British PM Theresa May wins confidence motion
January 17, 2019  08:23
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Embattled British Prime Minister Theresa May won a confidence vote on Wednesday and averted a general election, a day after her government suffered a historic parliamentary defeat over her Brexit divorce deal with the European Union. 
Her government won by 325 votes to 306 -- a majority of 19. 
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn argued that May's "zombie" administration had lost the right to govern during a six hour debate on his motion.
His party has not ruled out tabling further no-confidence motions.  
After her victory May told MPs that she would "continue to work to deliver on the solemn promise to the people of this country to deliver on the result of the referendum and leave the European Union".
She invited leaders of all parties to have individual meetings with her on the way ahead for Brexit, starting tonight, but called on them to approach them with a "constructive spirit".
"We must find solutions that are negotiable and command sufficient support in this House," she added.
May also reiterated a promise to return to the Commons on Monday to give MPs another vote on her plans.
"The House has put its confidence in this government," she said.
"I stand ready to work with any member of this House to deliver Brexit and ensure that this House retains the confidence of the British people."
May's divorce deal to leave the EU was overwhelmingly rejected by MPs on Tuesday, triggering a no-confidence motion against her government and leaving the country with no plans for Brexit on March 29.   
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