Labour accuses Theresa May of trying to fix Commons vote on final Brexit deal
THERESA MAY was accused of trying to “fix” a Commons vote on the final Brexit deal by furious Labour MPs.
Government guidance issued last night recommended that any amendments to the so-called Meaningful Vote come AFTER the vote itself.
This would mean MPs are given a straight choice between accepting Theresa May’s Brexit agreement – or a ‘No Deal’.
Pro-EU backbenchers had hoped to be able to amend the legislation to push for a second Referendum.
Tory Europsceptic Jacob Rees Mogg said the guidance proved “there’s nothing Parliament can do if the Government holds its nerve”.
But furious Labour MPs called it a “shameful power grab”.
Shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer stormed: “Labour doesn’t accept that the choice facing Parliament will be between whatever deal Theresa May cobbles together or No Deal.
“That is not a meaningful vote and Ministers can’t be allowed to silence Parliament.
“MPs must be given the opportunity to scrutinise, consider and, where appropriate, amend any resolution the Government puts forward.”
Dominic Raab wrote to Tory MPs last week implying the Government would restrict the Parliament process so that MPs debates and votes on the final deal do not “undermine” the intentions of the EU Withdrawl act.
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He wrote: “Once the deal is presented to Parliament, the procedure through which it is voted upon must allow for an unequivocal decision, and one which is clear to the British public.”
“Anything other than a straightforward approval of the deal will bring with it huge uncertainty for business, consumers and citizens.”
The Government agreed to a Meaningful Vote on Brexit after a Tory rebellion led by former Attorney General Dominic Grieve.
Downing Street sources believe they can win the vote – likely to be held early in the New Year.
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