MPs could get a vote on revoking Article 50 and cancelling Brexit next week, it has been reported.
According to Sky News, the House of Commons could be given as many as seven ‘indicative votes’ in a bid to find out what possible outcome could find a majority among MPs.
And it’s been reported that a ‘second preference’ voting system has been suggested by Theresa May’s deputy, David Lidington.
That would avoid a situation where none of the indicative votes produced a majority.
It’s been reported the options could include:
- The Prime Minister’s deal
- Revoking Article 50
- A second referendum
- A deal with a customs union
- A deal with a customs union AND staying in the single market
- A ‘Free Trade Arrangement’ – similar to what the European Research Group have suggested
- No deal
Number 10 have not yet confirmed what preparations are underway for indicative votes, or when they could be held.
But this morning, Brexit minister Kwasi Kwarteng suggested it would be “surprising” if the government did not allow its MPs and ministers a “free vote” on the options – allowing them to vote for what they believe without being ordered to back a particular option.
Tory European Research Group (ERG) member and Brexit hardliner Marcus Fysh said: “This is the most ludicrous, childish and unrealistic idea I have ever seen.”
ERG spokesman and former Brexit minister Steve Baker said: “National humiliation is imminent through these “indicative votes”.”
He added: “The wrong Conservatives have the levers of power.”
The government has promised that if Prime Minister Theresa May’s deal is rejected for a third time it will give parliament a say on the way forward. Normally lawmakers are ordered which way to vote by their party, rather than given a “free vote”.
“Obviously if the House is being asked to find a way forward it would be surprising if those votes were not free votes,” Kwasi Kwarteng told parliament.
“That ultimate decision is a matter for the business managers and will be taken as, and when, the debate takes place.”
