In the night’s only defeat for the Government, it passed by 318 votes to 310 – and with the largest rebellion from Conservative MPs.
The proposal was defeated by 321 to 301 votes.
Freeman joins the rebellion. But the amendment fell by 321 to 298.
The Speaker defied all precedent to allow an amendment which forces the Prime Minister to present the Commons with a ‘Plan B’ much sooner than planned.
The Government is suggesting that it will make little difference in practical terms – but opposed it for symbolic and political reasons.
Some favour a Second Referendum; others, EEA membership. But they have combined to deal the Prime Minister a second bloody blow in a single day.
If the Budget choice this year is between supporting the new system or raising tax thresholds, the answer is a no brainer.
The prospect of millions of families losing out financially makes ministers jittery – as, presumably, those briefing the press intend.
The presence of four Labour Leavers helped the UK to avoid a customs union – but their absence on a more minor amendment produced a Government defeat.
Frank Field, Kate Hoey, Graham Stringer and Kelvin Hopkins voted with the Government.
Does the narrowness of the win signal further problems to come, or has the Government headed off the revolt?
The key issue was planning, and our fate was sealed before the first leaflet was delivered. Developers would steamroller the council to get unwanted schemes approved.
Some would-be rebels switched sides at the last minute, while at least three others abstained.
“If you’re innocent, you have nothing to worry about, let the process take its natural course and the right will come out in the end.”
Ministers would do well to listen to their colleagues who want to improve – not destroy – this laudable change to the welfare system.