John Baron MP tables backstop amendments K L M

MP suggest Colleagues should ‘Buckle Up’

In advance of Tuesday’s debate regarding the next steps in the Brexit process, John Baron MP has tabled three amendments [(K), (L), and (M)] to the Government’s motion which aim to resolve the main issue which is preventing the passing of the Withdrawal Agreement – the potentially indefinite backstop, which could follow the transition period if trade talks were unsuccessful. 16 other MPs have already put their names to the amendments.

John said,

“My amendments offer three different ways of resolving the backstop issue – by removing it entirely from the Withdrawal Agreement, by time-limiting it to no more than six months, or by including a unilateral mechanism which the UK could use to leave the backstop at a time of its choosing.”

“For many MPs, the backstop is the main stumbling block preventing the successful passage of the Withdrawal Agreement (WA). There are many elements of the WA’s transition period which are uncomfortable, but they can be tholed because they are time-limited. The backstop is different because it is potentially indefinite, and the UK can only exit it with the EU’s approval.”

“This is plainly unacceptable, but there are cracks emerging within the EU on the backstop – there is clearly room for compromise on all sides.”

“My K L M amendments are intended to plot a course in the right direction, and if selected MPs should buckle up as there could be some turbulence!”

Notes to Editors:

• The text of John’s amendments (K), (L), and (M) can be found online at: https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201719/cmagenda/OP190128.pdf (p. 37).
• The Speaker will announce his selection of amendments just before the debate on Tuesday morning.
• The WA comprises a transition period for trade talks, followed by the backstop if those talks are unsuccessful.