John Baron MP tables two indicative vote motions

MP will vote against unamended Withdrawal Agreement

On Monday, it is likely MPs will return for the second day of indicative votes. John Baron MP has tabled two motions (a and b). The former 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. The latter calls for the UK to leave the EU on 12th April with no deal if no Withdrawal Agreement has cleared the House of Commons. Once again, it will be up to Mr Speaker which motions are selected just before the debate begins.

John said,

“I continue to oppose the principle of backbenchers in effect setting themselves up as a rival executive to the Government, but will nevertheless participate in these votes so that the field is not ceded to remainers.”

“I hope the Speaker chooses both my motions on Monday, as both would fully respect the outcome of the referendum. My no deal motion yesterday attracted more votes than many anticipated, and I have reworded it to make clear that I would prefer to leave the EU with a good deal, but that no deal/WTO remains the default legal position.”

“We shall have to see what the House chooses to support, if anything, come April Fools’ Day. Meanwhile, I will not be supporting any votes on the Withdrawal Agreement unless the potentially indefinite backstop is addressed.”

Notes to Editors:

• Amendment a) is as follows: That the UK will leave the EU on 22nd May 2019 with the Withdrawal Agreement amended to allow the UK unilaterally to exit the Northern Ireland backstop.

• Amendment b) is as follows: That this House agrees that, in the absence of a Withdrawal Agreement that can command the support of the House, the UK will leave the EU on 12th April 2019 without a deal.