Bercow puts third vote on Brexit deal in doubt with new bombshell ruling

Commons Speaker John Bercow has cast doubt on whether a third vote on the Prime Minister’s Brexit deal can ever be staged, telling ministers they could not use procedural shortcuts to put it before MPS.

In a bombshell ruling last week, Mr Bercow said the deal could not be voted on for a third time in the current parliamentary session unless there was “significant change” from the version last defeated by the Commons.

One option being explored by the government was to introduce a “paving motion” to override his ruling.

However, at the start of debate on alternative Brexit plans suggested by MPS, Mr Bercow ruled that out, meaning a third vote may now be impossible.

The government has secured the publication of additional assurances on the Irish border backstop, and a change in Brexit date agreed at a summit in Brussels last week. Addressing MPS, Mr Bercow said: “I wish to make clear that I do expect the government to meet the test of change. They should not seek to circumvent my ruling by means of tabling either a notwithstanding motion or a tabling motion… no such motions will be accepted.”

Former Downing Street adviser Nikki da Costa said the warning made it more likely the government would be forced to prorogue parliament.