The 'Meaningful Vote' of 15 January, 2019 (Brexit)

"Meaningful vote" is the common name given to Section 13 of the United Kingdom's European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, entitled "Parliamentary approval of the outcome of negotiations with the EU" (full text of section). It is a requirement that the government of the United Kingdom bring forward an amendable parliamentary motion at the end of the Article 50 negotiations between the government and the European Union.[1][2]

The wording of the clause[note 1] was strongly contested by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords with the Lords proposing an amendment to the bill giving further powers to parliament. When the bill returned to the Commons the Conservative government offered concessions and the Lords proposed amendment was defeated. The bill was then passed into law on 26 June 2018.[3]

If May's deal is voted down, she has 21 days to return to parliament to set out her plans in a new motion. The success of Grieve's amendment (passed 321 votes to 299) means MPs can now change that motion,[65] giving them far greater say over the UK’s exit from the EU.[66]

Scheduled vote The meaningful vote is due to be applied by the Commons on 15 January 2019[69]. The vote was originally scheduled to be held on 11 December 2018 but, on 10 December, Theresa May cancelled the vote due to the ever-growing threat of the government's Brexit deal being voted down.[70][71]