British politicians have voted on amendments to the proposed Brexit deal, asking the EU to replace the Irish border arrangement known as the “backstop”, in last ditch attempts at renegotiation.
Britain is required by law to leave the EU in two months and Prime Minister Teresa May says it is now clear there is a route that can secure a substantial and sustainable majority in the house for a deal.
Brussels however has ruled out renegotiation, saying the backstop was part of the withdrawal deal, and necessary to ensure there was no return to a hard border between Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland.