OXFORD'S two MPs voted against the government on a key piece of Brexit legislation last night.
Labour's Anneliese Dodds and the Liberal Democrats' Layla Moran both voted to accept an amendment from the House of Lords which would have allowed MPs a 'meaningful vote' on the final Brexit deal.
There were nervous scenes in the Commons yesterday, with rumours that the government could lose the vote, which would have been a big blow to the prime minister's authority.
In the end, Dodds and Moran were on the losing side in a 326 - 298 vote.
Oxford East MP Dodds said the result made a 'complete mockery of parliamentary democracy.'
So disappointed that Conservative rebels peeled off at last minute on having a ‘meaningful vote’ on EU deal. Tory government railroading this through makes a complete mockery of parliamentary democracy.
— Anneliese Dodds (@AnnelieseDodds) June 12, 2018
In a video released on Twitter, she added that more time was needed to debate the issue, labelling the government 'disgraceful' for 'closing down debate'.
Really disappointing that Conservatives are constraining debate in EU Withdrawal Bill. We need enough time to debate issues of this importance! pic.twitter.com/J2Z6vUjtJ7
— Anneliese Dodds (@AnnelieseDodds) June 12, 2018
MPs spent more than six hours debating amendment 19, which would also have a set a time limit on when the government had to agree a deal to withdraw from the EU.
Moran, who represents Oxford West & Abingdon, has made no secret of her pro-European credentials and was on vocal form yesterday, saying she could "feel a certain cynicism creeping in that I haven’t felt before."
This is a damp squib of a Parliament. #peoplesvote amendent isn’t being allowed a vote. Government overturning Lords amendments. I can feel a certain cynicism creeping in that I haven’t felt before.
— Layla Moran (@LaylaMoran) June 12, 2018
She also released a video on Twitter ahead of the vote explaining the days events and thanking constituents for their input.
We’ve just started the first day of debates on EU Withdrawal Bill. I’ll be supporting amendments to secure a People’s Vote on the final deal, on a meaningful vote for Parliament, the EEA & Customs Union, environmental & habitats protections & on refugee family reunion. pic.twitter.com/JcrYQ8BM3o
— Layla Moran (@LaylaMoran) June 12, 2018
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