Johnson’s legislation to fast-track deal rejected
Wed 23 October 2019:
The UK is due to leave the EU on October 31st and Prime Minister Boris Johnson had been hoping to have his withdrawal agreement ratified by Parliament this week.
But MPs rejected that plan, saying it did not give them time to scrutinise the legislation. The rejection may have dealt the prime minister’s dreams of leaving the EU at the end of October a mortal blow.
However, earlier on Tuesday MPs gave their initial approval to legislation enacting the agreement struck with Brussels last week — only to then block the British premier’s timetable to pass it ahead of the latest October 31 date for Brexit.
Johnson immediately announced he would pause the process of trying to ratify the text — the first that MPs have backed since the 2016 referendum — while he consulted European Union leaders on a possible delay.
The timetable motion was intended to ensure the House of Commons debated the bill quickly, allowing it to go onto the unelected upper House of Lords.
Johnson warned that seeking further time risked a “no-deal” exit if the EU refused a delay.
Businesses and markets on both sides of the Channel fear such a scenario, where Britain severs ties with its closest trading partner with no new plans in place after 46 years of integration.
The deal covers EU citizens’ rights, Britain’s financial settlements, a post-Brexit transition period until at least the end of 2020 and new trade arrangements for Northern Ireland.
It also sets out vague plans for a loose free trade agreement with the EU after Brexit.
An earlier Brexit text agreed by Johnson’s predecessor Theresa May was rejected three times by MPs earlier this year.
Think your friends would be interested? Share this story!
