British MPs approve 'Brexit' legislation

SBS World News Radio: British MPs have approved legislation seeking parliament's approval for the start of formally leaving the European Union, allowing it to progress to the next stage.

British MPs approve 'Brexit' legislationBritish MPs approve 'Brexit' legislation

British MPs approve 'Brexit' legislation

After two days of intense debate, a long-awaited result:

"Ayes to the right - 498. The Nos to the left - 114. So the Ayes have it."

Dozens of Labour politicians defied their party by voting to honour the referendum result, and there was an overwhelming government majority giving Prime Minister Theresa May permission to trigger Article 50 by the end of March.

Former Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, said he sacrificed his position to support the EU.

"The government has chosen and I respect this decision not to make the economy the priority in this negotiation. The European Union is not prioritising the economy either."

Former Labour Leader Ed Miliband said he wanted to honour the voters' mandate.

"We do not want to give the sense that people having voted for Brexit because they felt they were being ignored, are being ignored again."

Pro-Brexit politicians, including Conservative MP James Cleverly, made their voice heard.

"For the first time in 40 years the way British parliament is meant to work will actually be able to work."

Talks with the EU are expected to last up to two years.

The UK is predicted to leave the 28-member organisation in 2019.

 


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2 min read

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By Lydia Feng


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British MPs approve 'Brexit' legislation | SBS News