Government defeated three times in one day

On Wednesday 13 March 2019, the Government was defeated three times as the House of Commons voted against leaving the European Union without a deal.

Below is the Government’s motion:

“That this House declines to approve leaving the European Union without a Withdrawal Agreement and a Framework for the Future Relationship on 29 March 2019; and notes that leaving without a deal remains the default in UK and EU law unless this House and the EU ratify an agreement.”

The following two amendments were selected and voted on:

Amendment A was moved despite Government attempts to persuade its signatories not to do so, rules out a no-deal Brexit at any time, not just on 29 March 2019. I voted for the amendment which passed by a majority of 4 (Ayes: 312, Noes: 308).

Amendment F proposed a ‘managed no-deal’. The EU has repeatedly said this not an option for the UK. I voted against the amendment which was rejected by 210 votes (Ayes: 164, Noes: 374).

The Government attempted to force Conservative MPs to vote against their own amended motion. Despite this, the motion passed by 43 votes (Ayes: 321, Noes: 278). There were unprecedented splits in the Government. Four Cabinet members abstained and a Conservative whip, responsible for securing Government support, voted against the Government.