John Bercow announcement today: What did John Bercow say in House of Commons on Brexit?
JOHN BERCOW made a surprise statement to MPs in the House of Commons today. What did he say?
John Bercow PLEAS for order following Commons UPROAR
John Bercow has made a surprise statement to MPs in the House of Commons today. He commented on speculation about another meaningful vote on Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit deal. On March 13, Labour MP Angela Eagle asked if it would be proper for the Government to keep putting the same motion to a vote.
According to the parliamentary rulebook, Erskine May, an issue that has been decided in substance cannot be brought back to the Commons.
He adds ultimately it is for the chair to rule on this, adding this convention dates back to 1604.
Mr Bercow said that Labour MP Chris Bryant, gave examples in a speech last week examples of speakers ruling a motion could not be brought back because it had already been decided.
Erskine May refers to 12 such rulings before 1920 and is a necessary rule to ensure the sensible use of the House’s time, and proper respect for what it decides.
He notes the absence of rulings since 1920 is not due to the lapse of the convention, but to compliance with it.
The speaker also said it was "quite right and proper" that MPs were given a second vote on Mrs May's deal because the agreement being voted on had changed since the first vote, and therefore "it could credibly be argued that it was a different proposition".
More to follow...