David Davis is rebuked over Brexit impact assessments - but avoids contempt charge
The decision by the Commons Speaker comes as the PM heads to Brussels - a day after suffering a heavy parliamentary defeat.
Thursday 14 December 2017 13:30, UK
David Davis has escaped being found in contempt of Parliament over the release of information on the economic impact of Brexit.
But the Brexit Secretary and other ministers were chastised for not being clearer when asked about impact assessment papers for months before.
Mr Davis was cleared by Commons Speaker John Bercow in a statement on Thursday, after the Government suffered an embarrassing defeat on the Brexit bill the night before.
Mr Bercow raised concerns over Mr Davis' approach but said the allegations of contempt would not be pursued.
Mr Davis released an 850-page dossier of information outlining the economic impact of Brexit on 58 sectors of the economy after a binding vote in the Commons last month.
But he came under criticism because he admitted that his department had not carried out formal impact assessments only after being ordered to publish them.
The admission also raised questions over the quality of the information included in the dossier.
Mr Bercow said: "Ministers could, with advantage, have been considerably clearer in their statements, particularly challenging lines of questioning in select committees which were based upon a genuine misconception.
"However, from the evidence which I have seen today date I have concluded that the test that I am bound to apply, that there is an arguable case that there has in this matter been a contempt of the house, has not been met in this case."
If found in contempt, it could have been career-ending moment for the minister charged with managing Britain's divorce from the EU.
MPs found in contempt of Parliament can be suspended from the Commons by the Speaker.
It comes as Theresa May heads to Brussels, with EU leaders expected to confirm that "sufficient progress" has been made in negotiations and that talks can progress to trade.
She will urge them to move on as quickly as possible, but senior officials in Brussels have suggested the trade talks may not start until March.
Mr Davis revealed in a grilling from MPs earlier that he wanted "the right to negotiate and sign" trade deals during the Brexit transition period.
He admitted: "It doesn't mean they will come into force but it does mean that we can sign them."
A Brexit department spokesperon declined to comment to Paste BN on the contempt resolution.