Lord Pannick:

Moved by Lord Pannick

That the Question be now put.

My Lords, I am instructed by the House to say that the Motion “That the Question be now put” is considered a most exceptional procedure, and that the House must not accept it save in circumstances where it is felt to be the only means of ensuring the proper conduct of the business of the House. Further, if the Member who seeks to move it persists in his intention, the practice of the House is that the Motion be put without debate.

I wish to move the Motion.

The Question now is that the Question be now put.

Noble Lords:

Which Question?

My Lords, we must vote on the closure Motion that the noble Lord has moved, stopping a number of people who wish to address an important point in so far as the procedure of this House is concerned. If I can be helpful to the noble Lord, the procedure is that we now vote on that, if he would like to move for closure.

My Lords, there is no debate on this. The Question is that the Question be now put.

Ayes 244, Noes 119.

Lord Pannick’s Motion agreed.

Ayes 94, Noes 254.

Lord Forsyth’s Motion disagreed.