It is a time of year when MPs might typically still be at home chomping through Christmas leftovers. But, instead of devouring turkey sandwiches during the festive break, they will probably be leafing through pages of draft legislation in preparation for Wednesday’s vote on the historic Brexit trade deal with the EU.
What’s happening?
As parliament is in recess for Christmas, it is being recalled on 30 December so that MPs can debate and vote on the bill to enact Downing Street’s trade agreement with the EU. Recalling parliament is a rare event, having only taken place 30 times since 1948. In a fast-forwarding of normal proceedings for legislation, the government will get the European Union (future relationship) bill, which covers the government’s trade deal with the EU, through the Commons and Lords in just a day. An 80-page draft version of the bill was published on Tuesday, leaving MPs little time to look through it.
What’s the timetable?
The action is due to kick off in the chamber at 9.30am, when there is expected to be a motion to provide for virtual participation in debate. Presently, rules on virtual proceedings in the Commons only apply to scrutiny proceedings, such as questions, urgent questions and statements. But Jacob Rees-Mogg, the leader of the house, has confirmed that the government intends to bring forward a motion to extend remote participation to “substantive” proceedings – such as debates and legislation – in the chamber when the house next sits. Once passed, it means MPs will be able to debate, virtually, on the bill.
Boris Johnson will be opening the second reading debate, and it will be closed by Michael Gove, with both due to appear in person. The vast majority of MPs are expected to participate remotely with their votes being made via proxy, although the chamber has capacity for up to 50 MPs.
Debate on the second reading of the bill, followed by all remaining proceedings in the Commons, including any potential amendments and third reading, are expected to last until 2.30pm, when there will be a vote – meaning just five hours of parliament’s time in the chamber has been set aside to pass a deal which has taken months’ worth of hard-fought negotiations.
What about the Lords?
Once all business is finished in the Commons, peers will debate the bill in the Lords and vote. Proceedings in the Lords are expected to start at around 3pm, lasting until as late as 11pm. Once the bill overcomes the hurdles of both the Commons and Lords, as is expected, it will receive royal assent late on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.