MPs to rise for Christmas recess tomorrow - but could be recalled ‘as early as next week’ if Brexit deal is secured

Boris Johnson speaks during PMQs on Wednesday
PA
April Roach @aprilroach2816 December 2020

MPs will rise for the Christmas recess on Thursday, but Downing Street has warned that members could be recalled as early as “next week” if there is a breakthrough in Brexit trade deal talks.

The UK and the EU have agreed an extension to the Brexit negotiations in hopes that a trade deal can be reached, but time is still running out to secure an agreement by the end of the transition period on December 31.

Number 10 today confirmed that the House of Commons will break on Thursday. But it put MPs on notice to return at haste in the event of a breakthrough in negotiations.

A spokesman said: “Time is now in short supply to reach an agreement with the EU and we expect discussions will continue over the coming days.

Parliament has and continues to do its duty – by Thursday three final bills needed for the end of the TP will have completed their passage through Parliament and be ready to receive Royal Assent (UKIM, Taxation, Data). 

"This concludes the substantive business planned, and all the necessary legislation for 1 January 2021 will be in force by the end of the transition period.

“In the absence of further substantive business, we will – subject to usual approval by the House – go into recess tomorrow [Thursday], but with the knowledge that we will recall MPs and peers to legislate for a deal if one is secured. That recall could be as early as next week.”

It comes after European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen raised hopes of a breakthrough, but conceded the route to an agreement is “very narrow” and resolution of the difficulties over fishing may prove impossible.

She indicated that progress has been made on measures to prevent either side unfairly competing with the other by cutting standards or using state subsidies.

The No 10 spokesman said “no time will be lost” when it comes to the process of finalising the legislation for a potential deal.

“Parliament has long shown it can move at pace and the country would expect nothing less," said Downing Street.

“Under the recall process, we will adapt the days’ proceedings to focus exclusively on the passage of that legislation. This may mean meeting at an earlier time.

“We realise that this duty falls not just on MPs and peers, but on the parliamentary staff that make Parliament function, to whom we are very grateful.”

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