Voting against EU bill means 'chaotic' Brexit, claims David Davis
2 min read
David Davis has warned MPs planning to vote against the EU Withdrawal Bill that they are risking a "chaotic exit from the European Union".
The Commons will vote on the second reading of the bill later today, with the debate expected to go on late into the evening.
The legislation is designed to transpose decades of EU legislation into UK statute.
However, MPs on all sides have raised concerns that ministers are giving themselves too much power through so-called Henry VIII clauses, which allow them to change legislation after it has passed through Parliament.
Labour are whipping their MPs to oppose the bill, with Shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer saying it is a "huge power grab" that will "reduce MPs to spectators".
While a small number of Tories, including former attorney general Dominic Grieve, could oppose the bill, it looks likely to pass through the Commons unhindered.
Mr Davis claimed that voting against the legislation would only increase the uncertainty around the Brexit process.
“A vote against this Bill is a vote for a chaotic exit from the European Union. The British people did not vote for confusion and neither should Parliament," the Brexit Secretary said in a statement.
“Providing certainty and stability in the lead up to our withdrawal is a key priority. Businesses and individuals need reassurance that there will be no unexpected changes to our laws after exit day and that is exactly what the Repeal Bill provides."
“Without it, we would be approaching a cliff edge of uncertainty which is not in the interest of anyone."
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