The British cabinet on 14 November backed a draft withdrawal agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union (EU), Prime Minister Theresa May declared after what she described as a ‘long, detailed and impassioned’ debate in a five-hour cabinet meeting. It was a ‘decisive step’ for Brexit and would allow the agreement to be finalised, she said.

May will present her Brexit deal to the parliament today and face questions from sceptical parliament members on the 585-page withdrawal agreement, according to British media reports.

Chief EU negotiator Michel Barnier said he agreed with May that the publication of the draft agreement and political declaration amounts to ‘decisive progress’.

The released divorce agreement draft carried a seven-page outline of Britain’s future relationship with the EU.

Dissenting voices among Brexit-supporting ministers reportedly included work and pensions secretary Esther McVey, who warned of chaos should the government lose a meaningful vote in parliament.

Up to 11 cabinet ministers were said to have opposed the deal, while communities secretary James Brokenshire and the education secretary Damian Hinds supported the draft.

A key concession that has reportedly enraged Brexiters is that the United Kingdom cannot unilaterally exit the Irish backstop. Instead that decision would rest with a joint, independent arbitration committee with an equal number of British and EU representatives, as well as outside members. (DS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India

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