Today, the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill 2019-20 passed its Second Reading in the House of Commons by 358 to 234 votes. The Bill will now face further scrutiny by Members of Parliament and Lords on the 7th, 8th and 9th of January.
This is a major step to ensuring that the United Kingdom exits the European Union on January 31st after the country voted to leave in the 2016 referendum. After continuing deadlock and delay, with Members of Parliament refusing to support leaving without a deal, leaving with a deal, a second referendum or revoking Article 50, the new Conservative Government achieved an 80 majority in the December General Election that means the Bill is expected to pass through Parliament. The new majority Government has unlocked the deadlocked Parliament as every Conservative candidate in the Election promised to back Boris Johnson’s Deal.
Local MP, Caroline Dinenage, commented:
“We have had three years of dither and delay which has been harming not only to local businesses and residents, but also to our faith in our democracy. Finally, with a new Conservative Government, we can deliver on the referendum result and move the country forward.
“Gosport voted overwhelmingly to leave the EU in 2016 and it has been incredibly frustrating that MPs across the House have been ignoring their vote. I am excited and pleased that the New Year will bring the beginning of a new decade where my constituents vote will finally be respected.”
