Britain PM May wins Brexit assurances from EU a day before crucial vote

SUMMARY

Prime Minister Theresa May won legally binding Brexit assurances from the European Union on Monday in a last-ditch attempt to sway rebellious British lawmakers who have threatened to vote down her divorce deal again. Scrambling to plot an orderly path out of the Brexit maze just days before the United Kingdom is due to leave on March 29, May rushed to Strasbourg to agree additional assurances with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. Brexiteers in May's party have accused her of surrendering to the EU and it was not clear if the assurances she agreed would be enough to win over the 116 additional lawmakers she needs reverse the crushing defeat her deal suffered on January 15.

By ReutersMar 12, 2019 3:02:12 PM IST (Published)

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is seen outside Downing Street in London, Britain, March 11, 2019. (Reuters)

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker welcomes British Prime Minister Theresa May in Strasbourg, France March 11, 2019. (Reuters)

European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier welcomes British Prime Minister Theresa May in Strasbourg, France March 11, 2019. (Reuters)

British Prime Minister Theresa May meets with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in Strasbourg, France March 11, 2019. (Reuters)

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker welcomes Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France, March 11, 2019. (Reuters)

British Prime Minister Theresa May meets with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in Strasbourg, France March 11, 2019. (Reuters)

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May is seen outside of Downing Street in London, Britain, March 6, 2019. (Reuters)