Theresa May’s Brexit Plan B leaves Parliament underwhelmed

By Karla Adam and William Booth January 21 at 1:16 PM

LONDON — British Prime Minister Theresa May on Monday spelled out a “Plan B” for Brexit that appeared very much like a warmed-over version of her Plan A, which suffered a crushing defeat in Parliament last week.

May was forced to return to Westminister by a newly assertive Parliament that has been trying to exert more control over what withdrawal from the European Union looks like. But while May said she would “ensure that members have the chance to make their views known,” she has not altered her approach in response to many of the views that have already been expressed.

May refused to rule out a no-deal Brexit — the possibility that Britain leaves the E.U. without a deal on March 29, resulting in the halting of trade and travel and general chaos.

May reiterated her opposition to delaying Brexit beyond the March 29 deadline, saying that an extension to allow more parliamentary debate would be “simply deferring the point of decision” — and likely would not be agreed to by the other 27 members of the E.U.

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Lawmakers complained that she was bringing nothing new. Several commented that May seemed out of ideas — and appeared more defeated than defiant.

“It’s like last week’s vote never happened. Plan B is Plan A,” tweeted Sarah Wollaston, a Tory lawmaker who supports a second referendum.

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