British lawmakers rejected the first set of proposed amendments to legislation that would give Prime Minister Theresa May the right to notify the European Union of Britain’s intention to leave the bloc.
During seven hours of debate yesterday, lawmakers voted against a series of attempts by pro-EU lawmakers to attach extra conditions to May’s plan to begin divorce talks by March 31st. Yesterday’s votes were on the issues of parliamentary scrutiny of the withdrawal process and the involvement of Britain’s devolved administrations. Further votes, on which the government could face greater opposition, are due to take place on today and tomorrow.
Earlier on Monday, May warned lawmakers not to obstruct the will of the British people with amendments to her Brexit legislation, saying she wanted to get on with divorce talks with the EU. May has said she expects to win approval from lawmakers in time to stick to her end of the March deadline for triggering Britain’s exit from the EU.