A "last chance agreement". British Prime Minister Theresa May announced on Tuesday (May 21st) that her government would propose to the House of Commons to vote for or against holding a new referendum on the exit agreement of the European Union (EU).
This provision will be included in a new withdrawal agreement, entitled "Withdrawal Agreement Bill", which the Prime Minister intends to submit to the vote of the deputies in the week of June 3.
"I recognize the sincere and genuine strength of the House's feeling on this important issue," she said in a speech. "The government will therefore include in the introduction of the Withdrawal Agreement Bill the obligation to vote on whether or not to hold a second referendum," added Theresa May.
"This must happen before the withdrawal agreement is ratified," she said. The agreement also provides for a vote on the temporary retention of the United Kingdom in a customs union with the EU.
"Therefore, to the deputies who want a second referendum to confirm the agreement, I say that it will need an agreement and therefore (adopt) the Withdrawal Agreement Bill for it to take place," added the Prime Minister.
Three withdrawal agreements rejected
Theresa May also pointed out that the bill would include "significant new changes to protect the economic and constitutional integrity of the United Kingdom".
The Prime Minister has failed three times to have the Commons adopt her draft withdrawal agreement with the European Union in November 2018.
"The reality is that after three attempts to get Parliament's agreement, we will not leave the European Union without an agreement that can garner broad support beyond party splits," she said on Tuesday.
With Reuters