House of Commons sitting has begun, with the.....>

UK: House of Commons sitting has begun, with the second reading of the

Withdrawal Agreement Bill (WAB) the major item of the day. 

- Prime Minister Boris Johnson has just opened the debate, with Secretary of

State for Exiting the EU Stephen Barclay (who's department will be shuttered on

31 January) will close the debate at 1430GMT (0930ET, 1530CET). 

- New Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has not selected any amendments to the WAB, a

signal of the change from previous Speaker John Bercow who frequently selected

amendments to gov't bills, much to the gov'ts consternation. 

- Unlike debates and votes on the WAB before the election, the result of this is

not in doubt with the gov't holding a large majority in the Commons. Following

this, parliament will rise for the Christmas recess, meaning the final stages of

the WAB will occur early in the new year.