Prime Minister Theresa May has urged pro-European Union MPs to not obstruct the Brexit bill during its second phase in the House of Commons. May, in a speech, demanded MPs didn't use filibustering tactics to hold up the passage of the bill, which, if successful, would allow May to trigger article 50 by her self-imposed deadline of March, 31st.
Rejected amendments
May's warning comes after Labour and a group of cross-party MPs amendments to the Brexit bill- including consultations with the leaders of the devolved nations and Theresa May reporting back to parliament every two months with detailed reports on ongoing negotiations- were comfortably defeated by the government.
Pertinent for Nicola Sturgeon's plans to potentially declare a snap referendum, an amendment called for the leaders of Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland to be consulted throughout the Brexit process and have their views taken into account. This was defeated by 333 votes to 276. Although a bad result for Nicola Sturgeon, long-term this plays into her hands as it will continue to fuel anti-Westminster sentiment in Scotland.
Labour MPs hopeful of adding amendments in next couple of days
MPs are more hopeful of garnering support from rebel Conservative Party members during the next two days.Today, Labour and rebel Tories will fight to guarantee the rights to the 2.8 million EU nationals that live in the United Kingdom.
Further, the right for MPs to vote on Theresa May and her government's final Brexit plan before Brussels signs the deal off will be debated in parliament.
Much of Labour's optimism is likely to have little impact on reality. The government is extremely confident that it will be able to absorb any potential rebellion by the Tory backbenchers in the next coming days and Prime Minister Theresa May has declared that she will not succumb to in party pressure.
Such a rebellion would have to be sizable for it to have any impact on the vote.
This morning, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn imposed a three line whip to back Theresa May's bill, regardless of whether amendments are added. The imposition of the whip will create further divisions withing the Labour Party. Diane Abbott and Clive Lewis, two of Corbyn's closest allies, have declared that they would find it difficult to vote in favour of Theresa May's bill without any amendments- which is the likely outcome of the next couple of days. Once more, Corbyn faces a potential exodus of front-bench MPs over his Brexit stance.
