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British PM strikes a note of defiance in Parliament while trying to silence critics of the agreement
British Prime Minister Theresa May, striking a note of defiance, insisted that the deal she had struck with the EU negotiators was one that delivered on what the British people voted for, as she faced critics from within her own party, allies and Opposition over the terms that had been agreed. “I am confident it takes us significantly closer to what people voted for,” she told MPs during a heated session of Prime Ministers Questions that took place ahead of a crucial Cabinet meeting on Wednesday afternoon. Britain would take back control of its borders and money, she insisted, pointing to the end of the free movement of EU citizens within the U.K., while providing guarantees for those already resident here. The Cabinet meeting, which commenced on Wednesday afternoon, was seen as a crucial moment for Ms. May and her ability to rally a highly divided Cabinet behind her. While there have been no Cabinet resignations so far, senior figures such as Brexit secretary Dominic Raab and International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt are yet to publicly voice support for the deal. There have already been a number of high-profile ministerial resignations in recent months over the negotiations, including those of former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, former Transport Secretary Jo Johnson and Brexit Secretary David Davis. Should Ms. May win the Cabinet’s support, there remains a long route ahead: the EU will have to seek endorsement from individual member states, while the deal will also have to make it through the U.K. Parliament, facing down growing calls for a second referendum. However, a Cabinet approval could lead to an EU summit later this month, which is seen as crucial for ensuring that reaching a deal — rather than plunging out of the EU without one — remains a possibility for the U.K., within the time-frame set out by the government.
