Brexit vote: MPs vote by 308-297 to defeat Theresa May and accept Grieve amendment
Follow all the latest updates from Westminster
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Angry Brexiteers have attacked John Bercow for allowing MPs to vote on a controversial bid that forces Theresa May to produce a plan B within three days if her Brexit deal is rejected.
The cross-party Grieve amendment – passed by 308 votes to 297 – demands the government outline its next steps within three days if Ms May’s deal is defeated, rather than the 21 days plus seven sitting days currently permitted.
It follows an embarrassing defeat for the prime minister on Tuesday, after her government became the first since 1978 to lose a vote on the Finance Bill as MPs made a stand against a no-deal exit from the EU.
As it happened...
MPs are now voting on Dominic Grieve's amendment - result will be announced in around 15 minutes.
Government defeat ! MPs vote by 308-297 to accept Dominic Grieve's amendment. If Theresa May's deal is voted down next week, she will now have just 3 days to return to Parliament with a Plan B - instead of 21. Parliament takes back control.
Responding to the vote Labour’s Shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer says: "The Government’s decision to delay the meaningful vote has run down the clock and increased the risk of a no deal Brexit.
“If the Prime Minister’s Brexit deal is defeated next week, she must return to Parliament as soon as possible and give MPs a real say on what happens next.”
In relation to the vote on the Grieve amendment, the prime minister's spokesperson - after prime minister's questions - said they were "surprised" it was selected.
"The advice we received was that it would not be in order," they added but refused to elaborate on who presented them with the advice, simply saying the "usual channels".
On how quickly the prime minister would come forward with a plan B, the spokesperson added: "Our intention is to respond quickly and provide clarity following that vote".
It is significant, as it demonstrates the government are now publicly addressing what the next course of action should the Brexit deal be voted down. The PM usually says she is "fully focused on the vote".
Theresa May's Brexit plan is the "best deal to honour the referendum result," Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay has said as he opened five days of debate on the deal.
Following the vote on Mr Grieve's amendment, Mr Barclay spoke of "our commitment in the next phase of negotiations to working in a more targeted and closer way with parliament".
He said: "We continue to believe that this is the best deal to honour the referendum result and deliver the certainty for our businesses, our citizens, and our security."
Theresa May has suffered a humiliating blow to her Brexit plans after MPs ordered her to bring back a plan B within three days if she loses a critical vote next week.
John Bercow, the Speaker, allowed a vote on a controversial amendment tabled by ex-attorney general Dominic Grieve, which aims to prevent the government from running down the clock to exit day on March 29.
Read our explainer here:
Arch Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg claims the Grieve amendment does not affect the Brexit process.
Theresa May's Brexit plan is the "best deal to honour the referendum result," Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay has said.
Addressing the Commons, following the vote on Mr Grieve's amendment, Mr Barclay spoke of "our commitment in the next phase of negotiations to working in a more targeted and closer way with parliament".
He said: "We continue to believe that this is the best deal to honour the referendum result and deliver the certainty for our businesses, our citizens, and our security."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments