Government will put forward new motion on Monday for general election, Jacob Rees-Mogg says

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Stephanie Cockroft5 September 2019
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The government will put forward a new motion on Monday for an early general election, Jacob Rees-Mogg has said.

Labour has said it would not support an early election until legislation which aims to block a no-deal exit at the end of October has become law.

The European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 6) Bill went through the Commons on Wednesday but needs to also pass the House of Lords before Parliament is prorogued next week.

Jacob Rees-Mogg was confronted over concerns no-deal Brexit could lead to higher mortality rates
REUTERS

Announcing business for next week, Mr Rees-Mogg, the leader of the House of Commons, said there would be time to consider any amendments from the Lords connected to legislation - such as measures designed to prevent a no-deal Brexit on October 31.

He added: "(There will be) a motion relating to an early parliamentary general election.

Boris Johnson's bid to trigger an early election was rejected 
REUTERS

"The House will not adjourn until royal assent has been received to all acts. A message may be received from the Lords' commissioner and I will return to the House on Monday with further information if necessary."

Conservative former minister Sir Edward Leigh asked if the European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 6) Bill will receive royal assent on Monday, adding: “The reason why I ask this is because I distinctly heard (Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn) say yesterday that once the Bill became law he would vote for an early general election.

“Would (Mr Rees-Mogg) agree with me that it’d be quite extraordinary if after this long session of Parliament, which is clearly deadlocked, every Member of Parliament – at least two-thirds – didn’t vote for an immediate general election to put this to the people.”

Mr Rees-Mogg replied: “It is, indeed, an addled Parliament and is not able to get things done, and the conclusion you draw is correct.”

He said royal assent will be “given speedily” once the Bill has completed its passage through Parliament.

Mr Rees-Mogg later failed to rule out the Government making a third attempt to trigger a general election should the second bid fail on Monday.

Jeremy Corbyn has said his party is ready to fight a general election
Getty Images

Labour former minister Angela Eagle said: “The Leader of the House has been extremely coy about when prorogation will actually happen. He hasn’t announced it will be Tuesday or Thursday.

“So, if the general election motion falls again, will prorogation be extended so he can have a third go?”

Mr Rees-Mogg replied: “The Privy Council determined that a commission should be established under the Lord High Chancellor and under the Great Seal should be able to prorogue Parliament on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday next week.

“Parliament will be prorogued according to a decision made by that commission. That commission has not yet made its decision.”

The backbench Bill to delay the UK's departure in order to stop a deal-less dropout was supported in its third reading in the Commons by 327 votes to 299, a majority of 28.

If it passes, the Government would have to ask the EU for a delay to Brexit until January 31, 2020 if no agreement has been reached and MPs have not backed to a no-deal.

And if the European Council proposes an extension to a different date, the PM must approve it within two days, unless the Commons says otherwise.

On the vote to trigger an election, Labour, along with other opposition MPs, refused to back the request with the risk of a no-deal still on the table.

But Mr Johnson believes his only option now is to have the national poll. If the no-deal prevention legislation is approved, Labour should have no clear reason to reject an election.

Jeremy Corbyn could still call for a vote of no-confidence in the Government to force an election on his own terms.

This would require the backing of a simple majority of MPs and no new administration being formed in 14 days before the public get their say.

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