Speaker John Bercow maintained his position that stands by his ruling that if the same or substantially the same proposition is brought forwards it cannot be heard.
“If a different proposition is brought forward it is perfectly possible for that to be dealt with in an orderly way, that is to say, without falling foul of Erskine May,” John Bercow concludes.
Conservative MP Sir Edward Leigh asks if the government came back with a change to the political declaration so that the motion is substantially different, a third meaningful vote could potentially be held.
He says he is “trying to be helpful” by suggesting this.
Shadow Brexit minister Matthew Pennycook says a debate on a neutral motion needs to be had by Monday 25 March under the terms of the withdrawal agreement.
Mr Pennycook asks the Speaker John Bercow to confirm that irrespective of what happens in Brussels, there will be a standalone debate in the Commons by Monday 25 March
The Speaker says “that is correct”.
He says a neutral motion which is amendable has been scheduled and must be put before the House before the 25 March, but no amendments have been tabled yet.
The Independent Group MP Anna Soubry asks the Speaker if it is “in order” that no minister is coming to the government to say what is going on with regards to the extension of Article 50 and talks with the EU.
The Speaker says he is not aware that anything disorderly has taken place.