Brexit SO24: What is SO24? And why is Labour backing it?

LABOUR Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell has confirmed his party will back an S024 because of Brexit - but what is it and why is Labour backing it?

has thrown its weight behind an emergency debate being held on Brexit in order to prevent Prime Minister seeking a short extension of . Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell is supporting the application put forward earlier by Labour Wirral South MP Alison McGovern. Shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer has also showed his support, tweeting: "What the Government should be doing is showing real leadership, making good on their commitment to break the deadlock and secure an extension with a genuine purpose."

What is an SO24?

An SO24 is officially known as a Standing Order No 24.

According to the Parliamentary website, the rule enables an MP to apply to the Speaker of the House for an emergency debate between Mondays and Thursdays during sitting time.

The website states: “If the Speaker has given the MP leave they will have three minutes to make a speech after question time and any urgent questions or ministerial statements.

Brexit SO24: Labour Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell

Brexit SO24: Labour Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell has backed an SO24 application (Image: Getty)

“The Speaker then decides whether to submit the application to the House.”

“The House will have to agree that the debate takes place. If the House agrees to the application the emergency debate will take place on a future day, usually the next sitting day.

“The motion to be debated will be "That the House has considered the matter of [Topic]".

SO24s are rarely granted but if so then the debate can happen on the same day or the next one and they can last up to three hours.

Brexit SO24: Theresa May

Brexit SO24: Theresa May is facing fresh rebellion over her plans for a short Brexit extension (Image: Getty)

Labour is exerting its power after the Prime Minister confirmed today she is seeking a “short delay” to Brexit lasting until June 30.

Mrs May is making a formal request in writing to European Council president Donald Tusk for the Article 50 extension.

This could see Brexit being delayed beyond the current March 29 deadline.

John Bercow is yet to decide whether to approve the application or not.

Brexit SO24: Labour MP Alison McGovern

Brexit SO24: The SO24 application was put in by Labour lawmaker Alison McGovern (Image: Getty)

Three emergency debates were granted during the 2017 Parliament and all were on Brexit. They were:

- Leaving the EU: No Deal

- EU Withdrawal Agreement

- Exiting the European Union: Meaningful Vote