Landmark Brexit Bill passed

London, January 18

British MPs gave the green light today to a landmark Brexit Bill after weeks of debate and a damaging government defeat, but the legislation now faces a battle in the upper chamber.

The House of Commons voted by a majority of 29 to approve the EU (Withdrawal) Bill, which repeals the 1972 law that made Britain a member of theEuropean Union.

“This bill is essential for preparing the country for the historic milestone of withdrawing from the European Union,” Brexit Secretary David Davis said.

“We’ll have a statue book that works, delivering a smooth and orderly exit desired by people, businesses across the UK and being delivered by this government.”—AFP

Over to Lords

• The Bill is only one of several that Prime Minister Theresa May’s minority government must pass to prepare Britain for its withdrawal from the EU in March 2019
• MPs had tabled more than 500 amendments and spent more than 80 hours in debate, and Brexit Secretary David Davis said the Bill was heading to the Lords in an ‘improved’ state
• The unelected House of Lords may insist on further changes when peers begin their scrutiny on January 30, while ministers still face opposition from Scottish and Welsh administrations