Brexit news: John Bercow rules Theresa May cannot bring her deal back for third time unless something has changed

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Theresa May banned from vote on same Brexit deal in major blow issued by John Bercow

John Bercow has dramatically ruled that Theresa May cannot hold another vote on her Brexit deal unless the proposed agreement has changed "substantially".

In a major blow to the prime minister, the Commons speaker invoked a centuries-old rule that says the same motion cannot be voted on more than once in the same parliamentary sitting.

Ms May was reported to be planning a third "meaningful vote" on her deal this week, although Downing Street said it would only happen if there was a "realistic prospect" of success.

If no vote happens in the coming days, she is now expected to ask European leaders for a lengthy extension to the two-year negotiation process, delaying Brexit for months or even years beyond March 29.

To follow events as they unfolded, see our live coverage below

Key Points

• Speaker John Bercow says he will not allow third 'meaningful vote' without changes
• Solicitor general Robert Buckland says UK is in a 'major constitutional crisis'
• Theresa May makes fresh bid to secure the DUP's backing for Brexit deal
• PM 'could sack chief Brexit negotiator Olly Robbins to save herself'
• Disgraced MP appeals to constituents ahead of petition that could force by-election

[18 March 2019 19:20 · Lizzy Buchan]

An official report on the impact of Brexit on rural Scotland has included the quote: "We are f*****," it can be revealed.

A document published by Scottish Rural Action (SRA) featured a side banner on page four with the statement.

It was one of a number of banners attributed to participants in a workshop which asked them to imagine what newspaper headlines they might expect to see after Brexit.

Amanda Burgauer, SRA chairwoman, said that the exercise had been used as an "icebreaker" and that several of the participants had used "earthy language" in describing their feelings towards Brexit.

The Scottish Government has said that although the SRA report was funded through its Brexit Stakeholder Fund, it had no editorial role.

[18 March 2019 19:35 · Lizzy Buchan]

"John Bercow’s critics, and there are many of them at Westminster, will see his dramatic intervention as unashamed showboating by a man who loves the limelight," writes the Independent's Andrew Grice.

"Yet the rule book and 300 years of precedent are on his side."

Read his take here:

[18 March 2019 19:52 · Lizzy Buchan]

Former minister Nick Boles will continue to be a Tory MP - despite quitting his local association. We wrote about the row here.

[18 March 2019 19:59 · Lizzy Buchan]

British businesses will be able to trade freely with Iceland and Norway if the UK leaves the European Union without a deal, under a new agreement announced by Liam Fox.

The international trade secretary said the agreement, which is subject to final checks before it is expected to be signed next week, was a "major milestone" in the Brexit preparations.

It will replicate the existing European Economic Area agreement (EEA) as far as possible, the Department for International Trade said.

Dr Fox said: "We have just reached agreement with Iceland and Norway to ensure continued access for British businesses to the European Economic Area should we leave the EU without a deal.

"This is one of the largest trade agreements we are party to as a result of our membership of the EU.

"Combined with the agreement we have already signed with Liechtenstein and Switzerland, it accounts for close to half of the trade we're seeking continuity for.

"This is good news for British businesses and a major milestone in getting the UK ready for Brexit, no matter the terms of our withdrawal.

"I expect to formally sign this agreement shortly and others to follow soon after."

[18 March 2019 20:07 · Lizzy Buchan]

Theresa May’s hopes of forcing MPs to back her Brexit deal by staging repeat votes are in tatters, after John Bercow dramatically blocked the tactic, citing rules dating back to before the Gunpowder Plot.

The prime minister was left stunned by the shock announcement – which torpedoed her hopes of a third “meaningful vote” while threatening MPs with a long delay to leaving the EU if they refused to give way.

Read our write-through of another dramatic day here:

[18 March 2019 20:13 · Lizzy Buchan]

That's it for the politics liveblog for the day. Thanks for following!