THE Brexit Repeal Bill is a ‘power grab’ by the Tories, Northwich’s MP has said following last night’s Commons showdown.

Tory MPs have voted through David Davis' Brexit Repeal Bill, which transfers existing EU laws on to the UK statue book without a vote from MPs, by 36 votes, 326-290.

Mike Amesbury, Weaver Vale MP, was one of 240 Labour MPs who voted against the bill. Seven Labour MPs – who are pro Brexit – defied Jeremy Corbyn. No Tory MPs voted against the Bill.

The main opposition to the Bill has been in regards to the decision to include ‘Henry VIII powers’.

The provision enables primary legislation to be amended or repealed by subordinate legislation with or without further parliamentary scrutiny.

Mr Amesbury said: “This vote wasn’t about are we leaving Europe, we’ve had the referendum – the people of Weaver Vale voted to leave, and article 50 has been triggered – this vote was about how we leave Europe.

“But in this bill the Government has chosen to include so called “Henry VIII clauses” – in 1539, he introduced the Statute of Proclamations which gave him the power to legislate by proclamation so he could make or change laws without bothering with Parliament.

“Far from bringing back control from Europe to our Parliament, it would result in a power-grab by Tory ministers. Some Tories have also spoken out against these plans.

“Labour will seek to amend and remove the worst aspects from this bill because this is about ensuring we protect Parliament’s role in the democratic process, so we can get the best possible deal for the people of Weaver Vale, as well as safeguard their vital rights and protections as we leave.”

Mr Amesbury criticised the Government’s current ‘pick and mix’ approach to Brexit, calling it a ‘complete dog’s dinner’.

The Labour MP, who campaigned to remain, said the vote of Weaver Vale constituents must be respected, and told the Guardian he would not back a second referendum on the terms of Brexit.

“We’ve got to make sure we put the national interests first and recognise the result of the referendum,” he said.

“I think it would be wrong and it would wind up so many people on both sides of the debate to those that voted to leave – and quite a number who voted to remain – if we had yet another referendum on this.

“People like me were put in Parliament for a reason. Parliament is a sovereign body. It needs to come back to Parliament for scrutiny, debate, votes and amendments.”