Brexit: Time is running out, what does the EU say

British MPs again failed last night to find an alternative to the plan for the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU originally proposed by Prime Minister Theresa May, Patria reports.

After a turbulent last week during which lawmakers rejected the Prime Minister's EU exit strategy three times in 'indicative votes', the future of Brexit remains unclear, and the country in a political crisis.

MPs rejected all four options, including remaining in the customs union with the EU and a new referendum on the UK's membership in the EU, agencies reported.

At the same time, the UK government has publicly stated that it will continue to support the Prime Minister's withdrawal agreement from the EU. Brexit Secretary Steven Barclay called this plan 'the only way forward in light of Parliament's inability to find a clear majority for an alternative arrangement'.

Inappropriate behaviour

During a session on whether Britain should leave the EU at all, 11 climate change activists organised a protest in the public gallery by stripping off and revealing bodies covered in slogans.

Police arrested 12 people for indecent behaviour in a public place.

We remind you that 52 percent of Britons voted to leave the EU, while 48 percent were against.

Plan and alternative options

Brexit Secretary Steven Barclay explained that the basic position assumes Britain's withdrawal from the EU on 12 April without a withdrawal agreement, which is the worst option for international businesses.  

The option that garnered almost a majority, losing by only three votes, concerns Britain remaining in the customs union with the EU.

Also close to majority support was a proposal to hold a referendum on any option that receives a majority of votes, but it was ultimately not accepted due to 12 votes against.

Reuters writes that the government categorically opposes both of these proposals. The first proposal would, in their view, mean a loss of the freedom that allows independent trade agreements. The Prime Minister believes that implementing the second proposal would mean betraying voters who voted for Brexit in 2016.

The debates also include a suggestion to call a general election. Opponents of this idea, such as former Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, believe it would 'infuriate voters'.

Johnson believes that a new leader and a change in negotiating tactics could compensate for the shortcomings of the Prime Minister's agreement with the EU.

Brexit has been postponed until at least 12 April, and Prime Minister May has just begun a multi-hour meeting with government leaders to consider options for breaking the deadlock, Patria reports.

What does the EU say?

'A no-deal Brexit is now likely, but can still be avoided,' claims the EU's chief negotiator, Michel Barnier.

He believes that extending the deadline of 12 April for implementing Brexit carries 'significant risks for the EU', and that a 'strong justification' is therefore needed for the EU to even consider it.