Just a few months ago, the idea of a so-called “people’s vote,” or second referendum, on Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union was regarded by most commentators as fanciful. Now, an increasing number see it as the way out of Britain’s Brexit nightmare. Admittedly, Prime Minister Theresa May is adamantly opposed to the idea, and she insisted once again on Monday that there would be no second plebiscite, saying that it would “break faith with the British people.”But her options are closing in, and she has changed her mind abruptly before, most recently by postponing the parliamentary vote on her beleaguered Brexit plan, which she says will now take place the week of Jan. 14. Behind the scenes, some members of her cabinet are said to be trying to lay the groundwork for a second referendum if — they think when — her Brexit plan is rejected. Some say the fact that Mrs. May felt the need to reject the idea of another referendum shows how the ground is shifting beneath her.

Source: New York Times December 17, 2018 18:22 UTC