Leaving the EU: Impact on the UK — 17 Mar 2021 at 18:51

MPs were considering the following motion:

• That this House
• considers that the immediate economic damage, recent uncertainty and the projected long-term damage to business and trade from the UK leaving the European Union has disproven the perceived benefits of leaving the European Union;
• notes that the Scottish economy, specifically fishing, small businesses and manufacturing, are particularly vulnerable to market disruption;
• further notes that the failure of the UK Government to remain in mutually beneficial education schemes such as Erasmus+ is to the detriment of education and cultural exchange for people in Scotland and the rest of the UK;
• shows serious concern at the loss of EU funding and its replacement with the Shared Prosperity Fund;
• affirms the positive role immigration plays in society; and
• regrets the impact leaving the EU will have on those who wish to live, study and work in the UK.

There are no operative, effective, phrases in the motion. Typically such motions would conclude with a line calling for action. The purpose of the motion appeared to be to enable debate on the subjects mentioned. That said, the House of Commons expressing a view on a matter might well be something the Government would be expected to take account of.

An amendment had been moved stating:

• to leave out from “House” to end and add
• “welcomes the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, and recognises the enormous opportunities for Scotland’s economy.”

The motion rejected by a majority of MPs in this vote was:

• That the original words stand part of the Question.

Standing Order 31 sets out the effect of passing, or rejecting, such motions in this context of a motion having been moved to replace all the effective original text. If the motion is passed, the original motion is deemed to have been agreed with. If the motion is rejected, the question of if the amendment is to be made is then considered.

This vote is focused on the original question.

(Following this vote the question of making the amendment was considered and passed without a vote, and under Standing Order 31 the amended motion was deemed to have been agreed to.)

Debate in Parliament |