UK begins fight to pass Brexit bill

 The British government began battle on Thursday to pass a major plank of its Brexit plans through Parliament, amid faltering progress in divorce talks with the EU.

Lawmakers are starting debate on the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill, which will revoke thousands of EU laws and regulations and replace them with domestic statute on the day the UK leaves the bloc.

The government says the legislation is crucial to disentangle Britain from the EU after more than four decades of membership. Prime Minister Theresa May said it would “prevent a cliff-edge for people and businesses, because it provides legal certainty.”