A Government “In Office But Not In Power”

David Gawke DWP Minister

MPs have supported, by 299 votes to 0, Labour’s motion for a pause in the roll-out of Universal Credit for problems in the system to be fixed. 

This is a symbolic victory for Labour.

Conservative MPs abstained, thanks to a three-line whip, and the vote is not binding on the government.

Image: Sarah Wollaston

There was only one Tory rebel. Sarah Wollaston, the health select committee chair, voted with Labour.

Contrary to earlier reports, DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds did not in fact vote with Labour, there was just a mix up with Anneliese Dodds on the divisions list.

Image: Debbie Abrahams

Following the vote, shadow work and pensions secretary Debbie Abrahams called it a “major defeat” and said the government is “in office but not in power”.

Image: John Bercow

Commons speaker, John Bercow has said it was for government ministers to decide how to respond to the “clearly expressed view of the House”.

Image: Sir Edward Leigh

Sir Edward Leigh criticised his own government’s tactics, and said: “What worries me is that surely there is some sort of precedent here..... this is not and should not be a university debating society.

Following the result, Jeremy Corbyn tweeted: “The Tories must now act on clearly expressed will of Parliament [and] pause its roll out.”

ABC Note: 

Three-line whips

Important divisions are underlined three times - a 'three-line whip' - and normally apply to major events like the second readings of significant Bills.

Defying a three-line whip is very serious, and has occasionally resulted in the whip being withdrawn from an MP or Lord. This means that the Member is effectively expelled from their party (but keeps their seat) and must sit as an independent until the whip is restored.