MPs will today begin the UK’s final push towards an EU exit in January as they hold a key vote on Boris Johnson’s Brexit law – amid fury at the Government for stripping out concessions on refugees and workers’ rights.<\/p>\n
The Commons is expected to approve the second reading of the Withdrawal Agreement Bill (WAB) in their final act before the Christmas break this afternoon.<\/p>\n
With Mr Johnson enjoying a majority of 80 following his thumping election win it is expected to sail through – as all his MPs have already signed up in writing to support it.<\/p>\n
But the Prime Minister came under fire after concessions added during the previous hung parliament, designed to woo Labour backbenchers into rebelling, were removed.<\/p>\n
They include pledges to retain parity with the EU on workers’ rights, and the so-called Dubs Amendment that would have compelled the Government to do a deal to allow unaccompanied child refugees into Britain if they have family here.<\/p>\n
No 10 has insisted both will be introduced in separate legislation, but Lisa Nandy, the Labour Mp for Wigan who pushed for concessions before voting against the Brexit deal, said it had ‘changed for the worse’.<\/p>\n
‘Workers rights binned: the key protections in clause 34 now dropped entirely,’ she tweeted.<\/p>\n
‘No clarity on when or what rights workers will have in law by December next year.<\/p>\n
‘New December 2020 cliff edge enshrined in law. The new Clause 33 sets a new one year cliff edge for our manufacturers and jobs, damaging our economy.<\/p>\n
‘No environment or consumer rights protections. All of Gove’s promises of a Green Brexit are nowhere to be seen …<\/p>\n
‘Most disgracefully, Boris has u-turned on the promises made to child refugees and EU citizens – who’ve made the UK their home. New provisions mean the watchdog can be axed at the stroke of a pen by Ministers.’<\/p>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2019\/12\/20\/07\/22476164-7812153-image-a-8_1576826028571.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
A smiling Boris Johnson walks through Parliament with a downcast Jeremy Corbyn yesterday ahead of the Queen’s Speech yesterday – today his Brexit Bill will be voted through<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The Prime Minister will use his sizeable majority in the Commons to break the deadlock that prevented Britain’s divorce from Brussels going through this year.<\/p>\n
The Conservative Party leader said his Brexit Bill, along with his plans for Government, announced in the Queen’s Speech on Thursday, would bring about a ‘new dawn’ for Britain.<\/p>\n
Once the second reading vote is passed today, MPs will return to the Commons on January 7, with plans in place to have the plan enshrined in law by the middle of the month.<\/p>\n
This will allow the EU to ratify it in time for the UK to leave on January 31.<\/p>\n
The bill delivers by putting into law the deal done with EU leaders last year – this includes new Northern Ireland arrangements, the divorce bill and rights of EU citizens.<\/p>\n
Boris toughens up WAB after crushing election win mans he no longer needs Labour support<\/h3>\n\nBoris Johnson has made a raft of changes to the Withdrawal Agreement Bill in the wake of his crushing election win.<\/p>\n
Some measures designed to appease Labour would-be rebels in a hung parliament have been stripped out and others designed to toughen it up have been added.<\/p>\n
Removed<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Protection for workers rights designed to keep parity with EU standards after Brexit. Number 10 insists similar measures will be introduced in a separate law at a later date.<\/li>\n
- A commitment to allow unaccompanied child refugees in to Britain to be reunited with family members living here legally. The so-called Dubs Amendment would have given ministers powers to do a deal with the EU and is\u00a0named after Labour peer Lord Dubs. Number 10 last night insisted: ‘The Government’s policy on child refugees has not changed.’<\/li>\n
- MPs’ ability to veto any extension to the transition period beyond December 2020.<\/li>\n
- Parliament’s role in deciding the colour and shape of the Future Relationship with the EU.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Added<\/span><\/p>\n\n- A ban on extending the transition period beyond December 2020. Mr Johnson made this part of his re-election campaign as a sign of his determination to complete severance from Brussels in a year’s time.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
It now also rules out an extension of the ‘transition’ period beyond December 2020 to focus minds in Brussels on getting a trade deal done.<\/p>\n
