MPs start debating Brexit Bill as Barnier says Ireland deal unacceptable
7 Sept 2017 10:34 PM IST
London: British lawmakers on Thursday began debating a crucial Bill that will end the supremacy of European Union (EU) law and replace them with domestic statute on the day Britain leaves the economic bloc. The EU (Withdrawal) Bill will convert all existing EU laws, dating back over 40 years, into UK law in time for Brexit by March 2019.
Opening the debate in the House of Commons alongside Prime Minister Theresa May, the UK's minister for exiting the EU David Davis said the bill was "the next step in the historic process of honouring that decision" made in the EU referendum and will ensure that "on the day we leave, businesses know where they stand".
He told MPs: "I stand ready to listen to those who offer improvements to the bill in the spirit of preparing our statute book for withdrawal from the European Union." He urged all parties to work with the government "in the spirit of collaboration", rejecting Opposition claims that he was attempting to change laws without proper Parliamentary scrutiny. "It is only what is necessary for a smooth exit and to provide stability," he said.
However, the passage of the Bill is expected to prove a tumultuous task for May as she faces a cross-party rebellion.
The Opposition Labour party has refused to vote for the Bill in its current form, describing it as a "power grab" on the part of the Conservative party-led government.
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