Rachel has issued the following response to constituents who have contacted her about amendment 7 of the EU Withdrawal Bill.
I note the various concerns raised regarding the amendment 7 to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill tabled by Dominic Grieve MP on approval of the final deal with the EU which was narrowly passed in December.
I am aware that the Government has already said that MPs would have at least three formal opportunities to have a say on the UK's withdrawal from the EU in addition to the many debates that take place in Parliament every week.
Before the amendment was voted on, my ministerial colleagues had said that MPs would have a vote on whether to accept the final deal or not as soon as possible after the end of the negotiations. It is still the intention that this should take place and before the European Parliament votes on the agreement.
I recognise that the Prime Minister had also separately promised that a Bill would be brought forward so that the withdrawal agreement reached with the EU could be put into UK domestic law. This would give MPs another chance to debate, scrutinise and vote on the deal reached with the EU.
I am also aware that further agreements reached on the UK and the EU's future relationship would additionally be implemented through legislation where necessary. This would give MPs an opportunity again to scrutinise the deal reached with the EU.
I was disappointed that my colleague Dominic Grieve MP pressed his amendment to a vote given these reassurances but this will not stop, delay or reverse the Government's decision to leave the EU in accordance with the wishes of the majority of British people.
Date published:Â 08 January 2018.
As with all items in the FAQ Library, answers are subject to modification as events and circumstances change and evolve. If you would like an answer that is more specific to your circumstances, or to seek and up-to-date response, please email rachel.maclean.mp@parliament.uk.
