Theresa May fast-tracks EU Bill votes to reverse defeats in the House of Lords

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Theresa May is preparing to fast-track a series of votes to reverse major Government defeats in the House of Lords on the EU Withdrawal Bill, it emerged today.

Sources say the Bill could return to the House of Commons as early as May  23 in an attempt to remove amendments that conflict with the Prime Minister’s Brexit policy.

Mrs May is keen to complete the votes well before a crucial EU summit on June 28 and 29 to show other leaders of the bloc that she is in control.

Peers inflicted defeats in four areas yesterday — taking to 14 the number of significant changes during the Bill’s passage through the upper chamber.

The PM will fast-track a series of votes on the EU Withdrawal bill
Reuters

After a rebellion by both main parties against their leaders’ lines, peers voted for the UK to remain in the European Economic Area (EEA), which would mean keeping single market rules and free movement of people.

Peers also backed continued participation in EU agencies, removed the Brexit date of March 29, 2019, and strengthened scrutiny of secondary legislation made by ministers.

Earlier defeats included a vote for staying in the customs union, which ministers might decline to reverse.

Tory tensions have increased over Mrs May’s plans for a “customs partnership” — which would mean UK collecting tariffs on behalf of the EU — after Boris Johnson branded the proposal “crazy”.

Remain-backer Kenneth Clarke accused the Foreign Secretary of being “totally irresponsible” and of trying to win support for a leadership bid.

“Normally he would have been sacked,” said the former Chancellor.

It was reported today that Mrs May had “admonished” Mr Johnson. A spokesman declined to say whether the PM had spoken privately with the Foreign Secretary about his comments.

But asked whether Mrs May continued to have full confidence in Mr Johnson as Foreign Secretary, the PM’s spokesman said: “Yes.”

International Trade Secretary Liam Fox was today announcing deals to boost exports. UK Export Finance support of more than £100 million has been agreed for the construction of the fourth phase of the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Nearly half of supplies and services for the project are expected to come from the UK, the Government said.

An agreement between UKEF and Atkins International, a project management and engineering specialist, to grow its supply chain and boost British exports, has also been agreed.

Mr Fox will speak at the UK Trade and Export Finance Forum.

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