In a televised address from 10 Downing Street, Theresa May said that it was “a matter of great personal regret for me” that Brexit will not go ahead on March 29.
She blamed MPs for failing to agree a means to implement the result of the 2016 referendum and said she believes voters just want this stage of the Brexit process to be over. And she told voters: “I am on your side.”
Mrs May said: “Of this, I am absolutely sure: You the public have had enough. You are tired of the infighting, you’re tired of the political games and the arcane procedural rows, tired of MPs talking about nothing else but Brexit when you have real concerns about our children’s schools, our National Health Service, knife crime.
“You want this stage of the Brexit process to be over and done with. I agree. I am on your side. It is now time for MPs to decide.”
Mrs May said it was “high time” Parliament made a decision on the way forward.
“So far Parliament has done everything possible to avoid making a choice. All MPs have been willing to say is what they do not want,” she said.
“I passionately hope MPs will find a way to back the deal I have negotiated with the EU.
“I will continue to work night and day to secure the support of my colleagues, the DUP and others for this deal. But I am not prepared to delay Brexit any further than June 30.”
