Brexit vote: What just happened - and what will MPs be voting on today?
There is anger that the prime minister has ratted on her promise to offer the Commons a simple veto over a no-deal Brexit
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Your support makes all the difference.Following Tuesday night’s second crushing defeat of Theresa May’s deal, MPs will vote on whether to approve crashing out of the EU without a Brexit agreement – but, as ever, it’s not that simple.
There is growing anger that the prime minister has gone back on her promise to give the Commons a simple veto over a no-deal Brexit threatening her with yet another defeat.
What does the crucial motion say?
It states the Commons “declines to approve leaving the European Union without a withdrawal agreement” on 29 March, but with the caveat that “leaving without a deal remains the default”.
The prime minister has granted Tory MPs a free vote – to prevent ministerial resignations – while strongly hinting she would vote for it herself.
So what’s the problem?
It is widely seen as a sneaky attempt to calm Brexiteer anger by leaving no-deal on the table, rather than allowing MPs to properly state their opposition to such a policy.
Hence, an immediate cross-party amendment stating simply that the Commons “rejects the United Kingdom leaving the European Union without a withdrawal agreement”.
The amendment has been tabled the Tories’ Caroline Spelman and Labour’s Jack Dromey and is gathering pace, with the support of big-hitters on both sides.
What happens if it passes?
It would strike out the government’s motion – and therefore, be yet another defeat for the prime minister, who is already battered and beleaguered and croaking like a Dalek.
Is that it?
It gets worse. No 10 intends to whip against any amendments, but might now be forced to concede a further free vote or face a revolt by around 20 fiercely anti-no-deal ministers.
Any other problems?
Yes. A further Tory amendment, dubbed ‘Malthouse Compromise B’, would dump the Brexit deal yet demand a transition period – despite the EU repeatedly ruling that out as a fantasy.
At a cabinet meeting this morning, several ministers called for a free vote on that as well, with the threat of resignations from the Brexiteer side if they are whipped against it.
What time will the votes be?
John Bercow will reveal which amendments he has selected mid-afternoon, with voting from 7pm – unless MPs demand more time, with the Spring Statement taking place first.
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