October 19, 2019-During a rare Saturday session, the British parliament voted 322-306 to delay a vote on a deal that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson negotiated with the European Commission.
The postponement dealt a blow to Johnson’s plan to allow Britain to exit the European Union in its October 31 Brexit while averting economic shocks to consumers, businesses and citizens.
Members of the Labour Party overwhelmingly voted for the amendment to postpone while Conservative Party members voted against it.
Down to the Wire
The delay is seen as a defeat for Johnson who has promised to steer Britain out of the EU on October 31 with or without a deal.
A no-deal exit could mean economic disruptions, including food, fuel and medicine shortages, price hikes, problems at ports and road blockages.
A vote on the new agreement is expected in the coming week, but that might not be soon enough to implement changes in law ahead of the October 31 exit.
Johnson said he would not ask the EU for a delay.
The UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement
After intense negotiations this week, British and European representatives negotiated a withdrawal agreement that would establish a framework for economic relations after Britain leaves the customs union.
Johnson tried to appeal to conservatives, saying that the withdraw agreement for Brexit would allow Britain to take back control of its economy, borders and laws in a way that amounts to “the greatest single restoration of national sovereignty in parliamentary history.”
‘Difficult Discussions’ on the Border With Northern Ireland
Michel Barnier, the lead negotiator for the European Commission, outlined the legal framework in an press conference on Thursday.
“We had difficult discussions over the past days. We have managed to find solutions that fully respect the integrity of the Single Market,” Barnier said. He added that he hopes to begin working with Britain on a new partnership as early as November 1.
The new withdraw agreement would leave Northern Ireland in the U.K. customs union, while applying the EU customs code on goods it imports. The remaining parts the agreement remain the same, according to the European Commission.
Appealing to European Sentiments
Johnson asked members of parliament to accept the withdraw agreement.
“If we have been “half-hearted Europeans,” Johnson said, “then it follows logically that half of our hearts feel something else. We feel a sense of love and respect for European culture and civilization, which we are a part.”
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