Mr Johnson said: ‘Today we will deliver on the promise we made to the people and get the Brexit vote wrapped up for Christmas.<\/p>\n
‘Now MPs will start the process of passing the Bill. Then, at the beginning of the new decade, at the beginning of a new dawn for our country, our parliamentarians will return to Westminster to immediately finish the job, take us out of the EU on January 31 and move this country forward.<\/p>\n
‘After years of delay and rancour in Parliament, we will deliver certainty and hard-working businesses and people across this country will have a firm foundation on which to plan for the future.’<\/p>\n
But critics on the opposition benches said Mr Johnson had ‘binned’ his pre-election compromises on protections for workers and child refugees now that he had been ‘unbridled’ by his crushing win at the polls.<\/p>\n
The Government, as part of a re-drafted Brexit Bill, looked to have rowed back on an original commitment to strike a deal with the EU so child refugees in Europe can continue to be reunited with their families in the UK, even after free movement ends.<\/p>\n
Clause 37 of the Bill replaces the pledge with a watered-down vow for ministers to ‘make a statement’ on the progress of the talks once the divorce with Brussels is complete.<\/p>\n
Sir Keir Starmer, Labour’s shadow Brexit secretary, told the Guardian: ‘The Tories have torn-up the protections for workers’ rights and child refugees \u2013 and watered-down Parliament’s role in the next phase of the Brexit negotiations.<\/p>\n
‘It was a bad Bill before the election, and it is even worse now.’<\/p>\n
Acting Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Ed Davey, added: ‘Barely days away from the election and this Withdrawal Agreement reveals exactly what an unbridled Boris Johnson will do with the country.<\/p>\n
‘Every compromise made before the election, from workers’ rights to protections for unaccompanied refugee children, have been binned just as we warned they would.’<\/p>\n
\n\n\n![\"Shadow](\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2019\/12\/20\/00\/wire-22476182-1576800353-33_634x340.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nShadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer has criticised the changes made to the Brexit Bill<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Downing Street said forthcoming legislation would show the Government’s commitment to upholding rights and protections after exit day.<\/p>\n
‘Our commitment to continue the highest standards on workers’ rights, environmental standards and consumer protections will be honoured by provisions in separate legislation, including the Employment Bill announced in the Queen’s Speech,’ said Number 10.<\/p>\n
A host of other changes were made to the Brexit Bill since it was last before the Commons in October.<\/p>\n
Mr Johnson has inserted a clause that will legally prohibit his Government from extending the transition period \u2013 the 11-month buffer during which his team will look to negotiate a trade deal with Brussels \u2013 beyond 2020.<\/p>\n
The legal text will also boost the power of UK courts, giving judges the ability to overrule judgments made by the European Court of Justice.<\/p>\n
If passed by MPs, the Brexit Bill will return for its final stages in both the Commons and the House of Lords in the New Year before achieving Royal Assent.<\/p>\n
The timetable paves the way for the UK to leave the EU by the January 31 deadline and for trade talks to commence.<\/p>\n
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBill by bill, JACK DOYLE examines the new laws that will shape the UK after Brexit<\/h2>\n
Brexit<\/span><\/p>\nGet Brexit Done was promised by Boris Johnson, and this bill delivers it by putting into law the deal done with EU leaders last year. It includes new Northern Ireland arrangements, the divorce bill and rights of EU citizens. Rules out an extension of the \u2018transition\u2019 period beyond December 2020 to focus minds in Brussels on getting a trade deal done.<\/p>\n
Post-Brexit<\/span><\/p>\nBills setting out key policy decisions for after Brexit. Free movement is replaced by Australian-style points-based immigration and an NHS worker visa. Common Agricultural Policy replaced by a more environmentally-friendly system, while fisheries will be repatriated. Powers to set trade policy will be returned to London from Brussels.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n![\"Boris](\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2019\/12\/19\/22\/22471728-7811775-image-a-58_1576793664931.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBoris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn pictured ahead of the State Opening of Parliament following the 2019 General Election<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
NHS<\/span><\/p>\nThe new money \u2013 all \u00a333.9billion extra of it \u2013 is going in anyway in the next four years, but a new law sends a signal to voters about the importance of the NHS to Mr Johnson, as well as making any funding cuts unlawful. Now begins the hard work of getting the Health Service to spend it effectively, improve output and fulfil other pledges on 50,000 more nurses and 40 hospitals in the next decade. A separate bill will establish a new patient safety watchdog.<\/p>\n
Housing<\/span><\/p>\nHelping more people get on the housing ladder is a key focus for the next five years. As well as more affordable homes, a \u2018first homes\u2019 scheme will offer local people and key workers a 30 per cent discount on new properties. Government sources have also hinted at changes to planning law to encourage development while protecting the Green Belt.<\/p>\n
Staff Rights<\/span><\/p>\nLaw to stop restaurants keeping staff tips, give extra \u00a31billion for childcare, set up a body to protect workers\u2019 rights, and ensure unpaid carers have a statutory right to take a week off will help Mr Johnson show he is determined to help millions of blue-collar workers who voted for him for the first time.<\/p>\n
\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nSocial Care<\/span><\/p>\nNo bill because there isn\u2019t a plan to solve the social care crisis yet. Instead, there is more money in the short term and a pledge to create a cross-party commission to produce a solution. But Downing Street officials know this big reform can\u2019t be kicked into the long grass for years.<\/p>\n
Internet<\/span><\/p>\nForces web giants to clear terrorist material and child abuse images from their sites by putting them under a \u2018duty of care\u2019 enforced by a powerful new regulator.<\/p>\n
Sentencing<\/span><\/p>\nTwo bills will bring in longer jail terms. The first for terrorists will ensure those behind the worst offences will serve at least 14 years, ending release at the halfway point by ensuring all serve at least two-thirds. The second will also move the release point from half to two-thirds for the most serious and violent offenders.<\/p>\n
Police<\/span><\/p>\nAs well as putting the \u2018police covenant\u2019 into law \u2013 rules that protect officers \u2013 this will give them new powers to tackle unauthorised encampments by criminalising trespass. Lets officers seize property of travellers who occupy land without permission.<\/p>\n
Trade Unions<\/span><\/p>\nAn assault on the power of the RMT, whose rail strikes brought misery to millions of commuters. In future, all rail unions will be obliged to offer a minimum service level, even during a strike \u2013 and those that don\u2019t will be liable for damages.<\/p>\n
Spy Laws<\/span><\/p>\nForeign spies would have to register with the Government or face jail to make it harder for them to operate in this country.<\/p>\n
Broadband<\/span><\/p>\nAll new homes to have fast internet, and the \u00a31.8billion rollout of gigabit broadband across the UK.<\/p>\n
\n\n\n![\"Mr](\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2019\/12\/20\/07\/22471676-7812153-Mr_Johnson_and_Mr_Corbyn_walk_through_the_Commons_Members_Lobby_-a-10_1576826391256.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nMr Johnson and Mr Corbyn walk through the Commons Members Lobby during the state opening on Thursday 19 December<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Railways<\/span><\/p>\nReverse some Beeching cuts, build Northern Powerhouse Rail between major cities and a Midlands Rail hub. Likely to include HS2 after a review of costs has been published.<\/p>\n
Takeovers\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nNew powers that allow ministers to scrutinise and block takeovers of major British businesses to protect national security.<\/p>\n
Environment<\/span><\/p>\nBrings in legally binding targets for air pollution and an environmental regulator, and bans plastic waste exports.<\/p>\n
Prisoners<\/span><\/p>\nWill prevent murderers and paedophiles being released if they refuse to disclose details about their victims \u2013 such as the location of their bodies or the names of those they attacked.<\/p>\n
\u2026And the rest<\/span><\/p>\nBuilding Safety Bill; Fire Safety Bill; Pensions Scheme Bill; Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft Bill; Windrush Compensation Bill; Thomas Cook Compensation Bill; Birmingham Commonwealth Games Bill; Domestic Abuse Bill; and the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill.<\/p>\n
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBoris Johnson hints he DOES want to build a BRIDGE between Northern Ireland and the UK mainland as he tells MPs: ‘Watch this space’<\/h2>\n
