The Withdrawal Agreement Bill and Boris Johnson: An Overview
The Withdrawal Agreement Bill, also known as the Brexit deal, has been a contentious issue in the UK since its inception. It outlines the terms under which the UK will leave the European Union (EU). Boris Johnson, the current Prime Minister of the UK, has been a central figure in the negotiations surrounding the bill.
The Withdrawal Agreement Bill was originally negotiated by Theresa May, Johnson`s predecessor. However, it faced significant opposition in the UK parliament and ultimately failed to gain approval. Johnson took over as Prime Minister in July 2019 and made it a central focus of his government to deliver Brexit.
Johnson renegotiated the Withdrawal Agreement with the EU, securing changes to the controversial “backstop” arrangement that had been a major sticking point for many MPs. This new version of the bill was presented to parliament in October 2019.
Despite some initial optimism, the bill faced significant opposition in parliament, with MPs voting to delay its progress. This led to a general election in December 2019, which Johnson`s Conservative Party won with a large majority.
In January 2020, the Withdrawal Agreement Bill was finally passed by parliament, paving the way for the UK to leave the EU on 31 January 2020. However, the bill also includes provisions for a transition period, during which the UK will continue to abide by EU regulations until the end of 2020.
Johnson has described the passage of the bill as a “significant moment” in the UK`s history, marking the country`s departure from the EU after 47 years of membership. He has also promised to use the opportunity to negotiate new trade deals with countries around the world.
However, the Withdrawal Agreement Bill has also been criticized by many as being overly complicated and potentially damaging to the UK`s economy. Some have also expressed concerns about its impact on Northern Ireland, which will have a different relationship with the EU than the rest of the UK.
Overall, the passage of the Withdrawal Agreement Bill is a significant development in the ongoing Brexit saga, and its impact on the UK and its relationship with the EU will be closely watched in the coming months and years.