Prime Minister to reveal 'Brexit' plan to MPs before triggering Article 50

Prime Minister Theresa May tabled an amendment to a Labour motion. Credit: PA

  • Video report by ITV News Deputy Political Editor Chris Ship

Prime Minister Theresa May will reveal more details on the government's plans for 'Brexit' in a bid to fend off a backbench revolt on the issue.

Labour put forward a motion in the House of Commons to be debated on Wednesday, which called for more information on the 'Brexit' strategy, and it is thought that up to 40 Tory backbenchers were ready to back the opposition vote before the Prime Minister's last-minute intervention.

The PM has now tabled an amendment to the motion which allows potentially rebellious Tories to support it but also explicitly backs her to trigger 'Brexit' by the end of March.

Labour's motion acknowledges that some elements of the negotiating position should remain secret but urges Mrs May to "commit to publishing the Government's plan for leaving the EU" before triggering Article 50.

An amendment in the name of Mrs May accepts the Labour motion but challenges MPs to "respect the wishes" of voters in the referendum and call on the government to trigger Article 50 by the end of March - in accordance with the timetable set out by the PM.

A Downing Street spokesman stressed that the amendment was "a separate issue" from the government's Supreme Court battle to overturn a ruling that it should obtain Parliament's approval before triggering Article 50.

Labour described Mrs May's amendment as a "significant 11th hour concession" and called on her to publish her 'Brexit' plan before the end of January.

The party indicated it was willing to back the government amendment, insisting it does not want to delay or frustrate the process of triggering Article 50.

Shadow 'Brexit' secretary, Sir Keir Starmer said: "This is a welcome and hugely significant climbdown from the government.

"For the last two months Labour have been pushing the government to put their plan for Brexit before Parliament and the public. Without that plan, we have had unnecessary uncertainty, speculation and a running commentary on the government's likely approach.

"The victory today is that the government have now finally accepted Labour's call and committed to publish a plan.

"The government now need to focus on ensuring that plan delivers a sensible 'Brexit' deal that protects jobs, the economy and living standards. Labour will hold them to account on this every step of the way."

Discussing the thinking behind the government amendment, a Number 10 source said: "Crucially, from our perspective, it's making sure that Parliament are very clear they are not going to use this as a delaying method.

"So it's now down to MPs to signal that they also want to get on with 'Brexit' by supporting our position, which is the government should invoke by the end of March next year."