MPs to debate Brexit on Friday ahead of possible vote, says Leadsom

MPs are to sit on Friday for a Brexit debate and possibly another vote, Leader of the Commons Andrea Leadsom announced today.

Ms Leadsom today announced the House will stage a special sitting tomorrow to debate Europe - but she angered MPs by leaving it unclear whether the third meaningful vote on the PM’s deal will be put to a vote during it.

No10 later said the Brexit motion to be debated in the House of Commons on Friday will not be a "meaningful vote" under the terms of EU withdrawal legislation.

Last week Speaker John Bercow said another vote on the deal could only be held if it was different to the one MPs have already rejected. The EU has agreed to delay Brexit until May 22 if the deal is approved this week.

"We recognise that any motion brought forward tomorrow will need to be compliant with the speaker's ruling and that discussion is ongoing and a motion will be tabled just as soon as possible and obviously by later today," Ms Leadsom told parliament.

“The House rightly needs time to address our exit from the EU and our constituents will rightly expect us to work out how to do so.”

Ms Leadsom also told MPs she could not guarantee the Commons’ Easter break would go ahead.

She said: "Colleagues will note that at this moment in time we're not bringing forward the motion for Easter recess.

"I know members have a great deal of responsibilities to carry out in their constituencies and with other matters, however the House rightly needs time to address our exit from the EU and our constituents will expect us to work flat-out.

"I will seek to provide further clarity on recess dates as soon as possible."

DUP leader Arlene Foster spoke to Mrs May last night shortly before declaring that her party would not be supporting the Prime Minister’s deal.

Talks between the Government and the DUP were still ongoing today.

MPs could be asked to initially vote on the Withdrawal Agreement alone, rather than the trade future partnership as well, as passing the “divorce” deal is the only requirement from the EU for an extension to May 22 of Brexit Day.

Asked if Mrs May intended to carry on in No10 if her deal is rejected, despite her pledge last night, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “The PM’s focus is on getting the deal through. She is very clear that there is a job to be done to deliver on the verdict of the British people.”