Boris Johnson Backed by British MPs to Breach Brexit Treaty

"I understand how some people will feel unease over the use of these powers and I share that sentiment myself," Boris Johnson said.

"They are an insurance policy and if we reach an agreement with our European friends, which I still believe is possible, they will never be invoked."

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But some EU diplomats believe London is playing a game of chicken, inviting the collapse of trade talks to either get the deal it wants or leave without a deal.

Now the bill has passed its second reading, it will face four more days of debate on its fine print — a stage at which lawmakers can try to insert revisions that could change the entire meaning of the bill, or even kill it.

The main battleground is likely to be an attempt by Bob Neill, a Conservative lawmaker, to amend the bill to ensure any attempt to use the clauses that breach the Brexit divorce agreement receive prior approval from parliament.

(Writers: Guy Faulconbridge, Michael Holden) 

Source: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-eu/johnson-lashes-out-at-eu-as-he-clears-first-hurdle-for-brexit-treaty-breach-idUSKBN2650LI