Brexit amendments: how MPs could change Theresa May's new motion for leaving the European Union?

MPs are expected to table a number of amendments to Theresa May's Brexit 'next steps' motion
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Ella Wills|Jacob Jarvis21 January 2019
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A number of amendments to Theresa May's new Brexit motion are expected to be tabled in the coming days.

She will now bring forward a non-legally binding motion on her next steps for MPs to vote on on January 29.

This can be amended by any MP between now and the second vote on the PM's proposals, with amendments being put to a vote ahead of the motion next Tuesday.

Commons Speaker John Bercow has final say on which amendments MPs will vote on and it is unclear how many he will proceed to a vote.

So what are the key amendments MPs could attempt to add to the Government motion?

Extend Article 50 and stop a no-deal Brexit

Chair of the home affairs select committee Yvette Cooper and Conservative MP Nick Boles are expected to table an amendment and bill that could secure powers for MPs to extend Article 50, which is due to end on March 29.

The amendment would seek to allow time for a bill that could give MPs a vote on delaying Article 50.

Labour MP Yvette Cooper is seeking an extension to Article 50
EPA

The bill is seeking an extension of Article 50 until the end of 2019 if there is no deal in place before the end of February.

The move has backing from senior Tories including Sir Oliver Letwin and Nicky Morgan, the Guardian reports.

Hand Parliament control of Brexit business

Dominic Grieve is reportedly leading efforts to secure more power for backbench MPs that would see them gain control of the Commons timetable.

If successful, his amendment would allow a motion put down by a minority of 300 MPs to stand as first business of the day after the vote on January 29.

Conservative MP Dominic Grieve is expected to table an amendment that would hand more power to backbench MPs
AFP/Getty Images

This could pave the way for a cross-party coalition of backbenchers to table legislation to block a no-deal Brexit or even suspend Article 50, according to Buzzfeed.

Mr Grieve's amendment would in effect give Parliament the power to hold so-called "indicative votes" on Brexit options.

Writing in the Sunday Times, Mr Grieve revealed some of his motivation: "Steps can be taken to mitigate the risk of crashing out with no deal.

"And parliament must now unite around urging the government to request an extension of Article 50 so that we can find the time and space to think again."

Indicative votes

Independent MP Frank Field is set to table an amendment calling for Parliament to hold a series of votes on different Brexit scenarios.

While similar to Mr Grieve's amendment, Mr Field's will not seek to change the parliamentary timetable.

Independent MP Frank Field is seeking 'indicative votes' on Brexit options
PA

These votes would allow MPs to show which Brexit options have the most support in the Huose.

MPs would vote on seven different options including no deal, extending Article 50 and a second referendum, according to The Times.

"This course of action could act as a powerful guide to the Government during its ongoing discussions with the European Union," the draft motion states.

Labour MP Hilary Benn has also tabled an amendment which calls on the Government to hold a series of indicative votes on numerous Brexit options.

The ones he wishes to be looked at are those outlined in the Exiting the European Union Committee's Eleventh Report of Session 2017-19.

Hilary Benn had tabled an amendment
PA

These four options are:

  • Another vote on the draft withdrawal agreement and framework, though it concedes this would not likely be different
  • Leaving with no deal
  • A renegotiation for a specific outcome outlined by the House
  • A second referendum

Second referendum

Conservative MP Sarah Wollaston is intending to table an amendment calling for a second public vote.

In a blog post, Ms Wollaston said: "I believe that a People's vote would allow us to move forward together with confidence that the nation had given its consent based on the facts and Brexit reality rather than unrealistic promises."

The amendment will not be able to pass the Commons unless it secures backing from the Labour leadership.

More time and vote to avoid no-deal

Labour has tabled an amendment as a party seeking for ministers to "secure sufficient time for the UK Parliament to consider and vote on options" which would stop an exit with no deal in place.

Jeremy Corbyn said the amendment could "avoid the chaos" of a no-deal scenario
EPA

The two options suggested would be to negotiate changes to the draft agreement and declaration to secure "a permanent customs union with the EU, a strong relationship with the single market underpinned by shared institutions and obligations, and dynamic alignment on rights and standards".

This, the party said, would be done so in order to command a majority in the House of Commons.

The second suggestion it wishes to be looked at is the possibility of a public vote to be held "on a deal or a proposition that has commanded the support of the majority of the House of Commons".

Jeremy Corbyn said: "Our amendment will allow MPs to vote on options to end this Brexit deadlock and prevent the chaos of a no deal.

"It is time for Labour's alternative plan to take centre stage, while keeping all options on the table, including the option of a public vote."

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