It's Time for Theresa May to Call for a Second Brexit Referendum

Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal was defeated again in the House of Commons, this time by 149 votes. Tomorrow Commons will likely kill a proposal to leave the European Union without an agreement. And then on Thursday they would vote on a Brexit delay. If the Members of Parliament [MPs] back a delay, Theresa May would request an extension to Article 50 from the EU. However, an extension isn't a sure thing.

The Guardian: "Moments after the crushing defeat, Donald Tusk, president of the European council, warned that he expected a “credible” reason for any delay to Brexit."

“Should there be a UK reasoned request for an extension, the EU27 will consider it and decide by unanimity,” a spokesman for Tusk said. “The EU27 will expect a credible justification for a possible extension and its duration.”

If the EU grants an extension, there are still a wide variety of potential outcomes. The BBC lays out all the possibilities here, including a new general election, a softer ["leave-light"] Brexit deal, or simply revoking Article 50 and canceling Brexit. The best alternative, however, would be to hold a binding referendum with a choice between a very specific Brexit deal or staying in the EU.

A binding referendum would represent the "credible justification" the EU desires for a delay. Moreover, it would bring closure to this whole sad affair. If the pro-Brexit folks win, the government would have a detailed plan to leave. If the voters who want to stay in the EU win, it will have been the people's choice, and, this time, an informed decision.

#brexit #UK