Chichester MP explains reasons for backing Internal Market Bill

The legislation has been hugely controversial.

While the government says it is needed to protect Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK if negotiations are unsuccessful with the EU over a trade deal, its opponents suggested it would damage the country’s reputation by breaching international law.

The bill passed comfortably in the Commons by 340 votes to 263, with only two Conservatives voting against it.

Mrs Keegan said: “The Government fully intends to respect international agreements and will continue to negotiate in good faith with the EU. We are very much focussed on reaching an agreement with our EU neighbours and will work hard to ensure this. However, it is right that we have a contingency plan in place, through Internal Markets Bill, if the negotiations break down.

“The Internal Markets Bill is a safety net to ensure the Government is always able to deliver on its commitments to the people of Northern Ireland. It is a response to the technicalities within the Northern Ireland Protocol to ensure that if the no agreement is reached by the Joint Committee then the UK internal market is not undermined. A situation that could arise under Article 5.

“Furthermore, MPs have agreed on a Parliamentary process whereby the House of Commons will have to vote for a motion before ministers can activate the clauses relating to this safety net around Northern Ireland. Cementing the principle of Parliamentary sovereignty.”

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