Alan Duncan was on the BBC’s Politics Live when news broke that Theresa May would delay a meaningful vote in parliament
Alan Duncan broke into laughter when he was told live on air that Theresa May had cancelled parliament’s meaningful vote on the draft Brexit agreement.
The government’s minister for Europe could initially only muster an “Ah” when Laura Kuenssberg told him the news.
After extended laughter, Duncan said: “If it is indeed delayed, the questions that matter are, will it mean that the PM does intend to go to Brussels and do what a lot of her critics have been asking? See if there is any chance of the commission in Brussels moving.
“We’ve had more comments this morning saying they’re not going to budge, but at least she can say ‘I tried.’ Whereas those who say ‘look I’d have been more muscular,’ they then have no further argument to deploy, because the Prime Minister would have tried absolutely everything, as I think she has already.
“Give it one more go, why not.”
Earlier on Monday the European Court of Justice ruled the UK could withdraw itself from the Article 50 process if it so wished without the permission of the EU’s other 27 member states.
Revoking Article 50, or delaying it, seems to be the only option for Theresa May to at least try and secure further concessions from Brussels.
That being said, Irish premier Leo Varadkar was insistent earlier on Monday that the current deal is the only one on the table “because of the prime minister’s own red lines.”
Responding to reports that Theresa May pulled the meaningful vote on her Brexit deal, Jeremy Corbyn said: “We don’t have a functioning government. While Theresa May continues to botch Brexit, our public services are at breaking point and our communities suffer from dire under-investment.
“Labour’s alternative plan for a jobs first deal must take centre stage in any future talks with Brussels.”
