UK to double length of next Parliament to deal with Brexit

British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks watched by her husband Philip in 10 Downing Street, London, as she addresses the press Friday, June 9, 2017 following an audience with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace where she asked to form a government. May’s gamble in calling an early election backfired spectacularly, as her Conservative Party lost its majority in Parliament. (Photo by MATT DUNHAM / AP)

LONDON — The British government plans to have the next Parliament hold a two-year session to deal with the expected onslaught of Brexit-related legislation.

Parliament normally sits for one year, but officials said late Saturday night more time will be needed.

House of Common leader Andrea Leadsom said Parliament will need “the maximum amount of time to scrutinize these bills” by holding a two-year session.

The legislation is expected to include the Great Repeal Bill to convert existing European Union law into United Kingdom statutes.

Prime Minister Theresa May has been struggling to put together a working government since the Conservative Party lost its majority in the June 8 election. She is seeking an arrangement with the Democratic Unionist Party in Northern Ireland.

Formal Brexit talks with the European Union begin Monday.