MPs in House of Commons in Britain approve EU withdrawal Bill – The AEN-Asian Express Newspaper/owner and founding editor Vallabh Kaviraj, London, founded in 1973

British MPs in House of Commons approve the EU withdrawal Bill and passed a crucial stage last night in the House of Commons with the support of 324 MPs, and opposition by 295 MPs, a government majority of just 29, and the Bill now heads to the House of Lords where it will undergo even more scrutiny and challenges from pro-EU unelected peers. But according to political commentators reportedly said the bill’s passing in the Commons was a major milestones in the Brexit journey.

Brexit Secretary David Davis reportedly said the government would present a number of amendments to the bill when it reaches the Lords. Davis described the decision as the historic, saying we have a shared interest in making the bill a success in the national interest. It is a complex, but crucial piece of legislation, Davis said, adding its passing is necessary to ensure Britain’s smooth departure from the EU.

Reportedly the withdrawal bill attracted more than 500 amendments which were discussed during more than 80 hours of debate in the chamber. The Brexit Withdrawal bill will repeal the 1972 European Communities Act which originally took Britain into what was then called the EEC in 1973. The bill, if eventually receiving royal assent by Queen Elizabeth, will also end the power of the European Court of Justice in Britain.

According to news report, a Downing Street spokesman said Prime Minister Theresa May intends to take Britain out of the EU in March of 2019.

-AENNS 18/01/2018