From Stratfor

British Prime Minister Theresa May secured a major victory Feb. 8, when the House of Commons approved a bill to authorize the government to start formal negotiations to leave the European Union. After three days of debate, the bill was approved without any amendments; all proposals to reform it were voted down. The so-called “Brexit bill” passed 494-122. The legislation will now go to the House of Lords.

Under pressure from Parliament, the British government recently released a White Paper explaining its goals for the upcoming negotiations with Brussels. The document basically confirmed May’s earlier statements declaring the government’s intent to leave the EU single market — where goods, people, services and capital move freely — and to attempt to negotiate a free trade agreement with the bloc. Some British lawmakers also wanted to require the government to brief Parliament on the progress of the negotiations every two months, but this proposal was rejected. A proposal asking the government to give regular updates to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland was likewise voted down.

A particularly contentious issue is the degree of Parliament’s involvement in the final agreement between London and the European Union. Many lawmakers, including some from May’s Conservative party, wanted Parliament to be given the power to modify the Brexit agreement before it is ratified by both the United Kingdom and the European Union. Instead, the government has decided Parliament will be allowed a vote, but only on whether to accept or reject the final agreement as a whole. No modifications will be allowed.

Also voted down was a proposal to give all EU citizens currently living in the United Kingdom permanent residency after the Brexit. However, May’s government has suggested it will prioritize this issue when formal negotiations with Brussels begin. The problem goes both ways, after all, as the parties will also need to address the issue of British citizens living in the European Union.

Debate in the House of Lords will begin Feb. 20. May’s goal is to receive formal authorization by Parliament by early March, to honor a promise she made last year to start negotiations with Brussels by the end of March. Many British lawmakers in the upper chamber have expressed interest in proposing their own amendments to the bill. The government hopes that the overwhelming support it received in the House of Commons will make it harder for the Lords, who are not beholden to an electorate, to contradict the decision.

Tags:

Legal Notice