European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018: Statutory Obligations on Ministers

Chris Elmore Excerpts

Tuesday 11th December 2018 Commons Chamber

[Mr Walker]

We have been very clear on our interpretation of section 13 of the withdrawal Act. This House will have a vote. We are committed to that meaningful vote in all the circumstances envisaged by section 13 of the withdrawal Act.

[Chris Elmore (Ogmore) (Lab)]

The Minister has to understand that the reason why Members on both sides of the House have little faith in what he is saying is that he keeps answering by saying that with section 13 there will be a vote. The reality is that there was a business motion last week where it was agreed that there would be a vote today, and the Government have reneged on it, which is why we do not trust them. The language that he has been using in answering these questions is extremely important. He said that he hopes for a vote before 21 January, that he hopes for a vote shortly, and that 21 January would be the back end of when he would expect there to be a vote. He clearly knows something, so will he set out now when the vote will come?

[Mr Walker]

I am very honoured that the hon. Gentleman believes I know something. I would encourage him to read the urgent question that I have been responding to.