UK - Mrs May needs 320 votes for the deal to achieve a majority and move the draft along to allow it to be ratified before the March 29 Brexit deadline. As it stands, she can count on about 240 - a way off what is needed, and a massive uphill battle to gain supporters before the vote. Those who oppose the deal said it’s not what people voted for, and could keep the UK tied to the EU indefinitely without any remaining input on its rules.
What next? A Brexit timeline
DECEMBER 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10
MPs debate the deal for 40 hours over five days in the House of Commons.
DECEMBER 9 (potentially)
Theresa May and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn debate the deal live on television.
DECEMBER 11
MPs vote in parliament.
If it’s a no, the Government has until the 21 January 2019 to put forward a new plan.
DECEMBER 13/14, 2018
The final EU Council summit of the year, in which EU member states are expected to vote on the withdrawal deal (this is dependent on what happens in the Commons on December 11).
They will vote it through, as all EU member states unanimously approved the deal at a special summit earlier this month.
JANUARY 21, 2019
If the deal hasn’t been passed through Parliament by this date, the Government is required by law to make a statement within five days on how it intends to proceed.
Possible outcomes include a) leaving without a deal, b) seeking an extension to the Article 50 process, c) holding a second referendum, d) a general election.
JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2019
If the UK Parliament approves the Brexit deal the ratification process to write the bill into law begins, which should be completed before the March Brexit deadline.
The Government will put forward a new piece of legislation: the EU (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill.
This will pass into law some of Brexit’s biggest issues, including the agreement on citizens’ rights, the financial settlement and the details of the transition.
MARCH 2019
The European Parliament get a final vote on the deal, closely followed by the European Council, which will need at least 20 countries representing at least 65 percent of the population of the EU to approve it.
MARCH 29, 2019
Brexit day: The UK leaves the EU, and the transition period begins.
The UK can now begin trade talks with the EU.
DECEMBER 21, 2020
The transition period is due to end, but it may yet be extended.
JANUARY 1, 2021
If the UK still cannot negotiate a trade deal with the EU that avoids a hard border in Northern Ireland and the transition period has not been extended, then the ‘backstop’ arrangement in the withdrawal agreement will come into effect.