Amendments to the Withdrawal Agreement Bill: What You Need to Know
The United Kingdom`s withdrawal from the European Union has been a topic of much discussion and deliberation since the referendum in 2016. After years of negotiations, the Withdrawal Agreement Bill was finally passed in January 2020, paving the way for the UK to leave the EU on January 31st, 2020. However, even after the bill was passed, there have been numerous amendments proposed and discussed by lawmakers. In this article, we will take a closer look at these amendments and what they mean for the country`s future.
Firstly, it is important to note that an amendment is simply a change or addition to an existing document or bill. In the case of the Withdrawal Agreement Bill, these amendments have been proposed by lawmakers who believe that the original bill does not accurately reflect the best interests of the UK.
One amendment that has gained significant attention in recent months is the “Amendment 7” put forth by members of the House of Lords. This amendment seeks to change the wording of the bill to make it clear that the UK must seek to negotiate a future relationship with the EU that includes membership of the Customs Union – an arrangement where countries agree to apply the same tariffs to goods coming from outside the union. This amendment was passed by the Lords in January 2020 but was rejected by the House of Commons in March of the same year.
Another notable amendment is the “Kyle-Wilson Amendment” which was proposed by Labour MPs Peter Kyle and Phil Wilson. This amendment would have required a public vote on any Brexit deal that is agreed upon by Parliament. However, the amendment was not selected for debate by the Speaker of the House of Commons.
Other proposed amendments have focused on protecting the rights of EU citizens living in the UK post-Brexit and ensuring that the UK remains aligned with EU regulations on workers` rights and environmental protections.
So, what do these amendments mean for the future of the UK`s relationship with the EU? It remains to be seen which amendments will ultimately be accepted and incorporated into the Withdrawal Agreement Bill. However, one thing is clear – the discussions and debates surrounding these amendments illustrate the continued uncertainty and complexity of the UK`s departure from the EU.
In conclusion, while the Withdrawal Agreement Bill may have been passed, the debate surrounding Brexit is far from over. As lawmakers continue to propose and discuss amendments, it is important to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest developments. Only time will tell what the future holds for the UK`s relationship with the EU.