Events in Parliament continue to be shaped by the decision to leave the European Union and Britain’s future relationship with Europe and the wider world. The Government have introduced the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill, which will give the Prime Minister the authority of Parliament to trigger Article 50 and begin the process of leaving the European Union. This historic Bill has passed the House of Commons by 494 votes to 122, a majority of 372 and shows clearly that Parliament will respect the wishes of the British people and allow the Government to get on with the task of negotiating a new relationship between the UK and the EU.
The Government was also successful in defeating the amendments which were introduced by opposition parties, which would have served to undermine the negotiating position of the Government on a number of key issues. It is right that the Commons voted these amendments down. The Bill is now with the House of Lords and I am pleased that the members of the Upper Chamber have said that it would be inappropriate for them to block the will of the British people. However, it is important to remember the Government has been clear that Parliament will rightly have the final say on the deal for Britain after our negotiations with the EU are complete.
Outside the Chamber, the All Party Parliamentary Group for District Councils, which I Chair, is holding an inquiry on Collaboration and Devolution. This inquiry is looking at the ways in which innovative approaches to collaboration from local councils, such as Rugby Borough Council, can improve outcomes for local communities. So far we have held two evidence sessions, with the first focusing on collaboration between councils. The second, held last week, looked at the ways in which district councils can work more closely with other agencies and organisations, both in the public sector and the private sector. I know both from my time as a Rugby Borough Councillor, and from my work with Rugby Borough Council as the town’s Member of Parliament, that the council works closely with many excellent community groups in our town. I hope that this inquiry will help share some of the best practices between councils, to the benefit of families here in Rugby and Bulkington.
I have also been delighted to welcome pupils from across Rugby, including Avon Valley; Rokeby Primary School and Rugby School, to Parliament. I have always argued that engaging our young people in the political process is vital. While not every pupil will have the opportunity to visit Parliament, I will always try to ensure that I can meet with those that do and answer their questions about the work that my colleagues and I do in Westminster.