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Labour fury as Tory whips refuse to 'nod through' sick MPs for meaningful vote amendment - Politics live Ministers offer concession to try to avoid defeat on Brexit 'meaningful vote' - Politics live
(35 minutes later)
David Davis, the Brexit secretary, is opening the debate.
He says the government’s critics should not question its democratic credentials. He says parliament has been repeatedly involved in this process.
Parliament has more say over Brexit than the European parliament, he says.
The debate is starting now.
John Bercow, the speaker, says he will call two amendments for a vote: Dominic Grieve’s one (see 11.24am) and one from the Lib Dem MP Tom Brake, saying the Commons “meaningful vote” could trigger another referendum on the final Brexit deal.
By lunchtime the gap between what the government was offering and what the rebels, led by Dominic Grieve, wanted was narrow. They both accept that, if MPs have not approved the Brexit withdrawal agreement by 21 January 2019, the government must schedule a vote within five working days. (See 11.24am.) But the government was saying that motion must be “in neutral terms, to the effect that the House of Commons has considered the matter of”. A motion like that would not be amendable. But Grieve and the rebels were not happy, because, in those circumstances, they wanted MPs to be able to table an amendment saying something like: “This House now requires the government to return to Brussels to try again/negotiate EEA membership/or whatever.”
The government has now issued a statement (see 1.53pm) saying that, actually, it will be up to the speaker at the time to decide if said motion debated under the terms of this clause can be amended.
(It is worth reminding readers that John Bercow, the speaker, has reportedly told friends he wants to stay as speaker until next summer so he can approve such an amendment. And that is one reason why some Tory Brexiters want him out.)
The statement also says that ministers and MPs can table their own motions, implying that the Commons could have a vote anyway. This is true up to a point. But the government decides the parliamentary timetable, and, while the opposition parties get certain days for debate - when the government allows - ordinary backbenchers cannot just schedule a debate. This line is not an offer at all - just a description of the status quo (which puts most levers in the hands of the executive.)
So the final paragraph is probably pointless. But the penultimate paragraph (the one about the speaker having the discretion to allow an amendment) does sound like a concession of sorts.
However, it begs another question; if the government would be happy for this January 2019 motion to be amended, why doesn’t it just accept the Grieve amendment tabled today (see 11.24am) removing the reference to the motion being “in neutral terms, to the effect that the House of Commons has considered the matter of”.
Over, as concessions go, it seems a bit thin.
But it looks like a concession, and it is probably the case that the government whips have concluded it is just enough to buy off some of the rebels.
We will find out in a moment, when the debate begins.
1. Whether it is a climb down or a lawyer's way out - it massively reduces the chances of a rebellion later, and gives rebels and govt an escape route https://t.co/qWhewvX2DI
In the Commons Labour’s Ben Bradshaw has just asked a point of order about the Tories refusing to “nod through” sick MPs.
John Bercow, the speaker, says nodding through has been a long-established practice. But it is not matter for him.
This is from the BBC’s Laura Kuenssnberg.
Here’s the compromise or non-compromise pic.twitter.com/bLNJAJIZUM
John Prescott, the Labour former deputy prime minister, claims the government decision not to “nod through” sick MPs is unprecedented in his long experience.
In all my years in Parliament - even in the 1970s - I have NEVER seen this. This is absolutely bloody shameful. I trust Labour MPs will be disgusted by these desperate and heartless Tory tactics, vote against the Government and back the meaningful vote. https://t.co/4OLNNUfttJ
“Nodding through” is the practice of bringing a sick MPs into the Commons in a car or even an ambulance, but not insisting they walk through the division lobby because a whip from the other side will vouchsafe that they are there.
Back to Gosport, and this is what the Crown Prosecution Service said following today’s report. A spokesman said”Back to Gosport, and this is what the Crown Prosecution Service said following today’s report. A spokesman said”
We will consider the content of the report and will take any appropriate steps as required.We will consider the content of the report and will take any appropriate steps as required.
This is from Newsnight’s Nicholas Watt on the EU withdrawal bill.This is from Newsnight’s Nicholas Watt on the EU withdrawal bill.
Word last night was that compromise on meaningful vote would be: 1) Govt gesture: agree meaningful vote could be amendable. 2) Dominic Grieve gesture: that vote would have no legal force. 3) Compromise amendment would have to be tabled in lords. We’ll seeWord last night was that compromise on meaningful vote would be: 1) Govt gesture: agree meaningful vote could be amendable. 2) Dominic Grieve gesture: that vote would have no legal force. 3) Compromise amendment would have to be tabled in lords. We’ll see
Back to the EU withdrawal bill, and more on Labour anger about the hardline approach of the Tory whips. These are from Sky’s Lewis Goodall.Back to the EU withdrawal bill, and more on Labour anger about the hardline approach of the Tory whips. These are from Sky’s Lewis Goodall.
