LONDON – British MPs are set to hold a critical vote on January 15 on theBrexit agreement negotiated by Prime Minister Theresa May with the EuropeanUnion, her spokesman said Tuesday.
The House of Commons will on Wednesday resume a debate on the deal that washalted in December when May postponed the vote in the face of widespreadopposition.
May told her weekly cabinet meeting that, subject to approval by MPs, “shewould close the debate next Tuesday, January 15, when the vote will takeplace”, her spokesman said.
He confirmed that the prime minister was still seeking assurances from theEU on controversial elements of the Brexit deal relating to NorthernIreland, in a bid to convince critics to back the agreement.
These assurances are set to be delivered to lawmakers before they vote,although not before they start their debate on Wednesday.
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“The work to secure those assurances is ongoing. I think what’s importantis that if we are to secure assurances, MPs are aware of what they arebefore the vote takes place,” the spokesman said.
Elsewhere, he denied reports that British officials were talking toEuropean officials about possibly delaying Brexit to avoid leaving the blocon March 29 without a deal.
“There are people in the European Union who are discussing this issue, butthat is not the position of the UK government,” he said. – APP/AFP
