Theresa May tries to sidestep more trouble over Brexit Bill with new proposals
Lead Conservative critic Dominic Grieve met ministers on Monday to discuss her plans
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Ministers have proposed further changes to Theresa May’s critical piece of Brexit legislation in a bid to ward off further defeats at the hands of Tory rebels.
Among the proposals are those they say will limit their scope to use so-called “Henry VIII” powers that would allow them to change laws without full parliamentary scrutiny after the UK leaves.
It comes after the Government suffered an embarrassing defeat when rebels led by former attorney general Dominic Grieve voted with Labour to force Ms May to give Parliament a greater say over the final deal she agrees with the EU.
Brexit Minister Steve Baker
insisted on Tuesday that the new changes being proposed, consisting of a
series of amendments to the EU (withdrawal) Bill, were not a climbdown.
He said: “This is a landmark piece of legislation which is paving the way for our smooth departure from the EU. That’s why our consistent approach to the Bill has been to listen and work with MPs who’ve made constructive suggestions to improve it.
“In bringing forward these amendments today, we’re showing the seriousness with which we take Parliament’s views. We’re looking forward to hearing the debate on these, and further amendments tabled by others, next week.”
Mr Grieve had an appointment at Downing Street on Tuesday to discuss the changes with senior members of the Government.
Among the proposals are those they say will limit their scope to use so-called “Henry VIII” powers that would allow them to change laws without full parliamentary scrutiny after the UK leaves.
It comes after the Government suffered an embarrassing defeat when rebels led by former attorney general Dominic Grieve voted with Labour to force Ms May to give Parliament a greater say over the final deal she agrees with the EU.
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He said: “This is a landmark piece of legislation which is paving the way for our smooth departure from the EU. That’s why our consistent approach to the Bill has been to listen and work with MPs who’ve made constructive suggestions to improve it.
“In bringing forward these amendments today, we’re showing the seriousness with which we take Parliament’s views. We’re looking forward to hearing the debate on these, and further amendments tabled by others, next week.”
Mr Grieve had an appointment at Downing Street on Tuesday to discuss the changes with senior members of the Government.
