and that she would be the leader to “see this through.”

It was one of the most tumultuous days in recent British politics. Suddenly, everything hung in the balance. Not only was May’s future as leader unsure, but so too was the momentous decision to split from the continental bloc.

Some members of Parliament pleaded with May to stage a second “People’s Vote” to give citizens another chance to rethink Brexit. Others decried her proposals as condemning Britain to years of unbreakable alliance with European rules and regulations — and failing to make good on the vow to “take back control” as the pro-Brexit campaigns promised two years ago.

The day began with abandonment, as Dominic Raab abruptly resigned as Brexit secretary, saying he could not support the withdrawal agreement he helped negotiate and that May’s cabinet approved the night before.

This was an especially stinging setback for May. Raab was her second Brexit secretary to quit. Following him out the door Thursday was another cabinet secretary, two junior ministers and three other Conservative lawmakers in government.

Then, for three grueling hours, May stood virtually alone in the parliamentary chamber, as members, including those from her own Conservative Party, denounced her Brexit plans as either a weak capitulation, an act of naive folly or a catastrophe in the making.