- On the day the United Kingdom was originally set to leave the European Union, it is no clearer how, when, or even if Brexit will occur. Prime Minister Theresa May’s withdrawal agreement was rejected on Friday, again, by 58 votes. Ms. May had, apparently, attempted to sweeten the deal by offering to leave if her agreement passed.
- After the rejection, European Council President Donald Tusk announced an emergency summit, to take place just two days before Britain’s next Brexit deadline. Ready for anything, from an extended delay to no deal to no Brexit, Europe’s heads of state and government will convene to consider whatever Westminster decides to do next.
- The Prime Minister’s deal is, still, strongly opposed by her parliamentary partners from across the Irish Sea, the Democratic Unionist Party. In an interview on Friday’s BBC Newsnight, deputy leader Nigel Dodds said he would rather the United Kingdom stay in the European Union than see Northern Ireland cut off from Britain. “That’s how strongly I feel about the union.”
- Less than a week after pro-Remain protesters jammed London, thousands taking part in the March to Leave arrived in the capital Friday. Marchers chanted slogans and carried signs reading “No deal is better than a bad deal,” and “Leave means Leave.”
- Parliament’s earlier attempts to “take back control” of Brexit, and find an option that could command a majority in the Commons, fared no better. On Wednesday, plans from a customs union to revoking Article 50 to a second referendum went 0 for 8. All Parliament could agree on was to ratify Brussels’ twin extensions for more time.
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