British MPs in the main want to avoid a ruinous "No-Deal Brexit" at all cost, and now aim to ensure this doesn't come about by wresting -- some say hijacking -- Brexit negotiations from Prime Minister Theresa May.
A growing faction of Conservative and Labour Party MPs are doing all they can to force May to abandon her Brexit Plan B in favor of their own agenda, which at this time seems to involve delaying Brexit and holding a second referendum. The latter option now seems the more likely given that new polling confirms the Remain faction will win a second referendum.
The latest survey released two weeks ago by polling firm YouGov showed that if a referendum were held immediately, 46 percent of Britons will vote to remain in the European Union while 39 percent will vote to leave.
The results of this poll reflect that of other polls in recent months, which show the divided British electorate has swung towards remaining in the EU. The 2016 referendum that approved Brexit voted 52 to 48 percent in favor of leaving.
The United Kingdom remains on course to exit the EU on March 29, deal or no deal The House of Commons last week rejected May's withdrawal deal, leaving a No-Deal Brexit the likeliest of scenarios come March 29.
Following the crushing defeat of her plan in Parliament, May vowed to amend her agreement and to try to forge a new one with more input from MPs and stakeholders. She has also promised a debate and votes on the path forward on Jan. 29.
May's critics, however, there is no Brexit deal May can craft that will ever be approved by Parliament. Their solution -- Parliament now has to take control of the entire and utterly complicated Brexit process.
May, however, has promised to try once again to amend her agreement, but critics say she will not succeed and that Parliament must now take control.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has introduced an amendment that demands parliamentary time to debate and vote on options to avoid a No-Deal Brexit. Corbyn wants to negotiate a new UK-EU customs union and to establish a strong relationship with the EU's single market -- and holding a second referendum.
Senior Labour MP Hilary Benn is proposing an amendment demanding the government hold a series of votes that will uncover what the Commons wants. These will include votes on holding a second referendum; a No-Deal Brexit, or renegotiating with the EU.
Former Conservative government lawyer Dominic Grieve has introduced a cross-party amendment that will force May's government to allow six days in February and March for MPs to debate and vote on Brexit options. The latest of the dates will be March 26, or just three days before the UK leaves the EU.
Labour MP Yvette Cooper wants to prevent a No-Deal Brexit. Under her proposed legislation, if there is no Brexit deal by Feb. 26, May's government must delay Brexit until Dec. 31, 2019.
May's ally, International Trade Secretary Liam Fox, is accusing MPs of trying to "hijack Brexit" and defy the 2016 referendum vote to leave the EU.
In reply, Corbyn insists the government has no new ideas and "MPs must now act to break the deadlock."
The sheer number of an option now on and table, and others are certain to follow, illustrates why a No-Deal Brexit remains the likeliest of outcomes on March 29.
