Dead heat on Benn amendment?

Does that mean that the Speaker decides?

Thanks

TIL

One of the most important, albeit very rarely used, powers the Speaker has is to exercise the casting vote in the event of a draw. The use of this power is governed by a long-standing principle aimed at maintaining the Speaker’s impartiality, namely that they should not vote against the overall majority. The Speaker should vote in favour of allowing further discussion and avoid making final decisions by a casting vote. In practice, this means that a tie at second reading should be resolved by the Speaker voting for the bill – on the basis that there will then be opportunity for further discussion. At third reading they would vote against, on the basis that the law should not be changed except with the will of the entire House.

This power was used seven times between 1974 and 1979. It was almost needed when the Callaghan Government was defeated on a vote of confidence of 311 versus 310. It was most recently exercised on 22 July 1993 during the parliamentary vote on the Maastricht Treaty, when votes were tied on 317. The then Speaker Betty Boothroyd voted against the Leader of the Opposition’s amendment on the basis that the decision should only be taken by a majority. But the Government lost the vote on the motion itself

Why does this matter anymore?

With the refusal of an extension past 12 April, I'm pretty lost as to what still remains in Parliament's gift at this stage...

 

 

Being able to see and admit one is wrong is wisdom. 

You however are a feeble lying little auntfook that is wrong pretty much each and every time you post, bithering on like a blind epilpleptic chimp tied to a jack hammer smashing your little fists away at your keyboard. .