The Government tonight defied Parliament to refuse publication in full of 58 reports on the impact of Brexit on different sectors of the economy.
Labour passed a Commons motion calling for full publication and drafted it in a way Speaker John Bercow said would ‘traditionally’ be seen as binding.
Mr Bercow confirmed Labour’s motion was a ‘different type’ to normal opposition motions the Government routinely ignores but stopped short of calling for action against ministers.
The Government has insisted the 58 reports, the existence of which was revealed by Brexit Secretary David Davis this week, are sensitive and publication could damage negotiations in Brussels.
Junior Brexit minister Robin Walker has hinted redacted summaries could eventually be published to satisfy the House of Commons resolution.
Labour tonight passed a Commons motion calling for full publication of 58 reports on the economic impact of Brexit and drafted it in a way Speaker John Bercow (pictured in the Commons tonight) said would ‘traditionally’ be seen as binding
Junior Brexit minister Robin Walker (pictured during tonight’s debate) has hinted redacted summaries could eventually be published to satisfy the House of Commons resolution
Tory MPs abstained when the Labour motion was put to the Commons tonight, meaning it passed unopposed. Tory whips expected to lose if they contested the motion.
The Commons repeatedly descended into farcical procedural rows as furious MPs lashed the Government for defying the will of the House.
Labour used an arcane procedure to format its motion as a ‘humble address’ to the Queen – meaning in theory the Palace is now supposed to order publication.
Remain supporting MPs claimed defying the resolution would leave the Government in ‘contempt’ of Parliament.
Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer led challenges to Speaker Bercow to declare whether ignoring the motion would be a ‘contempt of the House’.
Labour’s Chris Leslie said it was a ‘serious matter’ and ministers must be stopped from being ‘in contempt’ of the House.
Mr Walker MPs said it was important for ministers to receive ‘unvarnished’ advice without the risk of it being published, noting this was relevant to the Brexit talks.
He added: ‘If this motion were to pass we would need to reflect on these various constraints and conflicting responsibilities when it comes to passing information to the Committee for Exiting the European Union.
‘I take note of the points (shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer) made about looking at redaction or summary as approaches.
‘I think given the generosity of the approach he has taken in that regard, we will not be opposing this motion today.’
Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer (pictured in the Commons tonight) led challenges to Speaker Bercow to declare whether ignoring the motion would be a ‘contempt of the House’
The Commons repeatedly descended into farcical procedural rows as furious MPs lashed the Government for defying the will of the House
Labour’s Chris Leslie (pictured raising a point of order to protest the Government behaviour) said it was a ‘serious matter’ and ministers must be stopped from being ‘in contempt’ of the House
After the debate, Shadow Brexit Secetary Sir Keir said: ‘This is a victory for Parliament and for democracy.
‘Labour has been absolutely clear since the referendum that ministers could not withhold vital information from Parliament about the impact of Brexit on jobs and the economy.
‘It’s completely unacceptable for the Tories to have wasted months avoiding responsible scrutiny and trying to keep the public in the dark. The reality is that it should not have taken an ancient Parliamentary procedure to get ministers to listen to common sense.
‘As the Speaker has made clear, the Government cannot ignore tonight’s binding decision. David Davis must now respond to Parliament’s ruling and urgently set a date for when he will share these papers.’
Lib Dem Brexit spokesman Tom Brake said: ‘The government has been keeping people in the dark for too long about the impact of their extreme Brexit plans.
‘Parliament has now made its position clear. Ministers need to publish these reports in full, not subject them to a Whitehall whitewash.
‘This has nothing do with Britain’s negotiating position, and everything to do with the government trying to spare its own blushes.’