In a last-gasp bid to salvage her plan for taking Britain out of the European project after nearly five decades, May told MPs they had a "duty to deliver" on the results of a 2016 referendum that started the divorce.
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British PM faces crushing defeat in historic Brexit deal vote
British Prime Minister Theresa May faced crushing defeat in a historic vote on Tuesday over the Brexit deal she has struck with the European Union, leaving the world's fifth biggest economy in limbo.
Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May said MPs had a duty to deliver on the results of the 2016 referendum on leaving the EU
"I believe we have a duty to deliver on the democratic decision of the British people," May said, warning MPs that the EU would not offer any "alternative deal".
"A vote against this deal is a vote for uncertainty, division, and the very real threat of a no deal," she argued to loud jeers from the packed chamber.
"The responsibility of each and every one of us at this moment is profound, for this is a historic decision that will set the future of our country for generations".
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Most lawmakers have always opposed Brexit, as have some leading members of May's government, creating an inherent contradiction that has torn the island nation apart.
Now, with just over two months to go until the scheduled March 29 departure, Britain still cannot decide what to do.
The scale of May's defeat should determine whether she tries to hold another vote, gets kicked out of office, delays Brexit -- or if Brexit even happens at all.
With their nation's fate being decided, hundreds of noisy and excited supporters and opponents of Brexit, some banging drums and others driving floats with huge dolls mocking top UK politicians, rallied outside the ancient parliament building in London.
"It could end up being the day that will lead to us leaving with no deal!" said 25-year-old Simon Fisher, who backs a swift and sharp break with the EU.
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A much larger rally nearby in support of a second referendum turned Parliament Square into a sea of EU flags.
One pro-Brexit activist attempting to join the rally was detained by police to shouts of "scum" from fellow protesters in an indication of rising tensions.
Others voiced their support for a second referendum, an option May's government rules out.
'No Deal? No problem!'
May made it her mission to carry out the wishes of voters after she became premier in July 2016, putting aside her own initial misgivings and stating repeatedly that "Brexit means Brexit".
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But facing a heavy drubbing, May decided to postpone the vote in December in the hope of winning concessions from Brussels -- and that a Christmas break would change lawmakers' minds.
EU leaders came back with only non-binding clarifications, and just a handful of new MPs have rallied to May's side.
The UK government's current plan appears to be to try to ram a very similar version of the agreement through parliament on a second or possibly even third attempt.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker returned to Brussels from Strasbourg on Tuesday "to handle the situation after the vote," according to his office.
In Strasbourg, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas raised the possibility of further talks while ruling out a full renegotiation of the text.
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Hardline Brexiteers and Remainers oppose the agreement for different reasons and many fear it could lock Britain into an unfavourable trading relationship with the EU.
Bitter debates about Britain's place in the world have dominated the national discourse ever since the referendum, dividing families and playing out in front of parliament on Tuesday.
Financial markets were also watching closely, with several currency trading companies roping in extra staff for the vote and at least one putting a cap on trades to avoid excessive movements.
Risk of no deal
Criticism of the deal is focused on an arrangement to keep open the border with Ireland by aligning Britain with some EU trade rules, if and until London and Brussels sign a new economic partnership which could take several years.
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Sammy Wilson, Brexit spokesman with Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party, upon which May relies for her parliamentary majority, told the BBC his party would not be forced into backing the deal by fears over the border.
Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has said May must call an election if she loses on Tuesday and has threatened to hold a confidence vote in her government if she does not.
In the event of a defeat, the government must set out what happens next by Monday.
Speculation is growing on both sides of the Channel that May could ask to delay Brexit.
But a diplomatic source told AFP any extension would not be possible beyond June 30, when the new European Parliament will be formed.
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The withdrawal agreement includes plans for a post-Brexit transition period until a new relationship is drawn up, in return for continued budget contributions from London.
Without it, and if there is no delay, Britain will sever ties with its nearest neighbours with no agreement to ease the blow.
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