Meaningful vote 3 in the next seven days

Theresa May’s extension motion makes clear that she intends to bring her deal back for another vote in the next seven days. The motion states that if a meaningful vote has been passed by the 20^th of March, then the government will request a short technical extension to pass the necessary Brexit legislation. (This request would be made at the European Council meeting next Thursday). But if no deal has been passed by the 20th, the UK would request a much longer extension — which would require the UK to participate in the EU Parliament elections.

So, it is clear that the government are going to try and pass the meaningful vote between now and the 20^th. There is optimism in government that it might be third time lucky for the withdrawal agreement. The talks with the DUP are, I’m told, going quite well. If they come on board, then a large number of the ERG will fold their tents and vote for the deal.