May’s government becomes first in history to be found in contempt of parliament

A vote to hold the government in contempt of parliament passed today with a majority of 18. Theresa May’s government is now the first in British history to be found in contempt.

The vote was held because of the government’s refusal to make public the legal advice it received on Brexit.

The moment Theresa May’s Government became the first in history to be held in contempt of Parliament – by a majority of 18 pic.twitter.com/jgMUWcrbsw

— Tory Fibs (@ToryFibs) December 4, 2018

The moment MPs vote to hold Theresa May's government in contempt of Parliament by 311 votes to 293#Brexit latest: https://t.co/xMNz3SwRTl pic.twitter.com/O0Q5GT2FYV

— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) December 4, 2018

As the BBC‘s Laura Kuenssberg pointed out:

(As if we didn't know already) today shows May has no majority she can rely on

— Laura Kuenssberg (@bbclaurak) December 4, 2018

The vote also means that the government will now disclose in full the legal advice on Brexit. And it prompted a call to vote on the Grieve amendment, which will give MPs a greater say in the Brexit deal that is finally agreed:

Grieve's amendment has been formally called by Speaker. So another huge vote is due tonight – this time on making sure MPs can say what kind of Brexit or no Brexit they want in the event that May's loses vote on her Brexit

— Robert Peston (@Peston) December 4, 2018

The Grieve amendment has since passed as well, with a majority of 22 votes:

Another significant defeat for govt – Grieve's amendment passes 321 – 299

— Laura Kuenssberg (@bbclaurak) December 4, 2018

MPs approve amendment which aims to give Commons greater say should #Brexit deal be defeated in vote on 11 December

Follow latest developments: https://t.co/xMNz3SwRTl pic.twitter.com/KpjKEMhTTz

— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) December 4, 2018

All in all, it’s been a rough day for Theresa May, but a good one for democracy. Holding May’s government accountable for its lack of transparency will be welcome news for anyone concerned by the recent Brexit chaos; as will the development of MPs gaining greater control of the final Brexit deal.

Featured image via YouTube