United Kingdom and Gibraltar European Union membership referendum
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One day before the parliamentary vote on the withdrawal agreement with the EU, British Prime Minister Theresa May warned against a break-up of the United Kingdom in the event of an EU exit without agreement. A so-called no-deal Brexit would strengthen the proponents of Scottish independence and a merger of Northern Ireland and Ireland , May said in a speech in parliament. "That is certainly the real threat to our Union," says May.
The head of government invited MEPs to give the agreement negotiated with Brussels a second chance. "No, it's not perfect," she said, "and yes, it's a compromise."
She has to expect a defeat on Tuesday when the parliament votes on the withdrawal agreement in the evening. About 100 members of their own group have spoken out against it.
When asked if May would resign in the event of a defeat, her spokesperson said she had always been clear she was going to enforce Brexit.
On Monday, May tried to convince the MEPs with renewed assurances from Brussels. EU Council President Donald Tusk and Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker had in a letter to the Prime Minister tried to dispel concerns in the British Parliament against the exit agreement.
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Graphic for the Brexit Deal