#EAWShambles: Labour to force European Arrest Warrant vote

British Labour will force a vote on the European Arrest Warrant (EAW) after the Conservative leadership was criticized by MPs for denying Parliament a say on whether to re-join the controversial program.

The move comes after the government re-signed the UK up to 35 European Union justice measures, including the European Arrest Warrant, the EU-wide extradition scheme.

Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper pushed for a debate to be held on November 19 to allow MPs to vote on the EAW.

“The House of Commons should be able to vote to endorse the European Arrest Warrant, putting it beyond legal challenge – something we know Euroskeptics have been planning,” Cooper said.

“Despite being promised this vote, MPs have been denied the chance to give overwhelming backing to this crucial crime fighting measure. The government must put that right at the earliest opportunity.

#EAWShambles Yvette Cooper wants to extend this mess tomorrow as a opposition debate - parliament at its best! I say with irony

— Jonathan Kirkup (@JonathanKirkup) November 10, 2014

“May was very foolish not to listen to the strong support across the house both for the EAW and for the opportunity of a comprehensive vote," she added. "She has handled this dreadfully. It's a complete mess.”

Chaos broke out among MPs in Parliament on Monday night as MPs vented their anger at the government’s failure to offer a specific vote on the European Arrest Warrant. Instead, MPs were asked to vote on an entire package of 35 draft regulations.

No-one has a clue whether we're voting on the European Arrest Warrant or not. Seems to sum up the Tories whole approach to Europe.

— Pete Wishart (@PeteWishart) November 10, 2014

During the debate, the Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, criticized the government for trying to “slip things through” in a move that will leave the public “contemptuous” of ministers.

The clashes among politicians proved an embarrassing scene for Prime Minister David Cameron and Home Secretary Theresa May. May said the government regarded the EAW vote as a Commons verdict on the whole package.

72% of people agree that Britain should remain part of the European Arrest Warrant, just 10% are against http://t.co/1xvZXEU148

— Catherine Bearder (@catherinemep) November 10, 2014

However, in Monday night’s vote, the Conservative government won the overall motion in favor of the EU Justice and Home Affairs measures. The motion was carried, 464 votes to 38.