JOHNSON TO LEGALLY BLOCK FURTHER BREXIT DELAYS
BRITISH Prime Minister Boris Johnson will legislate to prevent MPs extending the Brexit transition period beyond the end of 2020, government sources say.
Ministers are understood to have reworked the Withdrawal Agreement Bill (WAB) – due to come before the Commons this week – to “legally prohibit” any further extension of the transition.
The move came as MPs gathered at Westminster for the first sitting of the new Parliament following last week’s general election.
Mr Johnson was swept to an unexpected 80-seat majority as a swathe of Labour strongholds fell to the Tories.
Under current plans, the government intends to end Britain’s EU membership on January 31, with an implementation to run to the end of 2020 while it negotiates a freetrade agreement with Brussels.
However, key EU figures – including chief negotiator Michel Barnier – have expressed scepticism a deal can be agreed in time, raising the prospect of a no-deal break unless there is an extension.
“Last week the public voted for a government that would get Brexit done and move this country forward – and that’s exactly what we intend to do starting this week,” a Downing Street source said.
“Our manifesto made clear that we will not extend the implementation period and the new Withdrawal Agreement Bill will legally prohibit the Government agreeing to any extension.”
Mr Johnson repeatedly promised during the election campaign that he would not seek any extension.
The commitment was instrumental in persuading Nigel Farage not to stand Brexit Party candidates in Conservative held seats.
The WAB is due to be brought before the Commons on Friday – and could receive its first reading and be voted on at second reading in one day, if the Speaker agrees.