MPs pass Johnson’s withdrawal agreement paving way for January exit
With Tories’ 80-strong majority, the EU divorce bill passes by a comfortable margin
![Boris Johnson](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GfbCRnRtNSgi7Yp87HnS38-415-80.jpg)
MPs have voted to pass Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal, setting Britain up to leave the European Union by the end of January.
The bill passed by 358 to 234 – a majority of 124. The result was to be expected after Johnson’s electoral success last week delivered a Commons majority of 80 for the Conservatives, says the BBC.
The bill will now move to what is known as “committee stage”, where there will be an opportunity for changes to be made to the wording or for new clauses to be added.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg)
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
This is the second version of the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, which was first published in October.
As The Guardian reports, it includes:
- Powers to make the Brexit deal legal under domestic law.
- The legislation enabling the transition period allowing the UK to stay in the customs union and single market between 1 February and 21 December 2020.
- Powers to ministers and devolved governments to deal with the separation issues particularly in Northern Ireland.
- Powers and arrangements to ensure EU citizens’ rights laid out in the withdrawal agreement are implemented.
A number of small changes have been made to the bill including the removal of:
- The clause giving MPs the right to approve an extension to the transition period.
- The right of the House of Commons to approve the negotiating objectives of the government in the next phase of the Brexit talks
- The removal of clauses pledging alignment with the EU on workers’ rights.
- Legal protections for refugee children reunited with family members in the UK have been watered down.
Some clauses have also been added, for example:
- A clause outlawing an extension to the Brexit transition period beyond 31 December
- A clause locking in Brexit at the stroke of midnight, 31 December.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Did Kamala Harris kill brat?
Talking Point Pop culture phenomenon co-opted by presidential candidate sparks claims brat is over
By Jamie Timson, The Week UK Published
-
Paris Olympics: will it be a success?
Today's Big Question Organisers hope the 'spectacle' of the 2024 Games will lift the cloud of negativity that has hung over the build-up
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 20 - 26 July
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By The Week Staff Published
-
How could J.D. Vance impact the special relationship?
Today's Big Question Trump's hawkish pick for VP said UK is the first 'truly Islamist country' with a nuclear weapon
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
The Tamils stranded on 'secretive' British island in Indian Ocean
Under the Radar Migrants 'unlawfully detained' since 2021 shipwreck on UK-controlled Diego Garcia, site of important US military base
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Britain's Labour Party wins in a landslide
Speed Read The Conservatives were unseated after 14 years of rule
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Will voter apathy and low turnout blight the election?
Today's Big Question Belief that result is 'foregone conclusion', or that politicians can't be trusted, could exacerbate long-term turnout decline
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Is David Cameron overshadowing Rishi Sunak?
Talking Point Current PM faces 'thorny dilemma' as predecessor enjoys return to world stage
By The Week UK Published
-
Will Aukus pact survive a second Trump presidency?
Today's Big Question US, UK and Australia seek to expand 'game-changer' defence partnership ahead of Republican's possible return to White House
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Can Boris Johnson save Rishi Sunak?
Today's Big Question Former PM could 'make the difference' between losing the next election and annihilation
By The Week UK Published
-
It's the economy, Sunak: has 'Rishession' halted Tory fightback?
Today's Big Question PM's pledge to deliver economic growth is 'in tatters' as stagnation and falling living standards threaten Tory election wipeout
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published