Britain moves closer to leaving EU as MPs scrutinise Brexit deal

The United Kingdom moved a step closer to leaving the European Union on Tuesday when Prime Minister Boris Johnson brought his Brexit deal back to Parliament, with MPs finally set to approve it after years of division and delay.

Having scooped a parliamentary majority in the December 12 election, Johnson now faces little threat of defeat, deadlock or delay.

Opening the debate, Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay said the Withdrawal Agreement Bill "delivers on the overwhelming mandate given to us by the British people to get Brexit done by the end of January".

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Members of Parliament have three days to debate the legislation to enshrine Johnson's divorce deal, which will steer the country's most significant constitutional change for a generation.

"The next three days will illustrate vividly just how powerful Boris Johnson's position has become," said Al Jazeera's Paul Brennan, reporting from London.

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