Ministers may trigger new vote to block release of full Brexit studies
Labour and the SNP are suggesting they will pursue contempt of parliament proceedings against David Davis' department.
Tuesday 28 November 2017 16:43, UK
Ministers could avoid having to release a list of Brexit impact assessments in full by triggering a new vote in the Commons, they have suggested.
Brexit minister Robin Walker said he would "very seriously" consider the move during questions on the issue on Tuesday.
It came as Labour and the SNP suggested they would pursue an allegation against the Government that it was in "contempt of Parliament".
The row focuses on Brexit Secretary David Davis' refusal to hand over all information collated on how 58 industrial sectors will be affected by leaving the EU.
He has said anything commercially sensitive or that could damage the UK's negotiating position would not be released.
But Brexit select committee chair Hilary Benn said the more than 850-page document he received was "not in keeping" with the binding motion passed earlier in November.
But Mr Walker denied the claim during an urgent question on Tuesday, saying: "We have not edited or redacted reports."
He later admitted: "We have collated information in a way that doesn't include some material."
Veteran Tory backbencher Ken Clarke said the decision had risked "reducing parliamentary sovereignty to a slightly ridiculous level".
Colleague Philip Hollobone said it was a "mistake" for the Tories not to amend Labour's original motion, warning the party was now on "thin parliamentary ice".
Speaker John Bercow also warned Mr Davis should meet the Brexit select committee to explain the redactions.
He said: "Nothing - no commitment, no other diarised engagement - is more important than respecting the House, and in this case the committee of this House which has ownership of this matter and to which the papers were provided."