The government will support a backbench amendment to the Brexit deal that calls for the planned Irish backstop to be replaced by “alternative arrangements”.
Tory MPs will be told to vote for Sir Graham Brady’s proposal when the Commons votes on a series of amendments to Theresa May’s plan on Tuesday.
The government will also order its MPs to vote against a move which could delay Brexit by up to nine months.
But Commons Speaker John Bercow will decide which amendments get voted on.
Senior EU representatives have repeatedly ruled out re-opening negotiations with the UK over Brexit, and insisted the backstop – the insurance policy against a return of a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland – must be included in any deal.
Meanwhile, the government announced its plans for EU citizens coming to the UK in the case of a no-deal Brexit, saying it would “seek to end free movement as soon as possible”.
The Home Office said that for a “transitional period” after Brexit – set for 29 March – EU citizens will be able to enter the UK to visit, work or study as they do now, but after three months they would need to apply for “European Temporary Leave to Remain”, which would last three years.
Home Secretary Sajid Javid said it was a “practical approach” and would “minimise disruption to ensure the UK stays open for business”.
To read the entire article, click here: Brexit: Government supports Brady amendment on Ireland border
Source: BBC