European Council: Article 50 Extension

Vicky Ford Excerpts
Friday 22nd March 2019

(5 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Kwasi Kwarteng Portrait Kwasi Kwarteng
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The hon. Gentleman will know that Friday sittings are a matter for the House—[Interruption.] Absolutely, they are, in terms of procedure. We do not even know whether the meaningful vote will take place or get through. The hon. Gentleman will know that that is a matter of procedure.

Vicky Ford Portrait Vicky Ford (Chelmsford) (Con)
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My diary is definitely clear, should we need to have more discussions.

Many Members of this House want to deliver on the referendum result in an orderly manner, and I will support the withdrawal agreement, when it comes back to the House, as the best way to do that, but if it does not go through and there are indicative votes, will they be free votes, so that everybody outside the Chamber can see that we truly are acting to try to find the best way forward, although the circumstances are difficult?

Kwasi Kwarteng Portrait Kwasi Kwarteng
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Obviously, if the House is asked to decide a way forward, it would be surprising if those votes were not free votes. Again, though, my hon. Friend will understand that the ultimate decision is for the business managers and will be taken as and when the debate takes place. [Interruption.] I said it would be a matter of surprise to me.