Government: ‘Landmark’ withdrawal agreement bill to “give businesses continuity”

The UK Government has put forward its ‘landmark’ Brexit withdrawal agreement for MPs to vote on ahead of October 31.

The bill, which will enshrine the new deal agreed with the European Union in UK law, will see the abolition of the Northern Ireland backstop that was present in Theresa May’s deal, as well as a complete UK exit from the customs union.

The new withdrawal agreement, which could enable Prime Minister Boris Johnson to honour his pledge to take the country out of the EU by the October deadline, is expected to be voted on in Parliament in as soon as three days’ time.

The government has said that implementing the agreement will “secure an implementation period to give businesses continuity and greater certainty as they prepare for the change in relationship…with the EU.”

Brexit Secretary, Steve Barclay, commented: “The Prime Minister has successfully negotiated a great new deal without the anti-democratic backstop which many said would be impossible.

“MPs and Peers…have in front of them a bill that will get Brexit done by October 31, protect jobs and the integrity of the UK, and enable us to move onto the people’s priorities like health, education and crime.”