Brexit: Labour MP suspended from Commons for stealing ceremonial mace in protest at vote delay
The latest Brexit developments at Westminster
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Labour MP was ejected from the House of Commons for seizing the ceremonial mace in protest at Theresa May's decision to delay a key Brexit vote.
In dramatic scenes, Lloyd Russell-Moyle swung the antique symbol of parliamentary authority from its holder after the government confirmed it would delay the vote on the prime minister's Brexit deal.
Tory MPs screamed "expel him" as Mr Russell-Moyle was promptly asked to leave the chamber by Speaker John Bercow.
The incident came after Ms May faced fury from MPs for calling off a vote on her Brexit deal, in an attempt to seek further "assurances" from the EU.
The prime minister admitted her blueprint would have been "rejected by a significant margin" on Tuesday due to major rebellion by Conservative MPs, as she confirmed plans in an eleventh-hour Commons statement.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn secured an emergency debate on the delay on Tuesday, saying "the government’s incompetence can’t be used as an excuse to threaten the country with no-deal".
It comes as the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that the UK can unilaterally revoke Article 50 and stop the Brexit process following a "democratic process".
See below to read our coverage of events as they happened
In the face of such chaos, David Cameron emerges to say he does not regret calling the 2016 referendum.
The former PM told Sky News: "I don't regret calling a referendum. I made a promise in the election to call a referendum and I called the referendum.
"Obviously I'm very concerned about what's happening today but I do support the Prime Minister in her efforts to try and have a close partnership with the European Union.
"That's the right thing to do and she has my support."
Irish premier Leo Varadkar and European Council president Donald Tusk spoke by phone on Monday afternoon.
"They discussed this week's European Council meeting and the current situation on Brexit," he said.
"They agreed that the Withdrawal Agreement is the best option and could not be renegotiated. They also agreed that preparations for a 'no deal' outcome should intensify."
MPs are now at discussing the nitty gritty of how the meaningful vote is deferred.
In theory, a government whip can stand up and shout "tomorrow" which allows the vote to be delayed.
Lots of MPs in the chamber for this. Opposition MPs are keen to show their anger at the vote being pulled.
Labour's Chris Bryant asks if MPs could shout "now" and the debate could take place. But Speaker John Bercow says he is not able if they are not ministers.
Jeremy Corbyn has applied for an emergency debate on the government's decision not to hold a meaningful vote. These are known as SO24 debates.
He says the PM's actions show a "disregard for parliament" and MPs are being "ignored".
Speaker John Bercow approves the request as he says the matter raised is "proper to be discussed" to cheers from MPs.
Opposition parties stand to show their support - with some MPs shouting "let's be having you".
The debate will be held tomorrow morning for three hours, Mr Bercow says.
Labour MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle has been kicked out of the chamber for stealing the ceremonial mace in protest at the vote being deferred.
The mace is in place when the House is sitting - and the Commons authorities take this very seriously.
The parliamentary mace symbolises royal authority, so without it the House cannot meet or pass laws.
The mace is silver gilt and just over five foot long and every day it is carried into the Chamber by the Serjeant at Arms, where it is normally placed on the table of the House.
It came after the government whip formally deferred the meaningful Brexit vote, to uproar from MPs.
Lloyd Russell-Moyle MP has described his grabbing of the ceremonial mace as a "symbolic protest".
He says that he will be allowed back into the chamber tomorrow.
He has apparently been receiving congratulations in a nearby pub.
It appears that the last person to seize the mace was shadow chancellor John McDonnell, who was suspended for five days after disrupting a debate on the proposed expansion of Heathrow airport in 2009.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments