MPs reject every Brexit option – what next?

When a cross party group of MPs managed to seize control of the Commons and win backing for a plan to hold indicative votes on Brexit options, the hope was that this would show what type of Brexit – or no Brexit – there was a majority for in Parliament. In the end, things didn’t work out exactly as planned. MPs voted on eight proposed options – from a permanent customs union to a second referendum – but not one commanded a majority. Instead, the exercise appeared to show that there is currently no majority for any form of Brexit.

The option which won the most votes was a proposal for a permanent customs union with the EU – which was beaten by 272 to 264 votes. Given that Theresa May’s deal won 242 votes at the second meaningful vote, it could be argued that a customs union is the most popular option at present.