Danuta Hübner, a former EU commissioner, asked MPs to use their powers to soften Brexit Getty ImagesSenior MEPs celebrated the government’s defeat as a victory for democracy and a check on a hard Brexit. Theresa May’s setback on the eve of a critical European Union summit is regarded in Brussels as a weakening of the government’s negotiating position that will lead to a softer exit in 2019. The Commons vote gives MPs a much stronger say on the terms of Brexit in a significant challenge to the prime minister’s already fragile authority. Most MPs are hostile to Brexit and, along with the European parliament, will now have the final say on the withdrawal agreement. Guy Verhofstadt, the European parliament’s Brexit negotiator, welcomed the defeat as “taking back control” for pro-Europe MPs and MEPs, hinting at a potential new alliance to dilute…

Source: The Times December 14, 2017 00:33 UTC