YP Comment: The first duty of MPs over Brexit

PUBLICATION of the Repeal Bill to remove '¨the supremacy of Brussels law marks another milestone as Britain prepares to leave the European Union. The most complicated legislative exercise ever to be undertaken, Britain's future prospects '“ and international credibility '“ depend on Brexit being implemented as smoothly '¨as possible.
PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo.PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo.
PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo.

It is in the national interest that this happens, and this overwhelming necessity needs to be uppermost in the minds of Parliamentarians as they prepare to debate the necessary legislation before a series of cliff-edge votes where the outcome cannot be assured after Theresa May lost her majority.

Even though a majority of MPs voted for Remain in the June 2016 vote, they do need to respect the national outcome. Nevertheless, it is also up to them to bring their expertise and influence to bear. In turn, the Government needs to demonstrate that it is prepared to listen to those opponents, and experts, who have the relevant experience and amend plans where appropriate. If Mrs May, and her Brexit Secretary David Davis, are able to show some more humility, they might avoid some of the political traps that are likely to be set by their more opportunist opponents on both sides of the House of Commons.