The Westminster parliament should have a vote on the final deal, the committee said | Harry How/Getty Images UK MPs say Brexit strategy must be ready by mid-February Committee says it wants clarity ‘given the significance and complexity of the negotiating task.’

The British government Brexit strategy should be published by the middle of February at the latest to give parliament time to scrutinize it, a committee of MPs said Saturday.

In its first report, the cross-party Brexit committee said this would clarify the U.K.’s stance on membership of the EU’s single market and a future trade relationship with the EU.

It will also need to clarify what, if any, transitional arrangements would come into place if a final deal has not been struck by the time Britain leaves the EU.

"We’re not asking the government to give away its red lines or negotiating fall-back positions, but we do want clarity on its broad aims given the significance and complexity of the negotiating task,” Hilary Benn, the Labour MP who chairs the committee, said.

The committee warned that it’s not in the interests of the U.K. or the EU to have trade barriers. MPs also urged the government to seek continued access to EU markets.

“Both the U.K. and the EU-27 benefit from the presence in London of a world class financial services hub and ensuring that there is minimal disruption to services from Brexit will be important for broader European financial stability," the report states.

Stability in Northern Ireland and the Good Friday Agreement must not be jeopardized by Brexit, the committee of MPs said, adding that the Northern Irish parliament should be "duly involved at every stage in the process." That would be complicated if there is no government in Northern Ireland. The power-sharing agreement has collapsed and fresh elections are likely.

The Westminster parliament should have a vote on the final deal, the committee said, adding that its timetable would allow for proper consideration of any deal that is negotiated.