Johnson’s divisive Brexit Bill clears first Commons hurdle

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Boris Johnson’s controversial plan to override key elements of the Brexit deal he signed with Brussels has cleared its first Commons hurdle despite deep misgivings by some senior Tories.

MPs voted to give the UK Internal Market Bill a second reading by 340 to 263 – a Government majority of 77.

We want a great future relationship and a free trade agreement with the EU - but we will not get there if they seek to divide us.

We must protect the sovereignty and integrity of our United Kingdom. pic.twitter.com/N3wNh4ROvV

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) September 14, 2020

Johnson said some in Brussels were now threatening to block UK agrifood exports to the EU and to insist on tariffs on all goods moving to Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK.

However some senior Conservatives warned they could not support the legislation in its present form after ministers admitted last week that it breached international law.

MPs will begin detailed line-by-line scrutiny of the Bill on Tuesday, with votes expected next week on amendments to the Northern Ireland provisions which some Tories may back.