Urgent question: Corbyn accuses Prime Minister of "dodging scrutiny"
11 March 2019 (updated on 11 March 2019)
With 18 days until Article 50 expires, the Leader of the Opposition asked the Government for an update on the progress made in achieving legal changes to the Withdrawal Agreement.
It was announced in last week that the second 'meaningful vote' was scheduled for Tuesday 12 March 2019. In a statement to the Commons, the Prime Minister said that should her deal again be defeated, the House would then be given the opportunity to vote on whether or not to pursue a no-deal Brexit.
- Watch Parliament TV: urgent question on changes to the EU Withdrawal Agreement
- Read Commons Hansard: EU Withdrawal Agreement: Legal Changes
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There was speculation over the weekend as to the vote's outcome, and whether it might be delayed or "downgraded" from an approval motion to a provisional vote demonstrating only the will of the House, if a Government defeat seemed likely. The Prime Minister has said that the vote will go ahead as planned on 12 March.
The EU is increasingly urging the UK to break the political deadlock that has stalled planning for exit day, with officials including the Irish Prime Minister saying that an extension to Article 50 allowing more time for Brexit planning must have "purpose" if it is to be agreed by the EU27.
Responding to Mr Corbyn's urgent question on behalf of the Government, Mr Robin Walker, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union said, “these negotiations are ongoing on this matter and at a critical stage”.
He confirmed that the vote would go ahead tomorrow, 12 March 2019, and said the motion would be tabled on the afternoon of Monday 11 March. He also said that the Attorney General would make public his legal advice on the deal negotiated before the 'meaningful vote' tomorrow.
Responding to the Minister Jeremy Corbyn accused the Prime Minister of running down the clock and said,
"This chaos cannot go on for much longer. The fate of people's workplaces, jobs and businesses is at stake as the Government fail to negotiate and there is simply dither after dither, and then further delay. It is time for answers.
He said that the lack of progress, and uncertainty regarding deal or no deal outcomes was negatively affecting people across the country, and asked the Government to compromise on their red lines to provide stability.
Image: PC
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