This week in the Commons: 1 February 2019
1 February 2019 (updated on 1 February 2019)
This week in the Commons, MPs implemented a trial of proxy voting and voted on the next steps in the Brexit process.
Motions
Proxy voting
On Monday 28 January, MPs made the decision to trial proxy voting for Members who are pregnant, new mothers, new fathers or adoptive parents. The first ever proxy vote was cast - by Vicky Foxcroft on behalf of Tulip Siddiq - the following evening.
Brexit next steps
Following the Government's defeat in the 'meaningful vote' on Tuesday 15 January, the Prime Minister tabled a motion in neutral terms, which MPs had the opportunity to put forward amendments to.
On Tuesday 29 January, MPs voted to approve two amendments. One in the name of Dame Caroline Spelman called on the Government to reject a 'no deal' Brexit, and the other from Sir Graham Brady called for the Government to agree "alternative arrangements" to the issue of the Northern Ireland backstop.
Legislation: Government Bills
Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill
The Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill received its second reading in the Commons on Monday 28 January.
The Bill passed second reading without a division and now will be considered by a committee.
- Parliament news: Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal Bill): Commons Stages
- Have your say on the Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill
Crime (Overseas Production Orders) Bill
On Wednesday 30 January, the Crime (Overseas Production Orders) Bill went through its remaining Commons stages.
A number of amendments were made to the Bill, after which it passed third reading. The Bill will now return to the Lords.
Legislation: Private Members' Bills
Two Private Members' Bills were introduced to the House following Ten Minute Rule Motions this week:
- Smoking Prohibition (National Health Service Premises) Bill
- European Union (Requirements Relating to Withdrawal) Bill
Urgent questions and statements
This week there were three urgent questions:
- Parliament news: Government questioned as political standoff escalates in Venezuela
- Parliament news: Opposition question new Teacher Recruitment and Retention Strategy
- Parliament news: Opposition demand changes to draft Domestic Violence Bill
There was also one oral ministerial statement:
Prime Minister's Questions
On Wednesday 30 January MPs asked the Prime Minister about Brexit, public services and more.
Watch PMQs from this week:
Backbench business debates
In the Commons Chamber on Thursday 31 January, MPs took part in two general debates which had been scheduled by the Backbench Business Committee.
Westminster Hall debates
Debates on a variety of different subjects also took place in Westminster Hall on Monday 28, Tuesday 29, Wednesday 30 January. See the Parliamentary calendar to find out what subjects were debated.
Select Committees
News from Parliamentary Select Committees, including the publication of reports and details of inquiries and evidence sessions are also available online.
Image: UK Parliament/Mark Duffy
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