Rushanara Ali MP has voted against triggering of Article 50 after more than 40 amendments to the Brexit Bill were defeated by the Government. After three days of debate in the House of Commons, where MPs had the opportunity to support a range of amendments that protected jobs in the financial services sector, the environment and worker’s and women’s rights, MPs decided to approve the Government’s bill unamended, beginning the process of leaving the European Union.

In total, the MP for Bethnal Green and Bow supported 30 New Clauses and 10 Amendments to the 2 clause bill. These included a written assurance that the Prime Minister seeks the approval of Parliament prior to offering a deal to the European Union and that Theresa May seeks further time to continue negotiations if any deal is not reached.

These would have ensured that economic assessments are made on the impact of leaving the Single Market and Customs Union. With thousands of jobs dependent on the financial services in Bethnal Green and Bow, Rushanara has supported specific changes to the bill that would preserve the existing trading rights for UK-based financial service companies.

Rushanara has also supported changes to the bill to ensure worker’s rights, women’s rights and environmental legislation are protected upon exiting the European Union.

Rushanara said:

“I want to ensure we get a good deal for Britain when we leave the European Union that means a deal that protects our jobs, our economy and safeguards our rights and Britain’s strong influence in Europe. Leaving the single market and customs union will be devastating for many of our businesses and their employees. That is why I couldn’t support this Conservative Government’s hard Brexit.”