A cross party group of British MPs have proposed legislation in a last-ditch attempt to ensure that the government does not pursue a no-deal Brexit on April 12.
Drawn up by Labour grandee Yvette Cooper and the Conservative Sir Oliver Letwin, the one-clause bill would force prime minister Theresa May to seek an extension of Article 50 if the UK was set to crash out in 10 days.
It does not specify how long any delay should be. The legislation would allow for an amendable motion, so MPs can vote on the extension. The bill also says any vote would be binding on the government. In the instance that the EU offers a different extension date, the bill states that MPs should be able to vote on it.
Ms Cooper and Sir Oliver have been behind recent efforts by MPs to try and find an alternative Brexit plan through a series of indicative votes. But the latest round of voting on Monday failed to show a majority for an alternative form of Brexit.
Ms Cooper, who is chair of the home affairs select committee, said that the UK is in a “really dangerous situation” with the risk of a no-deal departure increasing.
“Parliament has tried to jam into two days a process of finding consensus that I wish the Prime Minister had started 2 years ago. But right now nothing has been agreed,” said Ms Cooper.
“So that means that whatever happens in the next few days, the UK needs an extension beyond 12 April if we are to avoid the damage and chaos of No Deal.”
Sir Oliver said: “This is a last-ditch attempt to prevent our country being exposed to the risks inherent in a no deal exit. We realise this is difficult. But it is definitely worth trying.”
The legislation is being presented to the House of Commons on Tuesday afternoon. MPs are expecting to debate it on Thursday. Sir Oliver and Ms Cooper hope that the bill can be voted on and passed before the end of the day. It will then expedited through the House of Lords.
