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Theresa May has refused to rule out quitting rather than be forced to deliver a Final Say Brexit referendum, if MPs vote for it in historic Commons clashes over the next few weeks.
The prime minister said she viewed it as a “matter of trust” to deliver the referendum result and to leave the EU – implying she might step down if parliament chose to throw the issue back to the public.
Speaking to The Independent , on route to the G20 summit in Argentina, Ms May declined – three times – to commit to staying on as prime minister, if ordered by MPs to deliver a fresh public vote.
“We, as a parliament, gave people in this country the decision about whether or not to leave the European Union,” she said.
“They voted on that – they voted to leave. I think it is matter of trust in politicians that we then deliver on that vote.”
The comments come after Ms May accepted that MPs will have the opportunity to opt for a People’s Vote, when her Brexit agreement comes to the Commons.
During Prime Minister’s Questions, she argued it would require an extension to the Article 50 period, beyond next March – but appeared to accept power rests with parliament. Labour’s John McDonnell has said he now views its support as “inevitable”.
MPs will vote on the Brexit deal on 11 December, with the prospect of multiple attempts to amend it if – as expected – it crashes to a heavy defeat.
Asked if she would stay on to deliver a fresh referendum, if backed by MPs, she replied: “I’m very clear that I don’t think there should be another referendum.”
Asked a third time to rule out resigning in those circumstances, she said: “I’m focusing on the result of the vote.”
The prime minister also refused to accept that defeat was now certain, with almost 100 Tory MPs having spoken out in opposition, saying: “We haven’t had the vote yet.”
She was urging MPs to recognise that her deal delivered on the referendum result “in a way that protects the union, in a way that protects jobs, in a way that protects our security”.
Ms May also turned her fire on Labour for opposing the “backstop” plan she has struck with Brussels to prevent the return of a hard border in Ireland.
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on BrexitShow all 65 1 /65A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit An estimated 700,000 people marched through London to demand a final say on the withdrawal agreement
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Red smoke from a canister hangs in the air as around 100,000 demonstrators march through London during a People's Vote anti-brexit demonstration savings banners and placards Anti-Brexit People's Vote March for the Future in London
Rex
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Mayor of London Sadiq Khan takes part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum.
PA
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 Protesters wearing final Say shirts and holding placards
Angela Christofilou
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit MP Chuka Umunna (left) and MP Vince Cable (right) as MP Anna Soubry (centre) addresses Anti-Brexit campaigners at a rally after the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum.
PA
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A People’s Vote march attendee calls for a Final Say
Angela Christofilou
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators with banners 'We're with EU' during the People's Vote March for the Future in London, Britain, 20 October 2018. Reports state that the 'March for the Future' is to be led by a column of young people and call for a People’s Vote on the Brexit deal. After marching through central London, there will be a rally on stage in Parliament Square, including speeches from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.
EPA
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Protesters at London’s march for the future in October
The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Editor of The Independent Christian Broughton speaks to demonstrators in Parliament Sqaure after they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU.
AFP/Getty
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A poster at the March for the Future in October
The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum.
PA
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018
Angela Christofilou
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum.
PA
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators hold placards as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU.
AFP/Getty
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018 campaigner wrapped in EU flag
Angela Christofilou
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit
Angela Christofilou/The Independent
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Final Say campaigners take part in the peoples vote march for the future in London 20/10/2018
Angela Christofilou
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators pass Trafalgar Square as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU.
AFP/Getty
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators wave Union and European flags and hold up placards as they pass Trafalgar Square, taking part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU.
AFP/Getty
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators hold placards as they take part in a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU.
AFP/Getty
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A demonstrator holds a message during a march calling for a People's Vote on the final Brexit deal, in central London on October 20, 2018. - Britons dreading life outside Europe gathered from all corners of the UK to London on Saturday to try to stop their country's looming breakup with the EU.
AFP/Getty
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum.
PA
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Demonstrators take part in the 'People's Vote March for the Future,' in central London, Britain, 20 October 2018. Reports state that the 'March for the Future' is to be led by a column of young people and call for a People’s Vote on the Brexit deal. After marching through central London, there will be a rally on stage in Parliament Square, including speeches from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan
EPA
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit A protester brandishes an Independent t-shirt during the Brexit March
Angela Christofilou
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum
PA
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Tens of thousands of people take part in People's Vote March for the Future in central London. The march organised by the People's Vote campaign is led by young people calling for a People's Vote on the Brexit deal
Rex
A historic moment: thousands march to demand Final Say on Brexit Anti-Brexit campaigners take part in the People's Vote March for the Future in London, a march and rally in support of a second EU referendum
PA
“By appearing to reject a temporary backstop, they are effectively advocating a no deal, because without a backstop there is no deal,” she argued.
However, Labour’s amendment to the meaningful vote explicitly rules out a no-deal Brexit and calls on other parties to back that stance.
Ms May also insisted she was winning support from the public for her Brexit plan, on her nationwide tour.
“They recognise the importance of this deal and are supporting this deal,” she argued.
And she urged the UK to unite behind it, saying: “A divided country is not one that prospers – it’s important that we come together and actually look to our future outside the EU.”
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