Labour set to order MPs to vote against Brexit Repeal Bill ~ Sportty

Labour set to order MPs to vote against Brexit Repeal Bill

It comes after Labour shifted its position on Brexit in recent weeks, calling for continued participation in the EU customs union and single market during any transition period: Getty

Labour is set to order its MPs to vote against the Government’s Brexit Repeal Bill, a meeting of the party’s senior figures has agreed.

The Independent understands that if key amendments to the Repeal Bill fail in the Commons then the party will vote against the legislation next week – forcing the Prime Minister to rely on the support of the Democratic Unionist Party.

But even with opposition to the bill from Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the SNP the legislation is predicted to pass its first parliamentary hurdle as no Tory MPs are currently planning to vote against the Government.

It comes after Labour shifted its position on Brexit in recent weeks, calling for continued participation in the EU customs union and single market during any transition period. The Government has made clear Britain will leave both in March 2019 – the deadline for the conclusion of the Brexit negotiations.

Concerns have also been raised regarding the amount of power given to the executive as ministers are able to use so-called Henry VIII clauses to change legislation without the usual parliamentary scrutiny.