Parliament’s Brexit Revolt Could Help Next PM Get a Deal Through

(Bloomberg) -- British Members of Parliament have pushed back at attempts to force a no-deal Brexit, with at least 30 Conservatives rebelling.

On the face of it, that looks like a defeat for the next prime minister even before he’s taken office. But there’s a way it might be helpful.

Britain is due to leave the European Union on Oct. 31 and the next premier -- whether it’s Boris Johnson or Jeremy Hunt -- is unlikely to secure major changes to the divorce deal Theresa May negotiated with the bloc.

Parliament rejected May’s deal and her successor will need the support of the most ardent Tory Brexit backers, who voted against her agreement three times. Some are resistant to voting for any deal, because they want Britain to leave without one.

After Wednesday’s vote, the next prime minister will be able to credibly warn that if anti-EU MPs don’t back his version of Brexit, they risk Parliament blocking the divorce altogether.

©2019 Bloomberg L.P.