MP's Set To Vote On Brexit Amendments

MP's in Westminster are preparing to vote on a series of amendments to Theresa May's Brexit deal that hold the potential to shape further negotiations.

It is not yet known which changes will be chosen for a vote, but Conservative MP's have been told to back a proposal for an alternative to the Irish backstop, the insurance policy against a return to the hard border.

Voting will take place in the House of Commons from 7pm this evening, Tuesday 29 January, and will be followed "as soon as possible" by a second meaningful vote according to the Prime Minister's office.

The DUP, who currently prop up the government through a confidence and supply deal, remain vehemently opposed to the backstop which they believe "ignores the democratic will of the NI Assembly" and jeopardises the Union with Great Britain.

"Any backstop which would keep Northern Ireland in the Customs Union and the Single Market as an annex of Brussels would be a massive step forward for those seeking to undermine the Union and deliver a united Ireland. Such a backstop is totally unnecessary," according to Sammy Wilson MP.

The SDLP however, said the DUP are out of touch with the rest of the region who believe the backstop to be the best option.

Party leader Colum Eastwood said: "The SDLP has always recognised that Northern Ireland would be the place most adversely impacted by the decision made by majorities in England and Wales to exit the European Union.

"Despite what the DUP are saying, people here did not consent to Brexit. We need to bank the backstop in order to protect us from a hard border.


"People in Northern Ireland support a legally operative backstop to protect people here. This position is supported by the business community, farmers, trade unions and the majority of people here. It's time MP's listened to them." 



(JG/CM)