More Brexit chaos as Germany and France get testy
The speaker nixes a third vote on May’s deal, but says his ruling, based on a convention dating back to 1604, should not be considered his last word
London — UK Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit plans were in disarray on Tuesday as her government sought to plot a way around a ruling by the speaker of parliament that she must change her twice-defeated divorce deal to put it to a third vote. After two-and-a-half years of negotiations, Britain’s departure from the EU remains uncertain with options including a long postponement, leaving with May’s deal, a disruptive exit without a deal, or even another referendum. In a move that added to the sense of crisis in London and exasperation in European capitals just days before the March 29 exit date, speaker John Bercow shocked May’s government by ruling it could not put the same Brexit deal to another vote unless it was substantially different. Brexit secretary Steve Barclay said the ruling meant a vote this week on May’s deal was more unlikely but ministers were studying ways out of the impasse and he indicated the government still plans a third vote on May’s deal. “This is a moment o...
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