Politics

Brexit law rushed through this week as Boris Johnson plots exit day celebration


Boris Johnson’s Brexit Bill will be rushed through the House of Commons in just three days this week  – as the Prime Minister draws up “plans” to celebrate exit day.

Downing Street confirmed the timetable today despite concerns that three days will not be long enough to pass the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, one of the last steps for Brexit to happen on January 31.

MPs previously refused to let Mr Johnson rush the massively complicated Bill through in three days – prompting him to call an election.

Now that he’s won an 80-seat majority, the Prime Minister can spend as little time on the ‘WAB’ as he likes.

That is despite MPs’ concerns not disappearing about the Bill, which waters down previous pledges on workers’ rights and contains a ‘trapdoor’ to no-deal Brexit on January 31.

Meanwhile Downing Street dropped a heavy hint that Mr Johnson plans a celebration event of some kind to mark the moment the UK exits at 11pm on January 31.

Meanwhile Downing Street dropped a heavy hint that Mr Johnson plans a celebration event of some kind

Dozens of Tory Brexiteers have already called for Big Ben to chime at 11pm while Nigel Farage is planning a Brexit day party outside Parliament, which could include fireworks, bands and comedians.

Today the PM’s official spokesman said: “We will set out our plans shortly but I don’t have anything for you yet.”

Asked if the PM did plan a commemoration of some kind he added: “It’s clearly a significant moment in our country’s history.

“We’ll set all of our plans out, hopefully as one, shortly.”

The Commons begins three days of debates on the Withdrawal Agreement Bill on Tuesday, with the deadline for the UK’s departure set for January 31.

The Government’s 80-strong majority means Opposition MPs have little chance of amending the legislation, which is being debated at committee stage.

The Government’s 80-strong majority means Opposition MPs have little chance of amending the legislation

The Conservative leader is set on railroading through his exit deal after winning last month’s general election with a pledge to “Get Brexit Done”.

The Bill must pass through the Commons and Lords and receive Royal Assent from the Queen by the end of this month so the UK an leave at 11pm on January 31.

An 11-month transition begins immediately, during which British and EU officials aim to thrash out an agreement on the future relationship between the UK and bloc.

Mr Johnson hosts new European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in No10 on Wednesday after Prime Minister’s Questions in Parliament.

Mr Johnson hosts new European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in No10 on Wednesday

“The purpose really is to have an introductory meeting,” said the PM’s spokesman.

Mr Johnson is expected to push the Brussels chief to commit to striking a trade deal by the end of this year.

Ms von der Leyen has previously spoken of her “serious concern” at the demand a pact could be reached within the 11-month timetable.

No10 said: “Where minds should be focused is on the fact that the EU jointly agreed with the UK that it would do everytthing to conclude an ambitious future partnership by the end of 2020.

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“The Prime Minister and the Government couldn’t be any clearer in their position that we will be leaving the implementation period on December 2020.

“There will be no extension.”

Downing Street left the door open to holding “tandem” trade talks with the US and EU at the same time.

Brexit supporters say the move would pile pressure on Brussels to agree a deal.

The PM’s spokesman said: “Once we have left the EU on January 31 we will be free to hold trade discussions with countries across the world and not just focus on discussing the future partnership with the EU.”

The last time a European Commission President visited Downing Street was May 2017, when Theresa May hosted Jean-Claude Juncker.

An account leaked to the German press claimed Mrs May begged for help and appeared “anxious” and “tormented”.





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