This week in the Commons: 6 January 2020
10 January 2020
This week the House of Commons passed all stages of the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill, had the first PMQs of 2020, elected new Deputy Speakers and held the Private Members' Bill Ballot.
European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill
Committee of the Whole House
There were two days of debates and voting this week as the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill progressed through the Committee of the Whole House stage.
On Tuesday 7 January MPs voted on three proposed new clauses to the Bill. These concerned citizens' rights. They were all voted down.
On Wednesday 8 January the Bill was again debated. MPs voted on five proposed new clauses and two on amendments to the Bill. These concerned issues such as membership of Erasmus , child refugees, workers' rights, Northern Ireland and level-playing-field provisions. All were voted down.
The Bill passed Committee stage by 358 to 234 votes.
Third Reading
The Third Reading of the Bill was debated on Thursday 9 January.
There was one division on an amendment that proposed declining giving the Bill a third reading due to the fact that the Scottish people voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU. This amendment was defeated.
The Bill passed its Third Reading stage, with 329 votes to 231.
Prime Minister's Questions
On Wednesday 7 January, MPs asked the Prime Minister about tensions with Iran, Scottish independence, Northern Rail's franchise and more.
Deputy Speakers elected
Due to the start of the new Parliament, MPs elected three Deputy Speakers.
- Dame Eleanor Laing has been elected as Chairman of Ways and Means. The Chairman of Ways and Means is the principal Deputy Speaker in the House of Commons.
- Dame Rosie Winterton has been elected First Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means.
- Nigel Evans has been elected Second Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means.
- Find out more about the Deputy Speaker election, including candidate information, the process of electing Deputy Speakers and the result sheet
Private Members' Bill Ballot
The ballot for Commons Private Members' Bills for the 2019-20 session took place on Thursday 9 January.
Labour MP Mike Amesbury was drawn in first place.
The Ballot Bills will have their First Reading in the House of Commons on Wednesday 5 February 2020 and will then be debated over 13 sitting Fridays.
Urgent Questions and Statements
There were two statements on:
There was one urgent question on:
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Image: UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor