MP gives reasons for backing controversial government bill

Chichester MP Gillian Keegan has thrown her support behind the government’s Internal Market Bill.

The bill passed comfortably in the Commons earlier this month by 340 votes to 263, with only two Conservatives voting against it.

The government said it launched the bill to protect Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK if negotiations are unsuccessful with the EU over a trade deal.

Opponents, though, suggested it would damage the country’s reputation by breaching international law.

But Mrs Keegan said: ‘The bill is a safety net to ensure the government is always able to deliver on its commitments to the people of Northern Ireland.

‘It is a response to the technicalities within the Northern Ireland Protocol to ensure that if the no agreement is reached by the Joint Committee then the UK internal market is not undermined. A situation that could arise under Article 5.

‘Furthermore, MPs have agreed on a parliamentary process whereby the House of Commons will have to vote for a motion before ministers can activate the clauses relating to this safety net around Northern Ireland. Cementing the principle of parliamentary sovereignty.’

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