British MPs have again rejected four Brexit options today.
The MPs failed to find a majority for any proposal in votes on alternatives to the government's rejected Brexit deal.
The votes were an attempt to forge an alternative to the government's rejected European Union divorce deal.
The options included remaining in a customs union with the EU — which failed by just three votes — and holding a new referendum on Britain's membership in the bloc.
The votes were:
NO 276 to 273
Customs Union (C): Conservative grandee Kenneth Clarke wants the UK to leave the EU having secured a permanent customs union with the bloc at a minimum, and for this to be enshrined in primary legislation. This option was the most popular last week, just six short of a majority.
NO 282 to 261
Common Market 2.0 (D): The UK stays in the European Economic Area and rejoins the European Free Trade Association, giving it access to the EU single market. That's Norway's relationship. The UK would remain part of the EU single market and would retain freedom of movement. This plan has been gaining momentum, with both Labour and the Scottish National Party saying they'll support it.
NO 292 to 280
Second Referendum (E): A process motion that says Parliament shouldn't ratify or implement any withdrawal agreement until it has been approved in a referendum. Another popular option last week, with 268 votes in favour.
NO 292 to 191
Prevent no-deal(G): A process amendment, this would require a confirmatory vote in Parliament if the UK got to within two days of a no-deal Brexit. MPs would be asked to choose between a no-deal Brexit or revoking Article 50 to stop Brexit.
If Brexit was halted, an inquiry would be held to find out what type of future relationship with the EU could command support.
The Government is still trying to build support for Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal, which has been rejected three times by Parliament.
Britain is due to leave the EU on April 12 without an agreement unless it passes a divorce deal or secures an extension from the bloc.
- AP, Bloomberg
