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Brexit
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Speaker John Bercow blocks new Brexit deal vote in fresh blow to Boris Johnson

  • PM not allowed to push for same vote twice in one parliamentary sitting, says Bercow, a colourful figure with central role in Brexit drama
  • Focus now switches to government’s attempt on Tuesday to get lawmakers to support domestic legislation in accompanying Withdrawal Agreement Bill

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House of Commons speaker John Bercow speaks in parliament on Monday. Photo: PRU via AFP
Agence France-Presse
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was dealt a fresh blow on Monday when the speaker of parliament denied him a second shot at getting his Brexit deal passed just 10 days before the deadline.
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House of Commons speaker John Bercow – a colourful figure who has played a starring role in the Brexit drama – said Johnson was not allowed to push for the same vote twice in the same parliamentary sitting.

Lawmakers decided at their first Saturday session since the 1982 Falklands War to force the Conservative leader to ask Brussels to postpone the October 31 divorce by three months.

“The motion will not be debated today because it would be repetitive and disorderly to do so,” Bercow said.

Demonstrators hold placards as they take part in a march in London on Saturday calling for a second referendum on Brexit. Photo: AFP
Demonstrators hold placards as they take part in a march in London on Saturday calling for a second referendum on Brexit. Photo: AFP
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Johnson is trying to secure a break from Brussels that severs many of the island nation’s economic relations with Europe after 46 years of EU membership.

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