An emergency bill to prevent no-deal Brexit was fast-tracked through the House of Commons on Wednesday, by just one vote – 313 ayes to 312 noes. The cross-party bill was spearheaded by Labour’s Yvette Cooper and the Conservative Oliver Letwin. under it, a legal mechanism is created where the Commons can instruct the Prime Minister to see Article 50 extension in absence of an approval resolution of Brexit withdrawal agreement. It also restrict the Prime Minister’s discretion about whether and when to seek and Article 50 extension. The bill will now be sent to the House of Lords on Thursday and passage is generally expected.
EU’s objection to more short extension is rather clear though. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker already told the European Parliament that “the 12th of April is the ultimate deadline for approval of the Withdrawal Agreement by the House of Commons.” And, “if it has not done so by then, no further short extension will be possible.” First Vice President Frans Timmermans also told Germany’s Die Welt newspaper that “we cannot forever continue this way in the Brexit negotiations and always extend by two weeks.” He said, “the British parliament must now make a decision and finally say what London wants.”
Meanwhile, PM Theresa May and Labour leader Jeremy held constructive yet inconclusive meeting. Corbyn described Wednesday’s discussions as “useful but inconclusive.” Labour spokesperson said “we have had constructive exploratory discussions about how to break the Brexit deadlock”, and “we have agreed a programme of work between our teams to explore the scope for agreement.”
