Brexit Agreement Likely to be Voted on in Parliament 'in the Coming Days'

With six weeks remaining until the deadline for the UK's exit from the European Union, comments from political officials in the country regarding the option of a 'no-deal exit' have once again increased, but the UK Chancellor has reported progress in recent talks with Brussels. Philip Hammond stated that the agreement on the terms of exit may be voted on again in Parliament in the coming days. On Thursday, February 21, he said: 'It is possible that the House of Commons will vote on this matter again next week, but this depends on the progress of discussions in the coming days.' Prime Minister Theresa May's plan for implementing Brexit was approved by EU leaders in December, but the UK Parliament rejected it last month with 432 votes against and 202 votes in favor. The latest talks between Theresa May and Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, took place on Wednesday in Brussels, where both sides emphasized that these discussions were 'constructive' and made progress. Philip Hammond, referring to this progress, particularly regarding Ireland, mentioned that a new agreement might be put to a parliamentary vote in the coming days. The Chancellor emphasized that he and his colleagues are committed to avoiding a 'no-deal exit,' but he did not rule out the possibility of such an option occurring; he also stressed that 'Brexiters' would not succeed. On the other hand, the British newspaper 'The Sun' reported that several senior members of May's cabinet, including the Ministers of Labour, Justice, and Business, warned that if the Prime Minister does not completely rule out the 'no-deal exit' plan, there will be strong opposition in Parliament next week. According to The Sun, these senior cabinet members also warned that if Theresa May does not take such action, they and twenty other government members will support an alternative plan prepared by the Labour Party (the Yvette Cooper plan). Sajid Javid, the UK Home Secretary, also emphasized that 'the risk of a no-deal exit has increased' and stated that Mrs. May cannot dismiss such an option. Meanwhile, the departure of several MPs from both the Conservative and Labour parties has fueled discussions about Brexit, and according to Reuters, it may compel Mrs. May to be more flexible. Recently, eight former Labour MPs split from the party in protest against its approach to Brexit and also 'anti-Semitism,' establishing a new organization called the 'Independent Group.' On Wednesday, three Conservative Party members also left the party, criticizing Theresa May's approach to Brexit, and joined the 'Independent Group.' The three MPs who left the Conservatives are staunch supporters of remaining in the EU. The referendum on the UK's continued membership in the EU was held in June 2016, and of the 33 million Britons who participated, about 52% voted to leave the EU. According to the Bank of England, the UK's economic growth rate in 2019 will reach its lowest level in the past ten years, with the main reason being uncertainties related to Brexit. However, on Thursday, it was reported that following the Chancellor's remarks, the pound slightly increased (about 0.07%).