House of Commons sits for less than 45 minutes as Brexit impasse rumbles on

Speaker John Bercow in the House of Commons. Photograph: Jessica Taylor/House of Commons. - Credit: Archant

MPs has spent fewer than 45 minutes debating the main business of the day as the Brexit impasse rumbled on.

The consideration of the second reading of the Non-Domestic Rating (Preparation For Digital Services) Bill’s started at 4.51pm and concluded it at 5.32pm – taking just 41 minutes.

Tory Brexiteer Sir John Redwood was the only backbench MP to make a speech, with others opting to intervene on the frontbench contributions.

The Commons has finished early on several days in the weeks since the Easter recess as talks between Labour and the Conservatives continue in a bid to break the Brexit impasse.

No votes have taken place in the chamber since April 10 and MPs approved the Whitsun recess, which is due to take place from close of play on May 23 until June 4, unopposed.

Monday’s sitting started at 2.30pm with work and pensions questions, with the government adding two statements to the schedule.

But the adjournment debate, which would normally be expected to start at 10pm, was under way by 5.37pm.