Labour promises 'real fight' as ministers try to water down meaningful vote on final Brexit deal
2 min read
Ministers have sparked a fresh Brexit row by launching a bid to water down attempts to give MPs a meaningful vote on the deal Theresa May strikes with Brussels.
The Government will try to re-word a House of Lords amendment with the EU Withdrawal Bill which could effectively give the Commons control over the Brexit process.
But under the Government amendment, ministers will have to give a statement to MPs within 28 days if they reject the withdrawal agreement.
A spokesperson for the Department for Exiting the European Union said: “Our amendment removes Parliament’s ability to direct the government in relation to negotiations, which would set a huge constitutional precedent in terms of which branch of the state hold prerogative to act in the international sphere.”
Government sources say that they remain confident of achieving a deal and that the process will not be needed.
Shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer said on Twitter that Labour would fight to defeat the Government when the EU Withdrawal Bill returns to the Commons next Tuesday.
The Government has only accepted one of the 15 amendments the House of Lords made to the EU Withdrawal Bill. It has also tabled five amendments of its own.
Shadow Brexit minister Jenny Chapman said: “We will look at these amendments in detail over the coming days. But if this is the best the government can offer then they should be ready for a fight.”
“There is a majority in parliament for a customs union and a truly meaningful vote. Parliament, not the cabinet, should decide the terms of the UK’s exit from the EU.”
