Skip to main content

May fails to clear up murky plans to replace the Irish backstop

THERESA MAY refused to offer any clarity on her plans to make “alternative arrangements” to replace the Irish backstop when asked to explain the proposal by Jeremy Corbyn today.

The Labour leader told her during Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) that the public has been left in the dark as to what these arrangements would be.

The “alternative arrangements” were proposed in an amendment to the Withdrawal Agreement tabled by Tory MP Graham Brady.

MPs voted in favour of the amendment last night by 317 to 301 votes.

If Ms May can get changes to the Irish backstop then her Brexit deal is expected to pass.

During PMQs Ms May said that the “alternative arrangements” could mean a “unilateral exit mechanism or a time limit to the backstop.”

She also discused the use of “technology” and “mutual recognition of trusted trader schemes.”

The Labour leader prompted laughter when he replied: “None of that was very clear to me; I do not know about anybody else.”

Ms May entirely dodged answering his question on what technological advances she is expecting to be made in the next 58 days until Britain leaves the EU on March 29.

Mr Corbyn also urged her to tell the Commons which of her red lines she was prepared to change so that a better deal can be negotiated with the EU.

She claimed that she would not need to budge on her red lines as her deal would get through Parliament with changes to the backstop.

OWNED BY OUR READERS

We're a reader-owned co-operative, which means you can become part of the paper too by buying shares in the People’s Press Printing Society.

 

 

Become a supporter

Fighting fund

You've Raised:£ 11,501
We need:£ 6,499
6 Days remaining
Donate today