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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Politics
Jacob Jarvis

Brexit vote latest: 'All we know about tomorrow is that it is Friday', says Tory MP

The baffling state of Brexit affairs were summed up by a Tory MP who said "all we know about tomorrow is that it's called Friday".

Nigel Evans, of Ribble Valley, said parliamentarians sitting for an extra day of Brexit talks and a potential vote are clueless as to what will be discussed in the chamber tomorrow.

Asked if there was "something going on" he told BBC News: "I think there is.

"There clearly are people, during business questions, the leader of the House normally tells you what's going on, and mostly all we know about tomorrow is that it's called Friday."

Mr Evans, who is a joint executive secretary of the 1922 Committee, said it is a "big thing" to sit on a Friday due to the extra resources it takes.

However, he said the country will not have much sympathy for MPs having to work an extra day, adding: "What they want us to do and I know because I've spoken to my constituents is just say, 'get on with it'."

Nigel Evans says MPs are in the dark over Friday's plans

House leader Andrea Leadsom announced on Thursday a debate will be held on Friday, usually a day off for Parliament, and there could be another vote but did not clarify what it might be on.

The day was initially slated to be Brexit day, with Article 50 originally stating the UK would leave on March 29.

House of Commons leader Andrea Leadsom confirmed a debate for Friday (Toby Melville/Reuters)

Speaker John Bercow has previously ruled out a third meaningful vote on Theresa May's deal unless it changes significantly.

Ms Leadsom told MPs talks were ongoing to ensure Friday's motion complies with Mr Bercow's ruling.

She said: "The European Council has agreed to an extension until May 22 provided the Withdrawal Agreement is approved by the House of Commons this week.

"It's crucial we make every effort to give effect to that and to allow the House to debate this important issue.

"We do not want to be in a situation of asking for another extension and, of course, for the requirement to undertake European Parliament elections."

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