Labour will force vote on European Arrest Warrant on day before crucial by-election

Theresa May has come under fire for failing to allow the Commons a vote on the European Arrest Warrant (EAW) – with much of the harshest criticism coming from her own backbenchers. There’s a widespread view on both government and opposition benches that May and Cameron have told the Commons one thing, and then done the opposite – as our timeline of May and Cameron’s EAW statements shows. Such was the anger that the government nearly lost a vote on putting the motion to the chamber this evening.

So Labour have moved to offer the Commons the full debate and vote on the European Arrest Warrant that they were promised – and to add to Tory woes, it’ll take place on the next opposition day, November 19th, the day before the Rochester and Strood by-election (where UKIP are favourites to win the seat from the Tories).

Speaking tonight, Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

“Labour proposed to Theresa May to have a vote on the European Arrest Warrant and the remaining EU measures tomorrow, which there is time for and which we would support. It was within the Government’s power to put right the chaos and deception Ministers have created, but they chose not to do so.

“Theresa May was very foolish not to listen to the strong support across the House both for the European Arrest Warrant and for the opportunity of a comprehensive vote. She has handled this dreadfully. It’s a complete mess.”

It looks like the government were trying to avoid a significant rebellion on the EAW before this month’s crucial by-election. Now thanks to Labour’s promise of a vote next week, angry MPs could give the Home Secretary a painful headache just one day beforehand…