Prime minister Boris Johnson managed a rare win on Tuesday evening, with the House of Commons passing his Withdrawal Agreement Bill. However, the motion to expedite the bill to law in just two days—his attempt to clear the plan before the October 31st deadline to exit the EU—was shot down immediately after.
Members of the House hope to use a longer legislative stage to debate and amend the bill. That can only happen if the extension requested by the British government last week is approved by the EU. They may grant a delay until Jan. 31 or to opt for a shorter period. If not granted, the U.K. stays on a crash course for leaving the EU without a deal by the end of the month.
This was the first time in two years a Brexit deal negotiated with the EU won support from the Commons. Previous PM Theresa May failed three times to get Parliament to back her proposals, as hard-line Brexiteers voted repeatedly against her plans. This time around, Johnson was able to rally crucial votes from the European Research Group, as well as expelled Tories who had voted against the government on Saturday’s amendment vote that forced the PM to request the new extension. “Brexit fatigue” united MPs across the chamber with 19 Labour MPs voting for the deal and against their party whip.
| MP | Party | May’s deal (Jan 15) | May’s deal (Mar 12) | May’s deal (Mar 29) | Boris Johnson’s deal |
|---|