With just eight days to go until the Brexit deadline, it's safe to say that we are in uncharted territory as no one seems to have a clue what will happen next.
On Wednesday night the prime minister Theresa May, rather than do a sensible thing like revoke Article 50, instead decided to blame MPs for the chaos that is enveloping the nation.
Before she even made the speech she was typically late, which is kind of indicative of this whole Brexit farce.
I’m surprised Theresa May is late. It’s not like her to put things off.— Mr Roger Quimbly (@Mr Roger Quimbly) 1553113644
Theresa May's statement is now 31 minutes late— Jonn Elledge (@Jonn Elledge) 1553113973
Theresa May late coming out because her aides couldn't find her statement, so she just read an old one out. #theresaMayStatement— James Harrington (@James Harrington) 1553117232
Once she was finally in front of the cameras she tried reaching out to the country and claimed that she is on the public's side and wants to get the Brexit negotiations over and done with, despite the March 29 deadline now expected to be extended.
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.
However, this statement, which is now one of a long-running series of pointless and time-wasting speeches by the PM, was instantly met with ridicule and criticism from her peers who accused her of playing a 'blame game' and even 'irresponsible.'
Of course, the logic of Theresa May’s assertion that Parliament’s indecision is frustrating the will of the people… https://t.co/EaR8CI9FjD— Nicola Sturgeon (@Nicola Sturgeon) 1553156836
I’ve thought long and hard before saying this, but @theresa_may knows that MPs across the House are subjected to de… https://t.co/JatbNPueTZ— Wes Streeting MP (@Wes Streeting MP) 1553117208
The Prime Minister’s statement was disgraceful. Pitting Parliament against the people in the current environment is… https://t.co/S4qW9DtNKL— Lisa Nandy (@Lisa Nandy) 1553118131
Theresa May's attempt to put Parliament against the people on #Brexit tonight is sinister. It is the populism of St… https://t.co/JpKdofGVXY— David Lammy (@David Lammy) 1553120802
No @theresa_may you are to blame for the #BrexitCrisis The impasse in Parliament is all of your own making. You nev… https://t.co/HTrb77Qeua— Anna Soubry (@Anna Soubry) 1553120120
Labour MP: "I thought her speech was a fucking disgrace and a licence for every right-wing scumbag in the country t… https://t.co/RVnuLeOUvh— Kevin Schofield (@Kevin Schofield) 1553149800
‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’ by Theresa May https://t.co/1TgF7Jiqng— Nick Boles (@Nick Boles) 1553156735
I'm not all together convinced Theresa May has ever actually met people— Jess Phillips MP (@Jess Phillips MP) 1553117974
Elsewhere jokes and a severe backlash against the PM's speech was soon awash on Twitter, and people were not holding back.
That Prime Ministerial statement in full : Nothing. Has. Changed.— Nick Robinson (@Nick Robinson) 1553114654
Theresa May tells the British People ‘I’m on your side” ...which side is that? Leave, Remain, or Resign?— Jon Snow (@Jon Snow) 1553115155
Let me save you time on the May statement with a summary: None of this is her fault, even though she’s in charge an… https://t.co/E3PW2dPXBm— Alex Andreou (@Alex Andreou) 1553115250
Theresa May’s speeches. https://t.co/q3P5g64FSD— Anna Mazzola (@Anna Mazzola) 1553115358
Based on that, Theresa May’s understanding of charm offensive doesn’t extend beyond offensive.— George Eaton (@George Eaton) 1553114878
“And that is what I..am determined...to do.” Really weird robot turn. Goes. Surely, surely:”My name’s Theresa May.… https://t.co/3faGpBcQgh— David Baddiel (@David Baddiel) 1553115549
Did Theresa May just come out and shout at us and blame everyone else for Brexit but herself? I feel like that’s wh… https://t.co/rvhXJllthr— Dr. Jennifer Cassidy (@Dr. Jennifer Cassidy) 1553115694
The most thankless task in politics is trying to figure out what Theresa May really means after she's just made yet… https://t.co/PTSYvIoter— Hugo Rifkind (@Hugo Rifkind) 1553115272
Theresa May's next speech to the nation, previewed https://t.co/coUpQ4tZ6L— Ireland Simpsons Fans (@Ireland Simpsons Fans) 1553153631
Stay what you like about Theresa May, but when you think she’s hit peak banality and stupidity, she goes that extra mile.— Dan Rebellato (@Dan Rebellato) 1553114744
In future when Theresa May makes a live statement, the assembled press should have the old gong from the Comedy Sto… https://t.co/ACt3OjjYWG— John O’Farrell (@John O’Farrell) 1553115226
Theresa May's speech tonight was the most idiotic and counterproductive speech since Biggus Dickus insisted that Po… https://t.co/l8ns0OhXGS— davidallengreen (@davidallengreen) 1553121026
More: This Brexit joke should end any complaints about John Bercow blocking another vote on May's deal
