READING EAST MP Matt Rodda was interviewed by BBC Radio Berkshire on the Andrew Peach Show this morning, following the debate in Parliament on the Second Reading of the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill -; a debate and subsequent division vote which went on into the small hours of this morning.

The vote, defeated by 318 votes to 301, means the Bill now passes the Second Reading stage in the House of Commons and proceeds to the committee. It is expected the Bill will return to the House for the Third Reading within a months’ time.

On the Andrew Peach Show, Matt said:

“We are leaving; the debate was about how we leave and whether this particular bill was fit for purpose. The bill is basically a huge power grab.

A number of members pointed out that the [Henry VII] powers give significant sweeping powers to ministers. I think the trick is to get a really good deal so it doesn’t harm the economy.   Its  going  to  be  a  very  tough  negotiation;  there  should  be  a  reasonable transitional period to ensure that the negotiations can continue – and that it’s done properly -; not in a rush.”