MPS force delay but tie scraps votes

MPS were last night expected to approve legislation forcing the government to seek a delay to Brexit, after a one-day spring through the House of Commons.

All four stages of Yvette Cooper’s bill were voted on by MPS yesterday, with the legislation set to be passed by the House of Lords today.

Meanwhile, MPS delivered a first tie in a Commons vote since 1993 as a proposal to allow a third round of indicative votes on Brexit alternatives was rejected.

They voted by 310 to 310 on Labour MP Hilary Benn’s amendment, with Speaker John Bercow casting his vote, in line with precedent, with the noes.

Explaining his decision Mr Bercow said: “In accordance with precedent and on the principle that important decisions should not be taken except by a majority I cast my vote with the noes. The noes have it, by casting vote 311 to 310, that is the proper way in which to proceed.”

Called on to explain when a tie last happened by Conservative former minister Sir Patrick Mcloughlin, the Speaker said it was in 1993, “pertaining to the Maastricht Treaty Bill” – the legislation approving the creation of the EU single market.

14 Conservative MPS rebelled to support the amendment alongside 228 Labour MPS, 35 SNP, 17 Independents, four Plaid Cymru, 11 Liberal Democrats and Green Party MP Caroline Lucas. Nine Labour MPS rebelled to vote against the amendment alongside 289 Conservatives, 10 DUP and two Independents.