Boris Johnson today delivered a fresh hint that he wants to press ahead with building a bridge between Northern Ireland and the British mainland.<\/p>\n
The Prime Minister previously raised the idea of the huge infrastructure project, saying it would show the commitment to keeping the Union together after Brexit.<\/p>\n
However, engineers are deeply sceptical over whether it would be feasible to build such a transport link.<\/p>\n
They have pointed out that the depth of the water and abandoned munitions in the area where the bridge would likely be placed would make it incredibly complex and astronomically expensive.<\/p>\n
\n\n![\"Boris](\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2019\/12\/19\/16\/22461372-0-image-a-35_1576774221360.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nBoris Johnson, pictured in the House of Commons this afternoon, has signalled his support for a bridge to be built between Northern Ireland and Scotland<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
But asked by the DUP’s Ian Paisley today during the debate on the Queen’s Speech in the House of Commons about building a ‘Boris bridge’, Mr Johnson suggested he was in favour of the idea.<\/p>\n
He told the Northern Irish MP: ‘It is a very interesting idea. I advise him to watch this space, and indeed watch that space between those islands.<\/p>\n
‘What you have said has not fallen on deaf ears.’<\/p>\n
Mr Johnson apparently told officials in September this year to look at the viability of building such a bridge between Northern Ireland and Scotland.<\/p>\n
Staff at the Treasury and Department for Transport (DfT) were ordered to advise on the costs and risks of such a project.<\/p>\n
The idea was originally put forward by Mr Johnson last year, when he was foreign secretary.<\/p>\n
The suggested route of the bridge would see a 28 mile link between\u00a0Larne in Ulster and Portpatrick in Scotland.<\/p>\n
Documents revealed that the PM wanted to know where money for the new scheme could come from and the risks which appear to include ‘WW2 munitions in the Irish Sea’.<\/p>\n
The DfT produced a paper on the subject after talks between the DUP and former transport secretary Chris Grayling.<\/p>\n
A spokesman for the government told Channel 4 News: ‘This PM has made no secret of his support for infrastructure projects that… [could] strengthen the Union.’<\/p>\n
\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2019\/12\/20\/07\/18325034-7812153-A_bridge_between_Northern_Ireland_and_Scotland_has_previously_be-a-9_1576826194547.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Boris Johnson has made a raft of changes to the Withdrawal Agreement Bill in the wake of his crushing election win.<\/p>\n
Some measures designed to appease Labour would-be rebels in a hung parliament have been stripped out and others designed to toughen it up have been added.<\/p>\n
Removed<\/span><\/p>\n Added<\/span><\/p>\n It now also rules out an extension of the ‘transition’ period beyond December 2020 to focus minds in Brussels on getting a trade deal done.<\/p>\n Mr Johnson said: ‘Today we will deliver on the promise we made to the people and get the Brexit vote wrapped up for Christmas.<\/p>\n ‘Now MPs will start the process of passing the Bill. Then, at the beginning of the new decade, at the beginning of a new dawn for our country, our parliamentarians will return to Westminster to immediately finish the job, take us out of the EU on January 31 and move this country forward.<\/p>\n ‘After years of delay and rancour in Parliament, we will deliver certainty and hard-working businesses and people across this country will have a firm foundation on which to plan for the future.’<\/p>\n But critics on the opposition benches said Mr Johnson had ‘binned’ his pre-election compromises on protections for workers and child refugees now that he had been ‘unbridled’ by his crushing win at the polls.<\/p>\n The Government, as part of a re-drafted Brexit Bill, looked to have rowed back on an original commitment to strike a deal with the EU so child refugees in Europe can continue to be reunited with their families in the UK, even after free movement ends.<\/p>\n Clause 37 of the Bill replaces the pledge with a watered-down vow for ministers to ‘make a statement’ on the progress of the talks once the divorce with Brussels is complete.<\/p>\n Sir Keir Starmer, Labour’s shadow Brexit secretary, told the Guardian: ‘The Tories have torn-up the protections for workers’ rights and child refugees \u2013 and watered-down Parliament’s role in the next phase of the Brexit negotiations.<\/p>\n ‘It was a bad Bill before the election, and it is even worse now.’