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This week in the Commons: 29 March 2019

29 March 2019 (updated on 29 March 2019)

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This week in the House of Commons, MPs participated in indicative voting, debated the Government's Withdrawal Agreement and considered Lords amendments to two bills. Find out what else happened.

Legislation: Government Bills

Healthcare (European Economic Area and Switzerland Arrangements) Bill.

On Tuesday 26 March, MPs considered amendments made to the Bill by the House of Lords.

Following debate, all amendments were agreed to and the Bill completed its Parliamentary Stages. Later in the day it also received Royal Assent, and became the Healthcare (European Economic Area and Switzerland Arrangements) Act 2019.

Offensive Weapons Bill

To make provision for and in connection with offences relating to offensive weapons.

The Bill covers three types of weapon – acid, knives and offensive weapons, and firearms – and is the Government's legislative response to a Home Office consultation that ran between October and December 2017.

MPs considered Lords amendments to the Offensive Weapons Bill. One amendment to the amendments was divided on and the Bill has now been returned again to the House of Lords with amendments.

Legislation: Private Members' Bills

Two Private Members Bills were introduced to the House following Ten Minute Rule Motions this week:

Statutory Instruments (SIs)

On Thursday 28 March, MPs debated a draft affirmative SIs, updating the 'exit day' on which the UK will officially leave EU, following the agreed extension of Article 50.

Brexit Debate and Indicative Voting

On Wednesday 27 March, MPs had the opportunity to participate in indicative votes on various Brexit-related motions.

Following a successful Business of the House motion, MPs submitted motions covering sixteen different approaches for consideration, including no-deal, a customs union and a second referendum. The Speaker selected eight for debate and voting, all of which were moved. Following debate and voting, none were able to win a majority in the House of Commons

The Business of the House motion secured time on Monday 1 April for a similar process to take place, potentially with fewer options, though this remains speculative.

On Thursday 28 March, the House approved the Sitting of the House motion, in order to make Parliamentary time for the Commons to debate and vote on the Government's EU Withdrawal Agreement. This is not a third 'meaningful vote' as it doesn't consider the Political declaration.

Urgent questions and ministerial statements

This week two urgent questions were asked on: 

There were also two oral ministerial statements.

Prime Minister's Questions

On Wednesday 27 March, The Prime Minister, Theresa May, took questions from MPs on Brexit, climate change, devolution and more.

Watch PMQs from this week:

E-petitions debates

On Monday, in the Westminster Hall Chamber, MPs debated an e-petition on knife crime.

Backbench business debates

On Thursday 28 March, in the Commons Chamber, 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 Tuesday 26,  Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 March. 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: PC - Mark Duffy

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