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Ministers offer concession to try to avoid defeat on Brexit 'meaningful vote' - Politics live May on course for 'meaningful vote' victory as lead rebel Grieve accepts government compromise - Politics live
(35 minutes later)
Tory MP Antoinette Sandbach, a close ally of Grieve’s and one of the rebel MPs who voted against the government in December is speaking now. She has a quiver in her voice.
She says her constituents were under no illusions about her concerns about a meaningful vote on the final Brexit deal when they re-elected her.
Sandbach says she often accused of wanting to tie the government’s hands. “Nothing can be further from the truth.”
She says that the amendment concerns steps that would be taken when negotiations have broken down. She says she strongly believes negotiations will succeed.
Not to have a process in place should negotiations collapse would be irresponsible. And what is more, this amendment will ensure that when the PM sits down to negotiate, she does so with the full backing of parliament. Far from binding the prime minister, it strengthens her hand.
Sandbach says the amendment “delivers on a commitment to take back control.”
Sandbach suggests she will back the amendment, despite Grieve’s concession
Theresa May has just arrived in the Commons. Reporters who are in the chamber says she is looking happy and relaxed. At the vote last week, she was hastily summoning rebels to her private Commons office to offer a compromise.
Here’s the snap reaction to Dominic Grieve’s concession from MPs and the commentariat.
This is the withering verdict from Labour MP Caroline Flint. Grieve is moving his amendment anyway to allow MPs to express their view, though he will not support it.
So if I understand it Dominic Grieve is asking the House to vote on his amendment which he’s not supporting.
The Spectator’s James Forsyth says the deal means the day is delayed (yet again) when May will have to face down one wing of her party.
So, the great confrontation--which would tell us if the Tory rebels have the numbers to defeat the govt--has been put off to another day again
That’s a view shared by the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg
2. It also postpones the day (again) when Theresa May faces down either wing of her party - as such it this will frustrate her internal critics again, one said, 'usual https://t.co/adR6kw8YFd from number 10'
Who has won? The general consensus is that the government has given not much away, but Grieve has got enough to save some face. Here’s the Sun’s Tom Newton-Dunn.
So who blinked the most? A backbench motion in Govt time seems to be the key concession by ministers (which Grieve said he insisted on). The effect is Parliament v Govt stand-off postponed until endgame, rather than being resolved today.
The Telegraph’s Gordon Rayner points out that the decision on the final motion will now be in the hands of the Speaker. Bercow has apparently told friends one of the reasons he wants to extend his time as Speaker is to see through Brexit.
Has Theresa May just put the future of Brexit in the hands of John Bercow? Govt says it will be Speaker's call if there is a row over whether MPs should be able to direct Govt on Brexit negotiations
Labour MP Angela Eagle says his power is still constrained.
Up to the Speaker but he is constrained by the standing orders which don’t give him the power to declare that a neutral motion is somehow not neutral #EUWithdrawalBill https://t.co/dIF9H59lIm
Grieve is now talking about the Davis compromise statement (see 1.53pm), which he says will be tabled as written ministerial statement tomorrow.
He says this confirms that it will be up to the speaker to decide whether a motion can be amended.
And he reads out the final paragraph, saying “as is the convention”, the Commons can hold debates and votes.
Labour’s Chris Bryant intervenes. He says in recent years the government has often ignored Commons votes. The only thing with legislative effect is legislation. That is why there must be a meaningful vote.
Grieve says the government could ignore an amendment as voted on under the Lords amendment. That could be be enforced in law, he says. It would have to be enforced by the Commons itself - by a confidence motion or other means.
He says he has considered what the PM has told him about her anxieties. His own judgement is that he should “accept the government’s difficulty and support it”, he says.
Leading Tory rebel Dominic Grieve says he accepts government’s compromise and will back government. That means Theresa May is now on course to win the vote.
Grieve says, if MPs want a vote on his amendment, he will allow one. But he will not be voting for it any more, he says.
He ends with a final point. He says there is enough “madness” around to make him wonder whether “collective sanity” has been destroyed.
And bullying is making it worse, he says. He says people are afraid of backing down in case someone says they have lost.
(I’ve got to finish now. I’m handing over to my colleague Jessica Elgot.)
