Theresa May’s flagship Brexit Bill – officially called the EU Withdrawal Bill – is finally headed toward being law tonight after the Government saw off rebels over a ‘meaningful vote’ on the final deal.
A compromise has been agreed where votes will be held in the Commons and Lords if the Brexit talks end in a deal, no deal, or no deal is reached by January.
This is considered ‘meaningful’ by both sides because it means MPs and peers could reject the situation.
Following today’s agreement MPs will not be allowed to amend the main ‘meaningful vote’ if it is ever called.
But to reassure rebels, Mrs May has accepted other motions which are critical of Brexit are highly likely to be voted on in Parliament during the negotiations.
These would be allowed to say anything MPs vote for would but not be legally binding, even if they told ministers to do something such as cancel Brexit.
Today’s 319-303 win for the Prime Minister’s compromise means the draft laws must go through final formalities in the House of Lords before being sent to the Queen to be signed off.
Theresa May’s flagship Brexit Bill is finally headed toward being law tonight after the Government saw off rebels over a ‘meaningful vote’ on the final deal
Why did MPs and peers demand a meaningful vote?
Tory rebels have fought for weeks to insist Parliament is sovereign and should be given a say if the negotiations fail.
Dominic Grieve tabled his own amendment to the Brexit Bill enshrining this in law last week. But he was convinced to pull it at the eleventh hour after assurances by ministers that they would address his concerns.
After claiming the Government reneged on its promises, he had another amendment today – but climbed down after new promises, insisting sovereignty of Parliament was now being recognised.
What has the Government now promised?
Theresa May has agreed to Mr Grieve’s demands that MPs and peers are given a vote if no deal is reached by 21 January next year.
There will also be a vote if the Prime Minister wants to abandon talks because there is not a good deal on offer.
Rebels have given up demands they should be allowed to amend the motion either of these votes are called on.
They were reassured by the Government acknowledging it is powerless to stop Opposition Day or Backbench Business motions that are critical of Brexit being put to MPs – even though these are not legally binding.
What happens now?
The Brexit Bill will briefly return to the House of Lords tonight for what is expected to be the final time. Peers must agree to the changes made by MPs this afternoon.
This will end ‘ping pong’ on the legislation after weeks of acrimony and allow it to be sent to the Queen and formally made law.
Rebel ringleader Dominic Grieve has accepted a Government compromise that allows for votes in the Commons on a no deal Brexit but not that MPs will be allowed to re-write the motion used
Why are Nicola Sturgeon and the Scottish Government angry?
Passing the law is expected to start a new constitutional row with the Scottish Government, which has refused to grant consent for it.
It will be the first time since devolution a law requiring one has not received permission in the Scottish Parliament but Westminster is allowed to override.
Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP insist Brexit is being used by Westminster as a Trojan horse to claw back powers to London after they are reclaimed from Brussels when they should properly be devolved.
Following months of talks, the Welsh Assembly Government accepted assurances but the Scottish Government is holding out for a better deal.
Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP insist Brexit is being used by Westminster as a Trojan horse to claw back powers to London after they are reclaimed from Brussels when they should properly be devolved