The week ahead in Westminster

Peers made two major changes, guaranteeing the future rights of EU citizens currently residing in the UK, and requiring Parliament to have a "meaningful" vote on the final exit deal.

There are rumours of a Tory backbench rebellion, but after a number of MPs stuck their heads above the parapet on this issue of NICs increases last week, it is possible that their appetite for further unrest will be somewhat diminished.

It also sounds like peers are increasingly unwilling to oppose any changes made in the Commons, despite initial threats to "ping" the Bill back a second time if the amendments are undone.

Monday March 12

The week gets off to a start at 2.30pm with departmental questions to the Secretary of State for Defence. There are a number of questions tabled about the Government's implementation of its defence estate strategy, including one from the Labour MP Rachael Maskell - whose own York constituency is due to lose the hsitoric Imphal Barracks - on the impact of site closures on the local community.

This is followed by the introduction of a private members bill by the Kingston Upon Hull MP Diana Johnson which aims to decriminalise abortions. The procedure is currently classed as illegal unless it falls within the specific conditions of The Abortion Act 1967, and incurs a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Ms Johnson argues that removing the threat of criminal punishment will "help create an environment more conducive to reducing incidents of unplanned pregnancies and abortions".

The main business of the day sees MPs debate and vote on House of Lords amendments to the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill. If the amendments are undone, the bill could be sent back to the Lords the same day as part of the ping-pong process. Some have suggested the legislation could clear this final hurdle in time to receive Royal Assent that night, or the following morning.

Meanwhile, outside the main chamber, members of the Treasury committee will be grilling Robert Chote, Professor Sir Charles Bean, and Graham Parker from the OBR on the implications of last week's Budget. And in Westminster Hall MPs will debate a petition calling for all sex offenders to remain on the register for life, and for tougher sentences on those caught with indecent images of children.

Tuesday March 13

Business begins at 11.30am with departmental questions to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Afterwards, the Tory MP Nusrat Ghani will introduce a private members bill that would require the UK diplomatic service to do more to promote British wine overseas.

Time has then been set aside for further debate of amendments to the Brexit Bill. However, the Prime Minister is also due to make a statement to the Commons today about last week's European Council meeting, and there are reports that this could include the long-awaited announcement on the triggering of Article.

Over in Westminster Hall, the chairman of the influential Public Accounts committee, Meg Hillier, will lead a debate on budgets for health and social care. This comes off the back of Philip Hammond's unveiling of an additional £2bn in social care funding for the 2017-2020 period, as well as last month's damning committee report which called for an urgent review of long-term funding for the system.

And MPs on the Defence select committee will hold the first of their evidence sessions for their inquiry into the future of NATO and the UK's "special relationship" with the US.

Wednesday March 14

MPs gather in the chamber from 11.30am for departmental questions to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, James Brokenshire. The key issue on everyone's mind will be the ongoing struggle to reach a power-sharing agreement between Sinn Fein and the DUP following recent Assembly elections, with Mr Brokenshire last week warning that the country could face another election if the parties cannot reach agreement within three weeks.

This will be followed by PMQs, which could present another opportunity for Theresa May to make an announcement on Article 50 if ratification of the Bill has been delayed by ping-pong . However, Parliamentary time has been set aside for further debate in the Commons later that afternoon, in case an agreement on amendments has not yet been reached.

The afternoon will also see the SNP MP Deidre Brock lead a Westminster Hall session on the implications of Brexit for the Scottish devolution settlement. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has suggested a second independence referendum could be held as early as 2018, as a result of the UK Government's decision to take Britain out of the EU.

And in select committees, members of the Brexit committee will have another opportunity to grill the Secretary of State for leaving the EU, David Davis.

Thursday March 15

The Commons meets at the usual earlier time of 9.30am for departmental questions to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Karen Bradley. This could see fresh questions about the Sky takeover bid by the Murdoch-owned 21st Century Fox, and Ms Bradley's announcement that she is "minded" to intervene in the process.

This will be followed by questions to Leader of the House David Lidington, before the Don Valley MP Caroline Flint helps to lead a backbench debate on how the "big six" energy firms treat out-of-contract customers. Ms Flint and fellow MPs Patricia Gibson and John Penrose will call for "immediate action" to protect customers who find themselves on default tariffs, and to make it easier for these people to secure a better deal.

Outside the main chamber, the SNP MP Chris Stephens will lead a Wesminster Hall debate on Jobcentre Plus office closures, while over in the House of Lords peers will discuss the need to strengthen the UK’s relationship with the Commonwealth.

The week's business in the Commons will draw to a close with an adjournment debate on the ongoing conflict in Syria.

Friday March 16

Neither house is sitting today.