The crucial EU Withdrawal Bill is under mortal threat today after government whips were forced to delay its return to the Commons in the face of a slew of rebellions.
The flagship Bill was due to be scrutinised by MPs next week – but has been temporarily removed from the parliamentary calendar.
Ministers fear they could be defeated on more than a dozen of the 300 amendments that have been tabled, potentially undermining plans for cutting ties with Brussels.
A total of 300 amendments and 54 new clauses have been tabled, of which 13 are said to have enough Tory support to defeat the Government.
The Bill was to be scrutinised by MPs next week – but has been temporarily removed from the timetable because the Government faces rebellion on several amendments. Pictured: Prime Minister Theresa May in Parliament on Wednesday
The Bill will take European Union law into domestic legislation to provide continuity as Britain leaves the bloc.
But MPs on the Opposition benches and some Tories have taken the opportunity to try to water down the process.
Rebels have been fighting against the introduction of sweeping ‘Henry VIII powers’, which will let ministers make legislative changes without full parliamentary scrutiny.
During business questions yesterday, Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom faced questions about the Bill’s absence from the calendar.
On the Bill, Mrs Leadsom said: ‘What I can say to all members is of course, there are some 300 amendments and 54 new clauses being proposed, quite rightly, by members who have very real concerns about the Bill.
‘Those are being closely evaluated. That is taking a bit of time to have proper, thoughtful, well considered responses to those.
‘But we will of course be bringing forward the committee of the whole House [to debate the Bill] just as soon as we’re able to.’
On the Bill, Mrs Leadsom (pictured) said: ‘What I can say to all members is of course, there are some 300 amendments and 54 new clauses being proposed, quite rightly, by members who have very real concerns about the Bill’
MPs are due to spend eight days debating the Withdrawal Bill at committee stage.
It will then undergo further scrutiny in the Commons and the Lords – where the battle is expected to be even fiercer – before it can be approved.
Shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer said: ‘The Tories’ repeal bill is simply not fit for purpose
‘It would give huge and unaccountable power to ministers and puts vital rights and protections at risk.
‘Theresa May must start listening to the legitimate concerns of Labour and some of her own MPs and urgently change approach.’