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Gillingham MP pledges support to Internal Market Bill amendment after resignation

09:08, 17 September 2020

updated: 10:17, 17 September 2020

MP Rehman Chishti has pledged to support the government on an amendment to the Internal Market Bill, after resigning over the issue earlier this week.

The Gillingham and Rainham MP had resigned from his role as special envoy on freedom of religion, in protest at the Prime Minster's plans to override the Brexit deal.

Gillingham and Rainham MP Rehman Chishti
Gillingham and Rainham MP Rehman Chishti

The Internal Market Bill - which the government has admitted breaks international law - cleared its first hurdle in the Commons on Monday, after MPs approved giving it a second reading.

But Prime Minister Boris Johnson realised he was facing a potential rebellion as senior conservatives, including former chancellor Sajid Javid and ex-attorney general Sir Geoffrey Cox, refused to support it; and the PM was forced to amend the bill to allow MPs a vote before its powers are used.

The compromise appears to have found favour among potential rebels, with Mr Chishti among those to support it.

He took to Twitter last night to state: "Having resigned earlier this week on point of principle regarding rule of law, I thank PM @BorisJohnson for listening to our concerns over parliamentary oversight before measures in Internal Market Bill are implemented. I will be supporting the Government on their amendment."

Shadow business secretary Ed Miliband, said Labour would continue to oppose the bill, and that the amendment did not fix the problem of breaking the law and damaging Britain's reputation.

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