Former Tory MP Ben Howlett, who is vice-chair of the Conservative Europe Group, said he was pleased the prime minister had secured progress towards trade talks. It would prevent the government from using so-called Henry VIII powers to implement the EU withdrawal bill without parliament’s approval through a binding vote. “The government has conceded the principle that there must be a statute approving and implementing the withdrawal agreement before we leave the EU. Gove and Johnson led Brexit supporters in congratulating the prime minister. But plan A is back on track and we have to get behind the prime minister.

Source: The Guardian December 08, 2017 19:06 UTC