May given mandate to replace backstop with alternative arrangements by Commons – Corbyn agrees for talks with May

A series of votes on Tuesday were taken on Brexit and after several amendments which were defeated, a crucial indicative one passed.

The amendment, which calls for the Irish border backstop to be “replaced with alternative arrangements”, has been passed.

Votes in favour: 317
Votes against: 301

In a point of order, following the result, May said that a majority of members have now said they will support a deal with changes to a backstop. It is clear there is now a route which will sustain a majority in the House for leaving the EU.

“We will now seek legally-binding changes to the backstop and talk to the EU about this even if there is a limited appetite from the EU to reopen the withdrawal agreement and that it won’t be easy.”

May says simply opposing no deal is not enough to stop it.

After May’s invitation for Corbyn to start talks, Labour Party leader Corbyn said he is prepared to meet with the prime minister and that he “looks forward” to putting across Labour’s views on Brexit.