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A Labour MP has accused the Tories of running the Commons like a cross between "House of Cards and Game of Thrones".

The government has refused to vote on opposition day debates in a break with convention because they don't have enough MPs to win.

Last week the Labour Party won a motion calling for the controversial rollout to be paused by 299 to 0 after the Tories were whipped to abstain.

Other votes in recent weeks on issues such as social care and the public sector pay cap have been passed without opposition by the Government.

Following outrage at their disregard for parliament Andrea Leadsom said ministers would promise to respond - but only within three months of any vote.

The procedural changes comes after a wave of Government abstentions on motions tabled by Labour, which were subsequently passed by MPs unopposed.

But Shadow Commons leader Valerie Vaz told MPs at Business questions she had concerns about the measure, which had not been discussed with business managers on the Labour side.

"I don't think that this is acceptable and this is no way to treat the House," Ms Vaz said.

"This is rapidly becoming like the house of games, a combination of the House Of Cards and the Game Of Thrones, and the Government should get their house in order and deal with the democracy of why we're here.

"We are elected representatives to speak on behalf of our constituents."

In a written statement, Ms Leadsom said the Government wanted to listen and improve the work of Parliament.

She added: "To that end, I am today updating the House on the Government's approach to opposition day debates.

"Where a motion tabled by an opposition party has been approved by the House, the relevant minister will respond to the resolution of the House by making a statement no more than 12 weeks after the debate.

"This is to allow thoughtful consideration of the points that have been raised, facilitate collective discussion across Government, especially on cross-cutting issues, and to outline any actions that have been taken.

"This is in line with suggestions made by members across the House and I hope colleagues will welcome the new initiative and the opportunity for accountability this provides."

Addressing MPs at Business questions, Ms Leadsom said this could include ministers making a written statement to Parliament, as well as speaking from the despatch box.

Leader of the House, Andrea Leadsom, today released a Written Ministerial Statement stating that the response to government defeats on opposition motions will now take the form of a written statement up to three months after the vote has taken place.

"This follows a slew of votes in recent weeks where Conservative MPs have been whipped to abstain."

Liberal Democrat MP Christine Jardine said: “This is the latest example of a Conservative government who are showing utter disdain for parliament.



“Responding to Government defeats in the form of a vacuous written statement, delivered up to three months after the fact is unacceptable. This shows the shocking lack of respect the government have for parliament, and the people we seek to represent.”