Full text: UK PM Theresa May’s statement to parliament after Brexit vote defeat

"Mr Speaker, the House has spoken and the Government will listen. It is clear that the House does not support this deal. But tonight’s vote tells us nothing about what it does support," said Theresa May.

Prime Minister Theresa May sits down in Parliament after the vote on May’s Brexit deal, in London, Britain, January 15, 2019 in this screengrab taken from video. (Source: REUTERS)

British Prime Minister Theresa May made the following statement in parliament after lawmakers voted against her proposed exit deal with the European Union by the large majority of 432 to 202.

“Mr Speaker, the House has spoken and the Government will listen.

It is clear that the House does not support this deal. But tonight’s vote tells us nothing about what it does support. Nothing about how – or even if – it intends to honour the decision the British people took in a referendum Parliament decided to hold.

People, particularly EU citizens who have made their home here and UK citizens living in the EU, deserve clarity on these questions as soon as possible. Those whose jobs rely on our trade with the EU need that clarity. So with your permission Mr Speaker I would like to set out briefly how the Government intends to proceed.

First, we need to confirm whether this government still enjoys the confidence of the House. I believe that it does, but given the scale and importance of tonight’s vote it is right that others have the chance to test that question if they wish to do so.

I can therefore confirm that if the Official Opposition table a confidence motion this evening in the form required by the Fixed Term Parliaments Act, the Government will make time to debate that motion tomorrow. (Wednesday)