[ad_1]
The MPs will be sent home for the Christmas holidays on Thursday, but could be called to Westminster “as early as next week” if a post-Brexit trade deal is reached, Number 10 said.
Negotiators from the EU and the UK have yet to overcome months of deadlock in talks on a future trade relationship, despite hopes of possible breakthrough in recent days.
And Downing Street warned that “now there is little time to reach an agreement” before the end of the Brexi transition period on December 31.
“We hope that the discussions will continue in the coming days,” said a spokesman.
The House of Commons must ratify a trade agreement between the EU and the United Kingdom
In announcing the move for the House of Commons to enter its Christmas recess, Number 10 said that “all necessary legislation” by the end of the Brexit transition period, except for a possible trade deal, would have completed approval by parliament. Thursday.
“In the absence of more important business, we will go into recess tomorrow, subject to regular House approval, but with the knowledge that we will call on MPs and colleagues to legislate for an agreement if one is achieved,” the spokesman said. .
“That withdrawal could be as early as next week.”
The move suggests Downing Street does not see a breakthrough in a trade deal between the EU and the UK to be reached this week, with 48 hours notice to revoke parliament.
However, Number 10 said it was confident that, with only 15 days until the end of the transition period, there will still be time for parliament to approve a trade deal, if a deal is reached.
“Parliament has long shown that it can move forward at the pace and the country would expect no less,” the spokesman added.
“The withdrawal process will align with the finalization process of legislation for a deal, if one is insured, and no time will be wasted.
“Under the impeachment process, we will adapt the procedures of the days to focus exclusively on the approval of that legislation. This may mean meeting at an earlier time.
“We realize that this duty falls not only on parliamentarians and colleagues, but also on the parliamentary staff who make parliament work, to whom we are very grateful.”
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
How would the price of food affect any Brexit trade deal?
Earlier on Thursday, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, told the European Parliament in Brussels that “there is a way to an agreement now” on an EU-UK agreement.
“The road may be very narrow, but it is there,” Ms Von der Leyen told MEPs, as she indicated that fishing rights remain a key point, but suggested that progress had been made on the provisions of ” equal footing”.
The Leader of the House of Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg, recently claimed that a trade deal could quickly pass in both Houses of Parliament.
“You can really truncate the parliamentary process if necessary and if there is the will to do so,” he said.
