Johnson is forced to row back on ‘do or die’ Brexit promise
Labour MPs support his deal but many want more time for scrutiny
LABOUR MPS who voted for the Government’s Brexit deal have called for more time to discuss the Bill before it can become law.
A number of Labour MPs rebelled against their party last night to back Boris Johnson’s deal, but many then opted for longer to debate and amend the long-awaited agreement before it gets onto the statute books.
The Labour MP for Stoke-onTrent Central, Gareth Snell, said: “The injury inflicted this evening was a mere flesh wound, and if the Leader of the House was willing to bring forward a motion tomorrow with a more considered timetable for committee stage, it would pass this House.
“Some of us voted for a second reading precisely so we could get on to the next stage for more scrutiny, and didn’t support the programme motion because we did not believe there was sufficient time.”
The Labour MP for Manchester Central, Lucy Powell, added: “We could have a lot longer on committee stage, and he could bring forward tomorrow morning a fresh programme motion which allows us longer in committee for us to actually put amendments in a timely fashion.”
However, some Yorkshire MPs voted for the deal out of a wish to get Brexit over and done with.
While most of the region’s MPs voted along party lines – with Labour voting against Mr Johnson’s deal and against his timetable for passing the law, and the Conservatives the opposite, there were some defiers.
Some 19 Labour MPs backed Mr Johnson’s Brexit deal at the second reading last night, including Sir Kevin Barron (Rother Valley), Sarah Champion (Rotherham), Gloria De Piero (Ashfield), Caroline Flint (Don Valley), Dan
Jarvis (Barnsley Central), John Mann (Bassetlaw), Melanie Onn (Great Grimsby), and Stephanie Peacock (Barnsley East).
Four of those also voted with the Government to back Mr Johnson’s plan to get the law through in just three days. These included Sir Kevin, Ms Flint, and Mr Mann.
Sir Kevin said: “Tonight’s vote shows that there is a majority for a Brexit deal, we must stop the dithering and get on with respecting the referendum.”
Ms Champion added: “Very pleased the deal has got its second reading.”
While John Healey, Labour MP for Wentworth and Dearne who voted against the deal, said he was “proud to stand with MPs of all parties tonight. We’re all frustrated by Brexit but being fed up is no basis for a bad deal.
“This sells out British jobs and ties us into a Tory plan for lower workplace rights and standards.”
Mr Johnson saw his Brexit plans fall flat after several MPs who supported the principle of key legislation then oppose efforts to fast-track it through the Commons.
The Prime Minister secured a majority of 30 in favour of giving the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill, which seeks to implement his Brexit deal, a second reading.
But he then saw his programme motion to force through proceedings on the Bill in fewer than three days defeated by a majority of 14.
Mr Johnson, who had pledged to take Britain out of the EU by the Halloween deadline “do or die”, told the House he would now
consult with other EU leaders on what should happen next.
Under the terms of the socalled Benn Act, Mr Johnson was forced to write to the EU at the weekend seeking an extension after failing to win support at Saturday’s special sitting.
He added: “Let me be clear. Our policy remains that we should not delay, that we should leave the EU on October 31 and that is what I will say to the EU and I will report back to the House.
“And one way or another we will leave the EU with this deal, to which this House has just given its assent.”