UK government could speed up ratification of Brexit deal if time is tight, says Theresa May
Prime minister tells ministers that parliament will not vote on a revised deal this week
London — The UK government will seek to speed up ratification of its Brexit deal with the EU if time gets too tight to pass legislation before Britain’s March 29 exit day, says Prime Minister Theresa May. May told ministers on Tuesday that parliament, which in January roundly rejected her Brexit deal, would not vote on a revised deal this week. Media have reported a fresh vote is not expected until late February at the earliest. Parliamentary experts have said that even if May gets MPs to approve a deal Britain may need to request an extension to the article 50 exit negotiation period for the necessary legislation to be passed. After it has voted to support her deal, parliament must also pass a law — the Withdrawal Agreement Bill — formally ratifying the agreement. Asked by an MP if an extension was now inevitable due to a legal requirement that the government put a treaty to parliament 21 sitting days before it could be ratified, May said the government might fast-track that proces...
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