John Baron MP’s Brexit amendment selected by Speaker

MP says amendment would prevent ‘backstop trap’

This evening in the House of Commons, MPs vote on the Withdrawal Agreement struck by the Government and the European Union. John Baron’s amendment, which addresses the fundamental problem that under the Withdrawal Agreement as currently drafted there is no unilateral way for the UK to exit the backstop, was one of four amendments to be selected by the Speaker.

John said,

“There are many aspects of the Withdrawal Agreement that are uncomfortable, but it is the permanence of the backstop following the transition period which makes it impossible for me to support the Prime Minister’s deal. My amendment would give the Prime Minister a mandate to revisit the EU negotiations – the EU has a track record of eleventh hour deals.”

“The amendment, which would give the UK the unilateral right to leave the backstop, would therefore prevent the UK from being suspended limbo-like in a bad situation. It would also help focus minds on both sides when it comes to the trade negotiations during the transition period – we all want a mutually-advantageous trade deal.”

“I hope colleagues will pass my amendment, which would also help to unite the party. If not, then I will have to vote against the Withdrawal Agreement.”

Notes to Editors:

• The text of John’s amendment (f) can be found online at: https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201719/cmagenda/OP190115.pdf (p. 9).