Jeremy Corbyn spokesman confirms that the Tory whips are refusing to vote through “on the nod” Labour MPs in the palace (prob in ambulances) but too ill to get to the voting lobby in person.Jeremy Corbyn spokesman confirms that the Tory whips are refusing to vote through “on the nod” Labour MPs in the palace (prob in ambulances) but too ill to get to the voting lobby in person.
Labour source confirms that a "handful" of Labour MPs are being rufused convention of being voted through "on the nod" as a result of their illness: "It's inhumane and shows how desperate they are. Trying to make it s as difficult for ill MPs as possible."Labour source confirms that a "handful" of Labour MPs are being rufused convention of being voted through "on the nod" as a result of their illness: "It's inhumane and shows how desperate they are. Trying to make it s as difficult for ill MPs as possible."
Source confirms that the Tory whips nodded the same ill MPs through for last week's votes and yesterday too. But have chosen not to today.Source confirms that the Tory whips nodded the same ill MPs through for last week's votes and yesterday too. But have chosen not to today.
This is what Jeremy Hunt said in his opening statement about how the police and the Crown Prosecution Service would now consider whether there was a case for criminal charges. Hunt told MPs:This is what Jeremy Hunt said in his opening statement about how the police and the Crown Prosecution Service would now consider whether there was a case for criminal charges. Hunt told MPs:
The police, working with the CPS and clinicians as necessary, will now carefully examine the new material in the report before determining their next steps and in particular whether criminal charges should now be brought.The police, working with the CPS and clinicians as necessary, will now carefully examine the new material in the report before determining their next steps and in particular whether criminal charges should now be brought.
In my own mind I am clear that any further action by the relevant criminal justice and health authorities must be thorough, transparent and independent of any organisation that may have an institutional vested interest in the outcome.In my own mind I am clear that any further action by the relevant criminal justice and health authorities must be thorough, transparent and independent of any organisation that may have an institutional vested interest in the outcome.
For that reason, Hampshire Constabulary will want to consider carefully whether further police investigations should be undertaken by another police force.For that reason, Hampshire Constabulary will want to consider carefully whether further police investigations should be undertaken by another police force.
Back in the Commons Norman Lamb thanks Hunt for backing his judgment and setting up this inquiry. And he pays tribute to the bishop, James Jones, who was very good at building trust, he says.Back in the Commons Norman Lamb thanks Hunt for backing his judgment and setting up this inquiry. And he pays tribute to the bishop, James Jones, who was very good at building trust, he says.
Lamb says he is not as confident at Hunt is that the publication of the Baker report in 2003 would have made a big difference.Lamb says he is not as confident at Hunt is that the publication of the Baker report in 2003 would have made a big difference.
Does Hunt agree there must be a mechanism for ensuring patients’ concerns are not ignored?Does Hunt agree there must be a mechanism for ensuring patients’ concerns are not ignored?
Hunt suggests that, if the report had been published in 2003, Mid Staffs (which came later) might have been avoided.Hunt suggests that, if the report had been published in 2003, Mid Staffs (which came later) might have been avoided.
This is from the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg.This is from the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg.
Chief whip’s thumbs up in Commons a few minutes ago - rebellion off? pic.twitter.com/UrNkTBmC7uChief whip’s thumbs up in Commons a few minutes ago - rebellion off? pic.twitter.com/UrNkTBmC7u
Turning back to the EU withdrawal bill, my colleague Heather Stewart says that, after PMQs, Downing Street was not forthcoming about the reported compromise offer in the pipeline.Turning back to the EU withdrawal bill, my colleague Heather Stewart says that, after PMQs, Downing Street was not forthcoming about the reported compromise offer in the pipeline.
PM’s spokesman, asked about rumours of a last minute compromise on meaningful vote today: “The only amendment that the government has put down is the one it tabled on Thursday evening. That’s the one MPs will be voting on”.PM’s spokesman, asked about rumours of a last minute compromise on meaningful vote today: “The only amendment that the government has put down is the one it tabled on Thursday evening. That’s the one MPs will be voting on”.
And she says Labour are angry about the hardline tactics being adopted by the government whips.And she says Labour are angry about the hardline tactics being adopted by the government whips.
Jeremy Corbyn’s spokesman confirms Tory whips refusing to “nod through” several ill Labour MPs, who are being expected to vote in person. Says it’s “unacceptable”.Jeremy Corbyn’s spokesman confirms Tory whips refusing to “nod through” several ill Labour MPs, who are being expected to vote in person. Says it’s “unacceptable”.
Hunt is responding to Ashworth.Hunt is responding to Ashworth.
He says he agrees with everything Ashworth said.He says he agrees with everything Ashworth said.
He says he is constrained in what he can say about the doctor involved.He says he is constrained in what he can say about the doctor involved.
There were process issues that happened in good faith but had a terrible outcome, he says.There were process issues that happened in good faith but had a terrible outcome, he says.
He says it looks as if the Baker report was left to gather dust because people thought it could not have been published while the police were investigating.He says it looks as if the Baker report was left to gather dust because people thought it could not have been published while the police were investigating.
But if it had been published, transparency would have led to people acting, he says.But if it had been published, transparency would have led to people acting, he says.
