The Latest: Johnson says it's not too late save Brexit

By Associated Press London

PUBLISHED 1:55 PM ET May. 09, 2019

LONDON (AP) — The Latest on Brexit (all times local):

3:30 p.m.

Former UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson implored fellow lawmakers not to abandon Brexit, urging them to remember the initial enthusiasm for a sharp break from the European Union.

Johnson criticized Prime Minister Theresa May's outline for negotiations presented earlier this month at her Chequers retreat, saying it was a plan for Brexit "in name only." He told lawmakers in the House of Commons on Wednesday it was "not too late" save Brexit and that the government had failed to make the case for a free trade agreement outlined in a speech at Lancaster House 18 months ago in the heady days after the referendum passed.

Johnson says "we must try now because we will not get another chance to do it right."

Johnson resigned from government rather than accept May's plan.

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11:30 a.m.

U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May plans to address lawmakers from her Conservative Party in an attempt to ease tensions after a series of close votes in the House of Commons underscored the fragility of her government.

May's plans for exiting the European Union were narrowly approved by the House of Commons in a series of votes this week, but only after she bowed to Brexit hardliners led by Jacob Rees-Mogg to salvage her program.

The prime minister's meeting with Conservative lawmakers Wednesday is seen as a last chance to rally her forces before a six-week summer recess.

Anna Soubry, a former cabinet minister who supports close ties with the EU, told the BBC: "I don't think that she's in charge anymore. I've no doubt Jacob Rees-Mogg is running our country."