John Baron MP tables two Brexit motions

MP voted against indicative votes process

Yesterday evening, John Baron MP tabled two motions for consideration in today’s indicative votes on Brexit. These motions (b and c), along with others, will be put forward as possible Brexit options to MPs, who will vote on them today and on Monday. One of John’s motions calls for the UK to leave the EU on 12th April without a deal, and the other calls for the UK to leave the EU on 22nd May with an amended Withdrawal Agreement containing a unilateral UK right to exit the Northern Ireland backstop. It is up to the Speaker to choose which motions are selected for debate and voting.

John said,

“I have strong reservations about this process of indicative votes, not least because it involves the House of Commons setting itself up as a rival executive to the Government, with very few checks on its actions. For these reasons, I voted against the amendments on Monday that gave rise to today’s votes.”

“However, since these votes are taking place, I have tabled two motions addressing key issues. The first underlines the default that, in the absence of a deal, we are leaving the EU on 12th April without a deal by automatic operation of law. The second aims to correct the key failing of the Withdrawal Agreement, namely the potentially indefinite backstop.”

“I very much hope the Speaker will choose one or both of my motions, and look forward to speaking to them in this afternoon’s debate.”

Notes to Editors:

• John’s motions (b and c) are online on page 11 at: https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201719/cmagenda/OP190327.pdf.

• The 12th April and 22nd May are cited following the Prime Minister’s successful request for an exit date delay at last week’s EU Council meeting – this is now international law. However, this evening John will not be supporting the domestic legislative change granting this extension.