Brexit bill hits snag in House of Lords

British prime minister faces hurdle as amendment requires physical proof of people’s right of residence.

LONDON — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Brexit plans hit a hurdle Monday when Parliament’s upper chamber told the government to give European Union citizens living in the U.K. physical proof of their right to remain after the country leaves the bloc.

The House of Lords voted by 270-229 to amend the bill that paves the way for departure from the EU on Jan. 31 — the first of three votes that went against the government.

The amendment says EU citizens living in Britain should be given a document confirming their right of residence. At present EU nationals can register online to confirm their “settled status,” but receive no physical proof.

Liberal Democrat peer Jonny Oates said the lack of a hard document could leave EU residents “severely disadvantaged” in dealings with landlords and other officials.

The House of Lords is debating the government’s Withdrawal Agreement Bill, which sets the terms of Britain’s departure from the 28-nation EU. It must be passed by both houses of Parliament before Jan. 31 if the U.K. is to leave the EU on schedule.

The Lords also voted for two amendments intended to restrict government powers to ignore European court judgments after Brexit without consulting U.K. courts first.

Monday’s defeats won’t stop the bill becoming law, because the House of Commons has already approved it, and the elected lower chamber can overturn decisions by the Lords. But it means it must return to the Commons rather than automatically becoming law once it’s passed by the Lords on Tuesday.