The House of Commons has begun debating the bill that will allow the British government to commence leaving the EU.
The legislation is expected to move through the parliament in time for the end of March deadline for triggering Article 50, which has been set by British Prime Minister Theresa May.
Following last week’s Supreme Court ruling in London that British MPs must get a say on the triggering of Article 50, today sees the start of the debate in the House of Commons on the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill.
At just 143 words the bill is short, but it is the first chance for a binding vote on Brexit since the result of the referendum in June last year.
It has been drafted very tightly in an attempt to stave off any potential changes or amendments which could delay or derail the British government’s Brexit plans.
There will be also other opportunities for the House of Commons in the future to be involved in Brexit, including a promised vote on the final exit deal.
While an estimated two thirds of the Commons was in favour of remaining in the EU, it is not expected that the vote will go against the will of the people expressed in the Brexit referendum.
However, many MPs are expected to wrestle with their consciences and want to make their voices heard.