Dominic Grieve, the Conservative former attorney general, is speaking now.Dominic Grieve, the Conservative former attorney general, is speaking now.
He says he he wants to say “how deeply I object to the way [the House of Lords] get vilified for doing the job we have asked them to do”.He says he he wants to say “how deeply I object to the way [the House of Lords] get vilified for doing the job we have asked them to do”.
Grieve talks through the history of the various “meaningful vote” proposals. (There is a quick guide here.) He says he thought the original Lords amendment (Hailsham 1, you could call it) included a mandatory element, involving parliament giving directions to the government. That was unprecedented since the civil war, he says.Grieve talks through the history of the various “meaningful vote” proposals. (There is a quick guide here.) He says he thought the original Lords amendment (Hailsham 1, you could call it) included a mandatory element, involving parliament giving directions to the government. That was unprecedented since the civil war, he says.
He says he negotiated an alternative last week. That fell through. He says he makes no criticism of anyone in relation to that. Sometimes negotiations fall through.He says he negotiated an alternative last week. That fell through. He says he makes no criticism of anyone in relation to that. Sometimes negotiations fall through.
The alternative was tabled in the Lords.The alternative was tabled in the Lords.
Two concerns were raised, he says.Two concerns were raised, he says.
First, whether the matter would be justiciable (ie, whether someone could take the government to court for ignoring what the Act said).First, whether the matter would be justiciable (ie, whether someone could take the government to court for ignoring what the Act said).
Second, there was an argument that having this in legislation could make it harder for the government to get a good deal.Second, there was an argument that having this in legislation could make it harder for the government to get a good deal.
He says he found it hard to ignore this argument, even though, as is well know, he thinks Brexit is a big mistake.He says he found it hard to ignore this argument, even though, as is well know, he thinks Brexit is a big mistake.
Starmer says the Lords amendment would ensure that, if the Commons voted down the withdrawal agreement, there would be order, not chaos.Starmer says the Lords amendment would ensure that, if the Commons voted down the withdrawal agreement, there would be order, not chaos.
He urges MPs to vote for it.He urges MPs to vote for it.
Labour’s Ruth Smeeth asks Starmer to confirm that it is Labour’s policy that the UK will leave the EU in March next year.Labour’s Ruth Smeeth asks Starmer to confirm that it is Labour’s policy that the UK will leave the EU in March next year.
Starmer says that is Labour’s position.Starmer says that is Labour’s position.
Starmer says the government originally said MPs should not vote on the deal. They said that would tie the hands of the government. But eventually the government agreed to one, and the sky did not fall in.Starmer says the government originally said MPs should not vote on the deal. They said that would tie the hands of the government. But eventually the government agreed to one, and the sky did not fall in.
This is not frustrating the Brexit process, he says. He says this is about ensuring there is a process.This is not frustrating the Brexit process, he says. He says this is about ensuring there is a process.
Sir Keir Starmer, the shadow Brexit secretary, is speaking now.Sir Keir Starmer, the shadow Brexit secretary, is speaking now.
He says the Lords amendment is not about blocking Brexit, or tying the hands of the government.He says the Lords amendment is not about blocking Brexit, or tying the hands of the government.
It is just about making sure that on the most important peacetime issue this country has considered, parliament has a voice.It is just about making sure that on the most important peacetime issue this country has considered, parliament has a voice.
He says Theresa May’s view is that, if parliament votes down the deal, “tough luck”. That does not amount to a meaningful vote.He says Theresa May’s view is that, if parliament votes down the deal, “tough luck”. That does not amount to a meaningful vote.
The government is saying if, parliament votes down the deal, a minister will make a statement. “Well, I should think so.”The government is saying if, parliament votes down the deal, a minister will make a statement. “Well, I should think so.”
He says the government is saying there must be a vote on a motion in neutral terms.He says the government is saying there must be a vote on a motion in neutral terms.
He says there is an example of a motion in neutral terms on the order paper today. There will be a debate on Nato. And the motion says: “That this House has considered Nato.”He says there is an example of a motion in neutral terms on the order paper today. There will be a debate on Nato. And the motion says: “That this House has considered Nato.”
Labour’s Paul Farrelly raises a point of order. Referring to the Davis statement (see 1.53pm), he asks John Bercow what discretion he would have to rule that a motion could be amended if it were couched in neutral terms.Labour’s Paul Farrelly raises a point of order. Referring to the Davis statement (see 1.53pm), he asks John Bercow what discretion he would have to rule that a motion could be amended if it were couched in neutral terms.
Bercow says he thinks this will be addressed in the debate.Bercow says he thinks this will be addressed in the debate.
Davis says you cannot enter a negotiation without the right to walk away.Davis says you cannot enter a negotiation without the right to walk away.
So the Lords amendment would undermine the UK’s position in the negotiation, he says.So the Lords amendment would undermine the UK’s position in the negotiation, he says.
He says this is the paradox:He says this is the paradox:
In trying to head off no deal, you actually make no deal more likely.In trying to head off no deal, you actually make no deal more likely.
Davis says ‘meaningful vote’ amendment would make no deal Brexit more likely.Davis says ‘meaningful vote’ amendment would make no deal Brexit more likely.
He says this would give the EU an incentive to delay.He says this would give the EU an incentive to delay.
He says the EU has already shown inflexibility, in issues like Galileo, and again yesterday on security.He says the EU has already shown inflexibility, in issues like Galileo, and again yesterday on security.
We cannot allow such an approach to become commonplace across all negotiations.We cannot allow such an approach to become commonplace across all negotiations.
Sylvia Hermon, the independent MP for North Down, says she could not accept a no deal Brexit. That would lead to a hard border returning in Ireland.Sylvia Hermon, the independent MP for North Down, says she could not accept a no deal Brexit. That would lead to a hard border returning in Ireland.
Davis says the government will not accept the return of a hard border.Davis says the government will not accept the return of a hard border.
Ken Clarke, the Conservative pro-European, says the Lords amendment (“Grieve 2”), would oblige the government to table a substantive motion. He says the government rejected that. He says, if anyone did try to propose a substantive amendment in those circumstances, the government would say that what was being proposed was unacceptable.Ken Clarke, the Conservative pro-European, says the Lords amendment (“Grieve 2”), would oblige the government to table a substantive motion. He says the government rejected that. He says, if anyone did try to propose a substantive amendment in those circumstances, the government would say that what was being proposed was unacceptable.
Davis says he does not want to follow Clarke down the path of considering hypotheticals.Davis says he does not want to follow Clarke down the path of considering hypotheticals.
Davis is now talking about the “meaningful vote” amendment.Davis is now talking about the “meaningful vote” amendment.
He says the government had three tests for such an amendment: it should not undermine the negotiations, it should not change the constitutional relationship between parliament and the executive, and it should accept the results of the referendum.He says the government had three tests for such an amendment: it should not undermine the negotiations, it should not change the constitutional relationship between parliament and the executive, and it should accept the results of the referendum.
He sums up what the government is now offering.He sums up what the government is now offering.
If parliament rejects the deal, the government must make a statement and table a motion. If there is no deal, there must be a statement and a motion. And if by January no agreement has been passed by parliament, a motion will be brought to parliament.If parliament rejects the deal, the government must make a statement and table a motion. If there is no deal, there must be a statement and a motion. And if by January no agreement has been passed by parliament, a motion will be brought to parliament.
Labour’s Hilary Benn asks why the government amendment says this motion must be “in neutral terms”. Under Commons standing order 24 (b), a motion that the speaker rules to be in neutral terms cannot be amended.Labour’s Hilary Benn asks why the government amendment says this motion must be “in neutral terms”. Under Commons standing order 24 (b), a motion that the speaker rules to be in neutral terms cannot be amended.
Davis says he will address this. He reads out standing order 24 (b).Davis says he will address this. He reads out standing order 24 (b).
David Davis, the Brexit secretary, is opening the debate.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.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.Parliament has more say over Brexit than the European parliament, he says.
The debate is starting now.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.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.”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.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.) (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 allow 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.)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.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”?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”?
Overall, as concessions go, it seems a bit thin. It is not clear whether the speaker would actually have the discretion under Commons rules to allow the motion to be amended.Overall, as concessions go, it seems a bit thin. It is not clear whether the speaker would actually have the discretion under Commons rules to allow the motion to be amended.
But this does look 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.But this does look 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.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/qWhewvX2DI1. 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.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.John Bercow, the speaker, says nodding through has been a long-established practice. But it is not matter for him.