Tuesday this week (9th) saw the latest Brexit vote in the House of Commons.
Under the title ‘Section 1 of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2019’, it was introduced by the Conservative government’s Solicitor General, Robert Buckland. He opened:
“That this House agrees for the purposes of section 1 of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2019 to the Prime Minister seeking an extension of the period specified in Article 50(3) of the Treaty on European Union to a period ending on 30 June 2019.”
Three opening points
Followed by three points he gave as his reasoning:
- “First, the Government did not want to be in this position. I do not say that in the spirit of seeking to attribute blame to people, but in a moment of solemn reflection it is important that we acknowledge where we find ourselves.”
- “Secondly, it is clear that the House is not willing to leave without a deal. “
- “Thirdly, nobody who respects the outcome of the referendum could wish the UK to participate in the European Parliament elections, nearly three years after our country voted to leave the institutions of the European Union. However, if the UK remains a member state on 23 May, that is what it will be legally required to do.”
Bob Seely didn’t speak in the hour and a half long debate.
Hansard has the details of the whole debate.
The Vote
The vote was taken and passed with 420 votes in favour and 110 against.
Bob Seely didn’t vote. In total 80 Conservative MP didn’t vote, joining 18 Labour MPs.
131 Conservatives voted for Aye, 97 No. 223 Labour votes Aye, 3 for No.
Update
Last night there was an agreement between the Conservative Government on behalf of the UK and the EU to extend Article 50 to a new deadline of 31st October.
Image: jasonwharam under CC BY 2.0
