May defeats Brexit rebellion in parliament

SHE WAS FORCED TO MAKE CONCESSIONS TO LAWMAKERS OVER EU DEPARTURE

But lawmakers get more control over Britain’s departure from the European Union |

Prime Minister Theresa May defeated a rebellion in parliament over her Brexit plans yesterday but only after having to compromise and hand lawmakers more control over Britain’s departure from the European Union.

After winning yesterday’s vote over changes to a future “meaningful vote” on a final agreement with Brussels in her EU withdrawal bill, May’s plans to end more than 40 years of membership in the bloc were still on track.

Her concession to discuss the changes may mean lawmakers could have more power if she fails to secure a Brexit deal, possibly leading to a softer approach to Britain’s divorce.

However, as things stand, they will not be able to send the government back into negotiations if they reject an agreement with the EU.

Brexit campaigners still expressed concern that the concession may open the door to the EU trying to force Britain into retaining the closest possible ties with the bloc by weakening the government’s hand in the talks. Pro-EU lawmakers welcomed it as a signal that the government is giving up on a “no deal” Brexit.

Lawmakers backed a government plan, ending a rebellion that would have challenged May’s authority at a time when she is increasingly under pressure to move ahead with all-but-stalled Brexit talks in Brussels by offering a more detailed plan.

The government’s victory was the first major win in two days of debates on its EU withdrawal bill, which will sever ties with the EU, after the upper house of parliament, the House of Lords, introduced 15 changes.

Earlier, May appeared to have also stemmed a rebellion on Wednesday over her commitment to leaving the EU’s customs union which will transform Britain’s trading relationships for decades to come.

But rebels have said they will challenge May’s plans to leave the customs union during votes on other bills.