Parliament to vote on Brexit ammendments
MP’s are expected to vote on tabled amendments to the Brexit proposal in Parliament tomorrow evening.
Opposition and backbench MP’s have been proposing changes to the Withdrawal Agreement which will be discussed prior to the vote.
Today the SNP has added its voice to the debate and tabled an amendment asking for a halt to Brexit, an extension to Article 50 and that a no-deal Brexit be taken off the table.
Patrick Grady, SNP, Glasgow North MP said: “Scotland’s voice, and our overwhelming vote to Remain in the EU, have been completely ignored at every turn. With just a matter of weeks before the UK is due to leave the EU, I and my SNP colleagues are urging the Prime Minister to listen to reason and put the brakes on Brexit.
“That’s why the SNP has tabled an amendment today calling for the clock to be stopped on Brexit and for the wishes of people in Scotland to be respected. Our amendment also seeks an extension to Article 50, to rule out a no-deal Brexit, and to recognise that if the UK is an equal partnership of nations then Scotland should not be dragged out of the EU against its will.”
I have consistently pressed the fact that the best possible relationship with the European Union is membership. If Scotland is to be dragged out against its will then it only demonstrates further that that our national interests can only be protected with independence.”
The amendment tabled by Labour’s Yvette Cooper is the only amendment which, if accepted, would place and obligation on the government as her Bill would become law and would require Theresa May to look to postpone Brexit.
Labour’s Paul Sweeney, Glasgow North-East MP, said: “After Theresa May’s empathic defeat in the Commons a fortnight ago, it is right that Parliament itself takes control of the Brexit process.
“Labour’s frontbench amendment first and foremost rules out a disastrous no deal Brexit, as well as allowing Parliament to consider options including our alternative plan for a permanent customs union with a British say and a close single market relationship.
“As a matter of urgency the threat of crashing out on March 29th on WTO terms must be lifted and we will seriously consider any amendments which help to achieve this.”
MP’s will vote on the amendments and the results will give the Prime Minister an indication of alterations required to get her deal through parliament.
The UK is due to leave the UK on March 29 at 23.00.
