U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May’s flagship Brexit Bill returns to the House of Commons Wednesday for a seventh day of detailed scrutiny, and has got to the first vote where it looks like the government might lose. Conservative pro-Europeans want a line in the bill requiring the government to pass full legislation before it attempts to implement any Brexit deal it reaches with the European Union. So far rebels have been bought off with concessions or promises of concessions. The debate is due to start after Prime Minister’s Questions finishes around 12.30 p.m., with the first set of votes six hours after that. Here are the latest developments, updated throughout the day. Time-stamps are London time. Davis Tries to See Off Tory Rebellion Brexit Secretary David Davis has just written to all Tory members of parliament drawing their attention to a statement he’s laid before Parliament this morning, promising that Parliament will get to vote on any deal with the EU before the government tries to implement any part of it. He went on to explain that the government will only be able to agree a deal with Parliamentary approval. “I hope this explanation provides clarity and reassurance about Parliament’s role in approving the agreements that will give effect to our withdrawal from the EU,” Davis wrote in closing. The lead rebel, Dominic Grieve, didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment, but one of his colleagues, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that Davis’s reassurances weren’t enough for them. Coming Up:
  • Brexit Committee hears from Airbus UK Senior Vice President Katherine Bennett at 9.15 a.m.
  • Brexit ministers Steve Baker and Robin Walker questioned by House of Lords Constitution Committee at 9.45 a.m.
  • Business Committee hearing on Brexit questions JD Wetherspoon Chairman Tim Martin, representatives Nestle and Diageo at 10 a.m.
  • Prime Minister’s Questions at 12 p.m. Withdrawal Bill debate and vote in the afternoon
  • Dec. 14: EU summit—when the EU is expected to sign off on divorce terms so talks can move on to trade
What Happened on Tuesday:
  • EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier warned the U.K. he would be vigilant to any backsliding on the commitments made last week to secure the breakthrough
  • The EU expects to have its offer of a possible two-year transition period ready to present to the U.K. by the end of January, and is prepared to start talking about the future trade partnership by the end of March
  • The European Parliament accused Davis of undermining trust in the Brexit negotiations, with one top lawmaker describing the British government as behaving like a “gangster” in its dealings with other countries