Committee publishes Government's views on 'meaningful vote' and calls for evidence

• Read the Government's Memorandum on parliamentary approval of the Withdrawal Agreement
• Inquiry: Motions under section 13(1) of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018
• Procedure Committee

'Meaningful vote'

The Committee is examining the procedure which ought to apply in the House of Commons for approval of a withdrawal agreement and a framework for the future relationship between the UK and the EU. The House's decision on these approvals is often referred to as a 'meaningful vote'.  These approvals are one of the statutory requirements in section 13 of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, and are necessary before any international treaty giving effect to a withdrawal agreement can be ratified by the UK.

The Committee has received a memorandum from the Government setting out its view on the procedure which should apply on the 'meaningful vote'. The Government argues that if a motion to approve a withdrawal agreement is passed in an amended form, this could inhibit the Government's ability to ratify the agreement. It points out that under the House's current procedures for considering amendments to motions the House may not have the opportunity to vote on the text of the motion as tabled by the Government.

Call for written submissions

The Committee is inviting written submissions on the issues the 'meaningful vote' raises for the House's usual procedures for decisions on amendable motions.

• Send a written submission through the Motions under section 13(1) of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 inquiry page.

Deadline for written submissions has been extended to Wednesday 7 November 2018.

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

Image: Parliamentary copyright