How Bercow Changed the Future of Brexit - Brexit Explained

The Speaker of the House of Commons announced that a third vote on May's Brexit deal would not be allowed unless it was substantially different from previous versions. Citing Erskine May, a 19th-century document on parliamentary procedure, the Speaker emphasized the importance of not wasting parliamentary time and respecting previous decisions. The announcement surprised the government and sparked discussions on potential changes to the deal, including renegotiations with the EU or procedural strategies like proroguing Parliament. The decision was seen as a move that could make a no-deal Brexit more likely.

What document did the Speaker of the House of Commons reference to justify not voting on May's deal for a third time?

• The Bill of Rights

• Erskine May

• The Magna Carta

• The Constitution

According to Erskine May, what is required for a motion to be brought forward again in the same session?

• A unanimous vote

• A substantial change

• Approval from the Prime Minister

• A public referendum

What was the outcome of the first meaningful vote on the EU withdrawal agreement?

• It was approved by a narrow margin

• It was rejected by a large margin

• It was passed without opposition

• It was postponed indefinitely

What did the Speaker say would be necessary for a third meaningful vote to be considered legitimate?

• A change in the opposition's stance

• A public petition

• A substantially different proposition

• A new Prime Minister

How did the government react to the Speaker's ruling on the possibility of a third vote?

• They ignored the ruling

• They immediately called for a new vote

• They were surprised and slightly grumpy

• They were pleased and supportive

What was one potential way mentioned for the government to bring May's deal back for another vote?

• By changing the Speaker

• By dissolving or proroguing Parliament

• By holding a general election

• By seeking approval from the EU

What was the reaction of some Brexiteers to the Speaker's decision?

• They were disappointed and protested

• They congratulated the Speaker

• They called for a second referendum

• They demanded a new election