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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Politics

Brexit news latest: Commons showdown looms for Theresa May as MPs bid to change course of EU exit

Theresa May and her husband Philip leave church in Maidenhead on Sunday (Picture: REUTERS)

Theresa May faces a ‘Super Tuesday’ showdown in the Commons as MPs compete to stamp their mark on the course of Brexit.

With parliamentary tradition upended by the battle for control of Brexit, what would normally have been just a bland neutral motion by the Government on the Prime Minister's policy stance now threatens to take on a life of its own.

Both sides in the often incendiary debate are hoping for a lightning strike moment to illuminate the way out of the Brexit impasse.

As a result of a previous rebellion, MPs are able to table amendments to the motion, with the handful selected by Speaker John Bercow set to be voted on and potentially alter the course of the scheduled EU exit.

Speaker John Bercow will select the amendments (AP)

Mr Bercow is expected to choose up to half a dozen of the myriad of amendments put down using a selection process which is believed to include taking into account the backing each one has amassed and the likelihood of it passing.

The fact that Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd and Justice Secretary David Gauke have both backed the idea of MPs being given a free vote on some aspects of Brexit adds to the air of unpredictability as the Commons clash approaches.

Dominic Grieve has tabled one of the most far-reaching amendments (Reuters)

Dominic Grieve, the Tory former attorney general and one of the sharpest pro-European thorns in Theresa May's side, is the rebel who paved the way for the parliamentary showdown and he has tabled one of the most far reaching amendments.

Any successful amendment will not be binding on the Government, but the Prime Minister will find it hard to ignore the declared will of a majority in Parliament.

Here are some of the most prominent amendments tabled:

Grieve amendment

The former attorney general wants the Government to hand over power to the Commons on every Tuesday from February 12 to March 26 so backbenchers can discuss, amend and vote on Brexit.

Support: 12 Tories including former minister Justine Greening and Remain campaigners Anna Soubry and Dr Sarah Wollaston. Plus Labour backbenchers, Lib Dems and the SNP.

Will it pass? It could be close, and if it passes it could pave the way for a second referendum.

Taking Control

Labour MP Yvette Cooper talking about her amendment on the BBC's Andrew Marr show (PA)

Forces Theresa May to extend Article 50 beyond March 29 up until December in order to avoid a no-deal Brexit.

Support: Dozens of Labour backbenchers, the SNP, Lib Dems and nine Tories. Not endorsed by Labour leadership.

Will it pass? It will be close but possible with enough Tory rebels, with some estimating it could pass by three votes. Highly dangerous to Mrs May, but a Bill could be vulnerable in the Lords.

Brady amendment

Removes the backstop from the withdrawal agreement, and asks PM to come up with alternative arrangements to avoid a hard border. Tabled by Tories friendly to Mrs May.

Support: Eight Tories including former Cabinet minister Damian Green.

Will it pass? It could, as many Tories friendly to Mrs May likely to be very receptive but will hinge on Right-wing European Research Group and the DUP falling behind it.

No to no deal

Spelman-Dromey amendment

Tabled by Tory Dame Caroline Spelman and Labour’s Jack Dromey and rules out a no-deal Brexit.

Support: 129 MPs have put their names to it, including 10 Tories, among them former minister Nicky Morgan. More than 220 MPs have also written a public letter to say they do not support a no deal.

Will it pass? This could be one to watch as so many MPs have indicated support for taking no deal off the table. But less damaging to May, as not legally binding.

Labour's twin track approach

This calls for MPs to be able to vote on options to stop a no-deal exit, such as a customs union with the EU, as well as the possibility of a new Brexit referendum. Jeremy Corbyn has been careful not to commit Labour to officially back such a poll, though.

Amendments have been tacked on to the Labour push, with the Liberal Democrats calling for Remain to be on the ballot paper in any referendum, and Labour backbenchers urging Parliament to legislate for a public vote.

Indicative votes

Commons Exiting the European Union Committee chairman Hilary Benn wants a series of votes on various Brexit options to see where the most support lies.

Free votes

Former minister Frank Field is seeking free votes on options including the Irish backstop, a no-deal Brexit, Canadian and Norwegian models for relations with the EU, a customs union relationship and a second referendum, to act as a "guide" for the Government in future talks.

Liberal Democrat pitch

Sir Vince Cable is calling on the Government to rule out a no-deal Brexit and make preparations for a second referendum, with Remain on the ballot paper.

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