Brexit Bill victory gives certainty and clarity, says Theresa May

THE Government’s victory on its flagship Brexit legislation backs the will of the British people and gives “certainty and clarity”, Theresa May has said.

Labour’s bid to block the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill was defeated by 318 votes to 296 and a later vote to give it a second reading passed by a majority 36.

The Prime Minister hailed the Parliamentary win as “historic” and said it allowed negotiations to move on with “solid foundations”.

Labour said the results were “deeply disappointing” and the Liberal Democrats described it as “a dark day for the mother of parliaments”.

Mrs May said: “Earlier this morning Parliament took a historic decision to back the will of the British people and vote for a bill which gives certainty and clarity ahead of our withdrawal from the European Union.

“Although there is more to do, this decision means we can move on with negotiations with solid foundations and we continue to encourage MPs from all parts of the UK to work together in support of this vital piece of legislation.”

Some Tories had called for extra time to be granted to allow MPs to assess flagship Brexit legislation line by line.

MPs approved the timetable guaranteeing 64 hours of debate split across eight days at committee stage by a majority of 17 after Justice Secretary David Lidington said the Government is “willing to consider” giving more time to the next stages of the Bill if there is “good reason”.

Shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer said the Bill was a “naked power grab” by the Government.

“This is a deeply disappointing result,” he said.

“This Bill is an affront to parliamentary democracy and a naked power grab by Government ministers. It leaves rights unprotected, it silences Parliament on key decisions and undermines the devolution settlement.

“It will make the Brexit process more uncertain, and lead to division and chaos when we need unity and clarity.

“Labour will seek to amend and remove the worst aspects from the Bill as it passes through Parliament. But the flaws are so fundamental it’s hard to see how this Bill could ever be made fit for purpose.”

Tom Brake, Lib Dem Brexit spokesman, said Labour rebels had “walked hand in hand” with the Tories to give the Government extreme powers.

He said: “This Bill will hand the Government unprecedented new powers. MPs, especially those who campaigned to leave the EU on the basis of ‘taking back control’ for our parliament, should be ashamed.

“They have abdicated their responsibility to scrutinise legislation and relinquished parliamentary sovereignty to Theresa May’s unrepresentative cabal.”