"What the government cannot legitimately do is to re-submit to the House the same proposition or substantially the same proposition," John Bercow told parliament on Monday.
The Speaker has made a statement in the Commons Chamber regarding procedure for another #MeaningfulVote on the #BrexitDeal.
— UK House of Commons (@HouseofCommons) March 18, 2019
“What the Government cannot legitimately do is to resubmit to the House the same proposition.”
Watch the full statement: https://t.co/mhchqO9mMT pic.twitter.com/cHB8u3bXt1
The Speaker addressed the issue raised by some MPs last week, following days of debate and two Meaningful Votes on the government's Withdrawal Agreement. With the PM expected to bring her deal back to the Parliament for yet another vote — after two rejections — Labour MP Angela Eagle had questioned such action.
She asked the Speaker last week whether a motion can be brought back repeatedly to the House, even when it has been rejected.
"No answer is required now but a ruling will be made about that matter at the appropriate time. I'm grateful to the right honourable lady for reminding me a ruling might be required," the Speaker of the House, John Bercow answered.
READ MORE: Parliament Rule Last Used in 1943 Could Block Third Vote on May's Brexit Deal
On Monday, Bercow returned to the matter and told MPs that parliamentary rules prevent a motion being brought back repeatedly for votes in the same session of Parliament.
According to the Thomas Erskine May's guide to parliamentary practice, the government can bring substantially similar or the same motion for a vote once the next parliamentary session begins. The House of Commons' new session is due to begin in September 2019.
20 March is the last day a vote can be held before Theresa May heads to an EU Council meeting, where she will ask the EU27 to delay Brexit.
READ MORE: All Things Brexit: What to Expect From Downing Street, Westminster, EU This Week
