Brexit: MPs to debate and vote on Boris Johnson's deal
With his majority of 80, the government is assured of victory by a big margin in a vote on the EU Withdrawal Agreement Bill.
Friday 20 December 2019 15:36, UK
Boris Johnson is claiming a new dawn lies ahead for the UK as MPs prepare to vote on his Brexit deal.
The House of Commons will have its say on the second reading of the government's European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill.
The government is assured of victory because of the Tories' thumping majority of 80 - there will be no repeat of the knife-edge votes or government defeats that prompted the PM to call the election.
Ahead of today's debate, Mr Johnson said: "Today we will deliver on the promise we made to the people and get the Brexit vote wrapped up for Christmas."
He added: "Next year will be a great year for our country - the year we get Brexit done, boost NHS funding, invest in infrastructure and level up access to opportunity and prosperity across our great nation.
"It will mark the start of a new decade where the United Kingdom will champion trade, innovation and science and meet global challenges with old friends and new across the world."
Since the general election, the bill has been beefed up by the government to enshrine the end of the Brexit transition period, planned for the end of next year, in law. The government says the changes mean the bill will:
- Legally prohibit government extending the implementation period beyond 31 December 2020
- Restore power to UK courts, by giving them the ability to consider ECJ rulings that have been retained in UK law
- Give parliament greater oversight by requiring ministers to report annually on disputes with the EU under the Withdrawal Agreement
- Repeal spent legislation that now serves no purpose, including that piloted through parliament by Labour's Yvette Cooper and Hilary Benn
The government also says its commitments on workers' rights, environmental standards and consumer protection will be honoured in separate legislation, including an Employment Bill announced in the Queen's Speech.
Announcing the timetable for the bill's passage through the Commons in a statement to MPs, the Leader of the Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg, said the remaining stages would be on 7, 8 and 9 January before it goes to the Lords.
:: Listen to the Daily podcast on , , ,
Echoing the prime minister's upbeat message, Mr Rees-Mogg wished MPs a happy Christmas and said: "We then look forward to a productive new year.
"A new year which this House, this great institution of our democracy, will work for the people, delivering the prime minister's ambitious legislative agenda while conducting its work of scrutiny and accountability in the proper way."