Following the recent Supreme Court hearing, the Government published the ‘European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill ’ earlier today. This is the first step in securing our departure from the European Union, which will begin no later than March 31st 2017.
In addition to this Bill, the Government will shortly publish a ‘white paper’ detailing the Government’s policy initiatives and proposals for future legislation. This will allow parliamentarians the chance to scrutinise ‘Brexit’ to make sure that the Government gets the best possible deal for the British people. Then, after two years of negotiations and the publication of the final deal, Parliament will be given a vote on whether to adopt the terms of our exit deal with the European Union.
In recent days I have received a number of emails from Constituents asking whether I will be supporting this Bill. Whilst I did campaign for the UK to remain in the EU, I have been clear that the result of the ballot box must be respected. The majority of my constituents voted to leave, therefore when Parliament is given a vote on triggering Article 50, I will vote to invoke it.
You can read a copy of the Bill here: European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill.
The Rt. Hon Dame Caroline Spelman MP