With much of the Brexit focus fixed on the European Council summit and the state of negotiations in Brussels, the difficulties of steering the Withdrawal Bill through parliament may have gone unnoticed.
On 12th October, Andrea Leadsom, Leader of the House announced to parliament that the Committee Stage of the Bill, which had been expected this month, won’t be taking place just yet.
Mrs Leadsom revealed that more than 300 amendments have been tabled and 54 new clauses proposed, following heavy criticism from MPs at the Second Reading stage last month. Due to the volume of changes put forward, the Committee Stage cannot proceed at this juncture until they have been scrutinised by ministers.
There is concern in government circles that it could be defeated, and existentially threatened, if some amendments are put to a vote. The Henry VIII powers are causing the greatest concern and an amendment limit has been proposed. A compromise is likely to be sought, with the assistance of the Procedure Committee, to avoid the amendment going any further.
One amendment, backed by Ken Clarke and Chris Leslie, and inspired by Theresa May’s Florence speech, seeks to enshrine in law the proposed two-year transition period. Another calls for parliament to be given the power to veto a final deal, or the absence of one.
Meanwhile, the Scottish and Welsh governments are demanding amendments to ensure that the Bill does not dilute their devolved power, in exchange for their ratification.
The delay may also have been a deliberate government tactic whilst it waited for the outcome of the European Council summit and the announcement of any agreement on plans for a transition period.
However, parliamentary time for the Committee Stage to go ahead before the Christmas recess is running short and concern is mounting that the Bill may be jeopardised unless progress happens soon.
Article published: 24th October 2017