<\/p>\n Acting Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Ed Davey, added: ‘Barely days away from the election and this Withdrawal Agreement reveals exactly what an unbridled Boris Johnson will do with the country.<\/p>\n ‘Every compromise made before the election, from workers’ rights to protections for unaccompanied refugee children, have been binned just as we warned they would.’<\/p>\n Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer has criticised the changes made to the Brexit Bill<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Downing Street said forthcoming legislation would show the Government’s commitment to upholding rights and protections after exit day.<\/p>\n ‘Our commitment to continue the highest standards on workers’ rights, environmental standards and consumer protections will be honoured by provisions in separate legislation, including the Employment Bill announced in the Queen’s Speech,’ said Number 10.<\/p>\n A host of other changes were made to the Brexit Bill since it was last before the Commons in October.<\/p>\n Mr Johnson has inserted a clause that will legally prohibit his Government from extending the transition period \u2013 the 11-month buffer during which his team will look to negotiate a trade deal with Brussels \u2013 beyond 2020.<\/p>\n The legal text will also boost the power of UK courts, giving judges the ability to overrule judgments made by the European Court of Justice.<\/p>\n If passed by MPs, the Brexit Bill will return for its final stages in both the Commons and the House of Lords in the New Year before achieving Royal Assent.<\/p>\n The timetable paves the way for the UK to leave the EU by the January 31 deadline and for trade talks to commence.<\/p>\n Brexit<\/span><\/p>\n Get Brexit Done was promised by Boris Johnson, and this bill delivers it by putting into law the deal done with EU leaders last year. It includes new Northern Ireland arrangements, the divorce bill and rights of EU citizens. Rules out an extension of the \u2018transition\u2019 period beyond December 2020 to focus minds in Brussels on getting a trade deal done.<\/p>\n Post-Brexit<\/span><\/p>\n Bills setting out key policy decisions for after Brexit. Free movement is replaced by Australian-style points-based immigration and an NHS worker visa. Common Agricultural Policy replaced by a more environmentally-friendly system, while fisheries will be repatriated. Powers to set trade policy will be returned to London from Brussels.<\/p>\n Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn pictured ahead of the State Opening of Parliament following the 2019 General Election<\/p>\n<\/div>\n NHS<\/span><\/p>\n The new money \u2013 all \u00a333.9billion extra of it \u2013 is going in anyway in the next four years, but a new law sends a signal to voters about the importance of the NHS to Mr Johnson, as well as making any funding cuts unlawful. Now begins the hard work of getting the Health Service to spend it effectively, improve output and fulfil other pledges on 50,000 more nurses and 40 hospitals in the next decade. A separate bill will establish a new patient safety watchdog.<\/p>\n Housing<\/span><\/p>\n Helping more people get on the housing ladder is a key focus for the next five years. As well as more affordable homes, a \u2018first homes\u2019 scheme will offer local people and key workers a 30 per cent discount on new properties. Government sources have also hinted at changes to planning law to encourage development while protecting the Green Belt.<\/p>\n Staff Rights<\/span><\/p>\n Law to stop restaurants keeping staff tips, give extra \u00a31billion for childcare, set up a body to protect workers\u2019 rights, and ensure unpaid carers have a statutory right to take a week off will help Mr Johnson show he is determined to help millions of blue-collar workers who voted for him for the first time.<\/p>\n Social Care<\/span><\/p>\n No bill because there isn\u2019t a plan to solve the social care crisis yet. Instead, there is more money in the short term and a pledge to create a cross-party commission to produce a solution. But Downing Street officials know this big reform can\u2019t be kicked into the long grass for years.<\/p>\n Internet<\/span><\/p>\n Forces web giants to clear terrorist material and child abuse images from their sites by putting them under a \u2018duty of care\u2019 enforced by a powerful new regulator.<\/p>\n Sentencing<\/span><\/p>\n Two bills will bring in longer jail terms. The first for terrorists will ensure those behind the worst offences will serve at least 14 years, ending release at the halfway point by ensuring all serve at least two-thirds. The second will also move the release point from half to two-thirds for the most serious and violent offenders.<\/p>\n Police<\/span><\/p>\n As well as putting the \u2018police covenant\u2019 into law \u2013 rules that protect officers \u2013 this will give them new powers to tackle unauthorised encampments by criminalising trespass. Lets officers seize property of travellers who occupy land without permission.<\/p>\n Trade Unions<\/span><\/p>\n An assault on the power of the RMT, whose rail strikes brought misery to millions of commuters. In future, all rail unions will be obliged to offer a minimum service level, even during a strike \u2013 and those that don\u2019t will be liable for damages.<\/p>\n Spy Laws<\/span><\/p>\n Foreign spies would have to register with the Government or face jail to make it harder for them to operate in this country.<\/p>\n Broadband<\/span><\/p>\n All new homes to have fast internet, and the \u00a31.8billion rollout of gigabit broadband across the UK.<\/p>\n Mr Johnson and Mr Corbyn walk through the Commons Members Lobby during the state opening on Thursday 19 December<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Railways<\/span><\/p>\n Reverse some Beeching cuts, build Northern Powerhouse Rail between major cities and a Midlands Rail hub. Likely to include HS2 after a review of costs has been published.<\/p>\n Takeovers\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n New powers that allow ministers to scrutinise and block takeovers of major British businesses to protect national security.<\/p>\n Environment<\/span><\/p>\n Brings in legally binding targets for air pollution and an environmental regulator, and bans plastic waste exports.<\/p>\n Prisoners<\/span><\/p>\n Will prevent murderers and paedophiles being released if they refuse to disclose details about their victims \u2013 such as the location of their bodies or the names of those they attacked.<\/p>\n \u2026And the rest<\/span><\/p>\n Building Safety Bill; Fire Safety Bill; Pensions Scheme Bill; Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft Bill; Windrush Compensation Bill; Thomas Cook Compensation Bill; Birmingham Commonwealth Games Bill; Domestic Abuse Bill; and the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill.<\/p>\n Boris Johnson today delivered a fresh hint that he wants to press ahead with building a bridge between Northern Ireland and the British mainland.<\/p>\n The Prime Minister previously raised the idea of the huge infrastructure project, saying it would show the commitment to keeping the Union together after Brexit.<\/p>\n However, engineers are deeply sceptical over whether it would be feasible to build such a transport link.<\/p>\n They have pointed out that the depth of the water and abandoned munitions in the area where the bridge would likely be placed would make it incredibly complex and astronomically expensive.<\/p>\n Boris Johnson, pictured in the House of Commons this afternoon, has signalled his support for a bridge to be built between Northern Ireland and Scotland<\/p>\n<\/div>\n But asked by the DUP’s Ian Paisley today during the debate on the Queen’s Speech in the House of Commons about building a ‘Boris bridge’, Mr Johnson suggested he was in favour of the idea.<\/p>\n He told the Northern Irish MP: ‘It is a very interesting idea. I advise him to watch this space, and indeed watch that space between those islands.<\/p>\n ‘What you have said has not fallen on deaf ears.’<\/p>\n Mr Johnson apparently told officials in September this year to look at the viability of building such a bridge between Northern Ireland and Scotland.<\/p>\n Staff at the Treasury and Department for Transport (DfT) were ordered to advise on the costs and risks of such a project.<\/p>\n The idea was originally put forward by Mr Johnson last year, when he was foreign secretary.<\/p>\n The suggested route of the bridge would see a 28 mile link between\u00a0Larne in Ulster and Portpatrick in Scotland.<\/p>\n Documents revealed that the PM wanted to know where money for the new scheme could come from and the risks which appear to include ‘WW2 munitions in the Irish Sea’.<\/p>\n The DfT produced a paper on the subject after talks between the DUP and former transport secretary Chris Grayling.<\/p>\n A spokesman for the government told Channel 4 News: ‘This PM has made no secret of his support for infrastructure projects that… [could] strengthen the Union.’<\/p>\n\n
\n
<\/p>\nBill by bill, JACK DOYLE examines the new laws that will shape the UK after Brexit<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n<\/p>\nBoris Johnson hints he DOES want to build a BRIDGE between Northern Ireland and the UK mainland as he tells MPs: ‘Watch this space’<\/h2>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n