Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Brexit bill live: Peers reject 'threats' as Theresa May crashes House of Lords debate

Follow updates throughout the day as the upper chamber discusses the Government's EU withdrawal plans

Jon Stone
Political Correspondent
Monday 20 February 2017 09:30 EST
Comments
The House of Lords chamber in session
The House of Lords chamber in session (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The Brexit Bill allowing Theresa May to trigger Article 50 is being debated in the House of Lords.

Two days have been set aside for the European Union (Notification Of Withdrawal) Bill's second reading debate - the first time the upper chamber has been given a chance to debate the legislation.

• Lords 'will not be threatened', Labour's Baroness Smith says
• Theresa May glares at peers from the steps of the throne
• Mandelson says Brexit ‘a decision for whole UK’
Brexit is 'irrevocable' once Article 50 triggered, Truss says
• Lawyers say May must pass second Brexit Act after talks
• City calls on Chancellor to help deliver stable Brexit
• Oxford Uni considers French campus amid Brexit concerns

Before the debate Labour and Liberal Democrat peers indicated they were prepared to table amendments, including to ensure a guarantee for EU citizens' rights and the ability of Parliament to have a meaningful vote on the final Brexit deal.

However, support for House of Lords reform is predicted to increase if peers obstruct or delay Brexit, new research claims.

An ICM survey for Change Britain, which campaigns on the terms of Brexit, found 43% of respondents are more likely to back abolition or reform compared to 12% who are less likely in such circumstances.

Once the two-year countdown to Brexit begins after the triggering of Article 50, which Mrs May has vowed to do by the end of March, the negotiations with the EU can commence.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in