Brexit: Internal Market Bill clears first hurdle in Commons
Brexit: Internal Market Bill clears first hurdle in Commons
A proposed law giving Boris Johnson's government the power to override parts of the Brexit agreement with the EU has passed its first hurdle in the Commons.
MPs backed the Internal Market Bill by 340 votes to 263.
Ministers say it contains vital safeguards to protect Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, if negotiations on a future trade deal break down.
But critics, including a number of Tory MPs, warned it risks damaging the UK by breaching international law.
Although the government has a majority of 80 in the Commons, it is braced for rebellions in the coming weeks as the legislation receives detailed scrutiny.
Several prominent Conservatives, including former Chancellor Sajid Javid, have said they could not support the final bill unless it is amended, with a number expected to have abstained in Monday's vote.
Political Editor Nick Watt reports and in the studio Emily Maitlis is joined by Conservative MP Sir Roger Gale, who did not vote with the government, Tory Peer Lord Lilley who supports the Internal Market Bill and European Parliament Vice-President Katarina Barley.
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