United Kingdom Minister for the Cabinet Office and de facto Deputy Prime Minister David Lidington said on Thursday that approving Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal is in the "national interest."
Speaking at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) conference, Lidington stressed that passing the existing withdrawal agreement is the only certain way to avoid a no-deal Brexit. He added that backing the deal can be a "starting point" to Britain being able to try and negotiate a post-Brexit relationship with the European Union, which could be like the one Norway has, a Canada-style deal or some other solution.
May is hoping to stage a third meaningful vote on her deal on Friday but could give up in case she doesn't secure necessary support. On Wednesday, her vow to step down if the agreement is passed managed to convince some hardline Brexiters to change their stance. However, a number of pro-Brexit Tories, as well as the DUP insisted they will still vote against the deal. Meanwhile, House of Commons Speaker warned he could refuse to let the government bring the deal for another meaningful vote unless its proposition includes substantial changes.
