Westminster was braced for a heavy government defeat. But few were expecting a loss on this scale: 230 votes. It is hard to believe that the 116 MPs May needs for a majority can be persuaded to change their minds by tweaks to the backstop. So, what May thought would be her plan, going back to Brussels, trying to get something and then bringing the deal back is now off the table. In her response to the defeat, May made clear that she accepts she needs to reach out across the House before going back to Brussels.
But the problem is it is very hard to see what combination of changes gains her the support of 116 MPs. For example, if May went for a customs union she’d gain some Labour support, but likely see some Tories fall into the other column.
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