Business of the House — Precedence for Government Business — 25 Mar 2019 at 21:47

The majority of MPs voted to suspend the standing order which generally gives precedence to government business, enabling MPs outside the Government to be permitted, on the 27th of March 2019, to propose arrangements for debate in the House of Commons.

MPs were considering the following motion:

• That this House, in accordance with the provisions of section 13(6)(a) of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, has considered the Written Statement titled “Statement under Section 13(4) of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018” and made on Friday 15 March 2019.

The amendment supported by a majority of MPs in this vote was:

• Amendment proposed: (a), At end, add
• “and, given the need for the House to debate and vote on alternative ways forward, with a view to the Government putting forward a plan for the House to debate and vote on, orders that –
• (a) Standing Order No. 14(1) (which provides that government business shall have precedence at every sitting save as provided in that order) shall not apply on Wednesday 27 March;
• (b) precedence on that day shall be given to a motion relating to the Business of the House in connection with matters relating to the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union other than any Business of the House motion relating to the consideration by the House of a motion under Section 13(1)(b) of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, and then to motions relating to that withdrawal and the United Kingdom’s future relationship with the European Union other than any motion moved under Section 13(1)(b) of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018;
• (c) if more than one motion related to the Business of the House is tabled, the Speaker shall decide which motion shall have precedence;
• (d) the Speaker shall interrupt proceedings on any business before the Business of the House motion having precedence at 2.00 pm on Wednesday 27 March and call a Member to move that motion;
• (e) debate on that motion may continue until 3.00 pm on Wednesday 27 March at which time the Speaker shall put the questions necessary to dispose of proceedings on the motion including the questions on amendments selected by the Speaker which may then be moved;
• (f) when those proceedings have been concluded, the Speaker shall call a Member to move one of the other motions having precedence;
• (g) any proceedings interrupted or superseded by this order or an order arising from the Business of the House motion may be resumed or (as the case may be) entered upon and proceeded with after the moment of interruption on Wednesday 27 March.”

Debate in Parliament |