The pound is strong against the euro and the dollar this morning, as the greenback weakened due to rising tensions in the Middle East. MPs returned to Parliament yesterday to start three days of debate on the Prime Minister’s withdrawal bill, which is expected to be voted on tomorrow. As the Conservative Party holds to majority of the House, the bill is expected to pass through with ease. It will then go to the House of Lords.
Labour has tabled an amendment which would give Parliament a role in deciding whether the Brexit transition period is extended. A proposal from the Liberal Democrats would require the government to ask for an extension to the transition period if a trade deal has not been agreed by June. However, these amendments were rejected by the government. MPs will also look at issues relating to Northern Ireland today.
Today, Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen will meet for a high-level discussion on a future trade agreement. Johnson is expected to stress the importance of the UK and EU reaching a trade deal by the end of the year.


