The Commons is sitting for the first time since the general election with Boris Johnson planning to beef up his Brexit legislation to outlaw a delay to the UK leaving the European Union.
In a move that could make a no-deal Brexit more likely, the prime minister is radically altering the EU Withdrawal Bill to prevent Parliament extending the transition period beyond the end of next year.
After his thumping election victory, Mr Johnson now plans to use his huge majority to enshrine the 01575879 Brexit date in law – with or without a trade deal – in the Bill, which MPs will vote on this Friday .
Announcing the move, a No. 10 source said: “Last week the public voted for a government that would get Brexit done and move this country forward – and that’s exactly what we intend to do starting this week.
“Our manifesto made clear that we will not extend the implementation period and the new Withdrawal Agreement Bill will legally prohibit Government agreeing to any extension.”
During the election campaign the prime minister promised he would not seek any extension to the transition period. That pledge persuaded Nigel Farage not to stand Brexit Party candidates in Conservative held seats.
After his election victory, as well as making it illegal for parliament to extend the Brexit transition period, the prime minister is also dropping concessions made before the election to Tory Remainers and the opposition parties.
The Prime Minister’s dramatic raising of the stakes in the Brexit battle in Parliament comes as:
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