That shows how important transparency is.That shows how important transparency is.
As for whether this could happen again, he says he thinks the situation is better now. But it is not perfect, he says.As for whether this could happen again, he says he thinks the situation is better now. But it is not perfect, he says.
He says it is not for the government to tell the police which force should investigate.He says it is not for the government to tell the police which force should investigate.
But he says he is concerned about the police not challenging the medical staff when they closed ranks. That is something that needs to be addressed, he says.But he says he is concerned about the police not challenging the medical staff when they closed ranks. That is something that needs to be addressed, he says.
Back in the Commons Jonathan Ashworth, the shadow health secretary, says this is a shocking report.
He also pays tribute to Norman Lamb.
He quotes from James Jones, the bishop of Liverpool who led the inquiry, saying handing over an loved one to a hospital is a matter of trust. That trust was betrayed.
He asks why families who had lost loved ones had to take on such a burden.
What will the government do to ensure that the voices of families are properly heard?
He asks for an assurance that all the relevant authorities will take this further. And, if there is another police investigation, will a different force be involved?
Does Hunt think further legislation is required?
Ashworth says the families have suffered a “terrible injustice”.
He says what happened at Gosport should not overshadow the good work the NHS does. But in this case the system let people down.
Turning back to the EU withdrawal bill, Sky’s Faisal Islam has this on the apparent government concession.
Written ministerial statement coming from Government that some in Parliament claim is a “*big* climbdown” after Tory rebels grew overnight - on amendability of meaningful vote resolution... we await the words.
John Bercow, the speaker, says some MPs whose constituents are affected by this case cannot speak because they are ministers.
Hunt says the government’s official response will be published later this year.
But he says some questions need to be answered.
For example, the Baker report into what happened from 2003 was not published for another 10 years.
And why was the practice of giving opioid drugs in this way not stopped when medical practitioners must have known it was wrong.
He asks if there was an institutional failure, based on a desire to blame events on one rogue doctor.
He says, since these events happened, there have been changes in NHS procedure that would make these events less likely.
He says families will want to know what must happen next. He says he hopes they understand the need to avoid statements that could prejudice a future case.
He says the police will consider whether criminal charges should be brought.
He says he intends to meet as many of the families as he can before the government publishes its formal response in the autumn.
He says a helpline has been set up for people who think they have a relative who has been affected. It is on the Gosport Independent Panel website.
Hunt says the report out today is “truly shocking”.
He says there was a catalogue of failings.
He apologises.
Had people listened to relatives and whistleblowers, this would not have happened, he says.
Hunt apologises to relatives for “truly shocking” deaths at Gosport hospital.
He also pays tribute to Norman Lamb. Lamb was his junior minister, and Lamb persuaded Hunt to overturn official advice and order and inquiry.
Jeremy Hunt, the health secretary, is now making a statement about the findings of the Gospital hospital inquiry.
Here is our story about the inquiry’s report.
And here is how our story starts.
More than 450 patients died and possibly 200 more had their lives shortened because of a Hampshire hospital’s practice of giving opioid drugs without medical justification, a major inquiry has found.
The independent report found that Dr Jane Barton, the GP who ran wards at Gosport War Memorial hospital, routinely overprescribed drugs for her patients in the 1990s. Consultants were aware of her actions but did not intervene.
The inquiry, led by the bishop of Liverpool, James Jones, found that 456 patients died because of the drugs. A further 200 patients may have had their lives shortened, but their records are missing.
The report says senior nurses were worried about using diamorphine – the medical name for heroin – for patients who were not in pain, administered through a syringe-driver pumping out doses that were not adjusted for the individual’s needs.
Concerns were raised as early as 1988. In 1991, a staff meeting was held that was attended by a convenor from the Royal College of Nursing.
But the nurses were warned not to take their concerns further. They had, the report says, given the hospital the opportunity to rectify the over-prescribing.
Labour’s Angela Eagle says May’s government is not increasing NHS spending as much as Labour did. Why should people be impressed by her pledge to increase spending by 3.4% a year when that is below the historic average?
May says Simon Stevens, the NHS England chief executive, has welcomed this. Unlike Labour’s money, this will go to improve patient care, she says.
Andrew Selous, a Conservative, asks May to ensure patients can always access a doctor on the NHS.
May says she wants all NHS patients to get access to the same services.
Ed Miliband, the former Labour leader, says he is glad May said Trump’s immigration policy was wrong. But May should do more. Can she stand up for our values where they are under threat across the world?
May says the government stands up for the fundamental values of democracy and human rights.
Norman Lamb, the former Lib Dem health minister, says the conclusions of the Gosport hospital inquiry, which he set up, are shocking. Does May agree there needs to be a new police inquiry?
May says the events at the hospital were “tragic” and “deeply troubling”. She says the public sector often closes ranks. She pays tribute to Lamb for setting up the inquiry. She is sorry it took the relatives so long to get an answer. This shows why the government is right to put so much focus on patient safety.