A New Challenge in the Brexit Process

Why in news?

Theresa May government in Britain faced a new challenge in the Brexit process, with an amendment being passed in the parliament.

What is the recent development?

• The rebels within the ruling party allied with major opposition parties to push through an amendment to the Brexit legislation.
• The amendment prescribes a greater say for the Members of Parliament on the terms of Britain’s departure from the EU.
• The amendment was passed despite a last-minute attempt by the government to offer a “concession”.

What are the implications?

• Brexit - Britain recently made landmark agreement after tough negotiations with the EU on the terms of Britain’s exit.
• The terms of agreement include those on -
  1. 1. the status of British and EU migrant residents in their respective territories
     2. the financial settlement of London’s outstanding dues
     3. reconfiguration of the EU-UK border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
• The recent vote in the parliament casts a shadow over this consensus development in the Brexit process.
• Government - The tussle between parliamentary sovereignty and executive authority has existed since the Brexit referendum.
• The country’s Supreme Court ruling held that since domestic laws would be altered following Brexit, a parliamentary vote on initiating that process was mandatory.
• In this backdrop, the defeat in parliament comes as a humiliating loss of authority for the government.
• The development was met with anger from hardline Brexit supporters.
• However, it is an important guarantee of parliamentary scrutiny over the future course of London’s relationship with the EU.
• The amendment will ensure that legislators have a voice in finalising the terms of the exit agreement.
• This gains greater significance with the impact on residency status of millions and London’s financial liabilities in a post-Brexit scenario.

How does the future look?

• Ms. May will have to make some difficult compromises in the months ahead.
• And be more accountable to her party and to the Parliament.
• Another test lies ahead in Parliament, pertaining to the differences over the March 2019 deadline for Brexit.
• Also, with referendums becoming a popular tool worldwide, the world countries should consider the larger debate on whether such votes should override the will of the legislature, or guide it.

Source: The Hindu, Business Line