Brexit: MPs resume scrutiny of PM’s withdrawal deal

MPs have concluded the first of three days scrutinising legislation that will implement the UK’s Brexit deal.

The government, which has a commanding Commons majority, easily defeated three opposition amendments to the Withdrawal Agreement Bill on citizens’ rights.

Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay said the bill would deliver on the “overwhelming mandate” his party was given to take the UK out of the EU on 31 January.

MPs overwhelmingly backed the bill at its first stage in late December.

It is expected to comfortably pass its remaining stages in the Commons by Thursday before moving to the Lords.

The bill covers “divorce” payments to the EU, citizens’ rights, customs arrangements for Northern Ireland and the proposed 11-month transition period lasting from 1 February to 31 December.

Theresa May – Mr Johnson’s predecessor in Downing Street – repeatedly failed to get her Brexit agreement passed by MPs which led to her resignation as prime minister.

But before Parliament closed for the Christmas recess, MPs gave initial approval to Mr Johnson’s bill by 358 votes to 234.

What were MPs debating?

The bill has now moved on to the second phase of the parliamentary process – known as the committee stage. It will be analysed in detail over the next three days with MPs proposing amendments.

But with the government enjoying a Commons majority of 80, it will not be changed in any way without the support of ministers.

Tuesday’s proceedings began with a discussion of the 11-month transition period after 31 January, in which the UK will cease to be an EU member but will continue to follow its rules and contribute to its budget.

The purpose of the transition period is to give time for the UK and EU to negotiate their future relationship.

The UK has said this can be done by the end of 2020 and the bill rules out extending the transition period beyond that point – even if a free trade deal with the EU has not been agreed.

Green Party MP Caroline Lucas asked Mr Barclay why he wanted to “tie the government’s hands” on the length of the transition period and “risk the disaster of no-deal” at the end of the year.

She suggested the government was “prepared to throw away” constructive negotiations with the EU if they “can’t fit into the arbitrarily short time” set out in the bill.

“Why does he think it’s worth taking that risk?” she asked.

In response, Mr Barclay said it was odd that Ms Lucas, who opposes Brexit, was “complaining about” a measure which would maintain the UK’s existing relationship with the EU for almost another year.

Timescale warnings

Liberal Democrat Brexit spokesman Alistair Carmichael made a similar point to Ms Lucas.

He said Mrs May’s Brexit deal allowed for an implementation period of 21 months which was seen as “exceptionally ambitious”, adding: “But now, in fact, we find that it can all be done in 11 months.”

Mr Carmichael said there had been “bold and ambitious assertions” from the government that the time available would be enough, but Mr Barclay’s words would “come back to haunt him” if they turned out to be wrong.

The Lib Dems want an extension to the transition period if a deal with the EU has not been completed by 1 June 2020 while Labour want to reinstate provisions giving Parliament a role in deciding whether the transition period is extended.