Mrs (Prime
Minister): Further to section 13(11)(a) of the
European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (the 2018 Act), the
Government proposes to proceed with the steps outlined in my
statement of Monday 21 January 2019 [HCWS1258] made under section
13(4) of the 2018 Act. As set out in that statement the
Government will schedule a debate on a joint motion in neutral
terms to the effect that Parliament has considered the relevant
statements pursuant to the provisions of section 13 of the 2018
Act, which includes both that earlier statement and this
statement. The debates will be scheduled to take place on Monday
28 January 2019 in the House of Lords and Tuesday 29 January 2019
in the House of Commons.
To enable these debates to take place the Government will today
table in each House joint motions under sections 13(6) and (11)
of the 2018 Act, and as provided for by section 13(13) of the
2018 Act. As was explained in the statement of 21 January, these
joint motions will replace the motions tabled in both Houses on
Monday 21 January under section 13(6) of the 2018 Act. As
referenced in that statement, Members will need to re-table the
amendments tabled to the original motion under section 13(6)(a)
of the 2018 Act. Members should seek advice from the House
Authorities on tabling amendments.
This approach is being taken to avoid any legal uncertainty as to
whether the Government has complied fully with the terms of the
2018 Act.
