The Speaker will block a Government ‘notwithstanding motion’, but announced this just after allowing Letwin’s.
He suggests that it is no different to ministers passing laws with amendments they dislike, but Redwood points out they are not normally compelled to do so.
“What could be more extreme than deliberately opting for something…simply because it has ‘BREXIT’ written on the front in bright, shiny letters?”
Rees-Mogg details how the deal is “definitely not” worse than Remain. And: why the Letwin plan is constitutionally “absurd”.
“It is ridiculous to suggest that Parliament taking control is overturning democratic institutions… it’s doing its democratic job of holding Government to account!”
“Why do we need another two weeks? What is going to happen in another two weeks that couldn’t have happened up to now?”
It “forces the British people to take part in European elections, and gives up control of any of our borders, laws, money, or trade”.
“Cooper? Who is Cooper? My name is Grieve Incognito.”
The Prime Minister has made no effort to consult Parliament about her agreement with Brussels – but it requires changes to British law.
“I’m not sure that there’s a majority in Parliament…but it’s a coherent proposition”, the Chancellor tells Sky News.
The divisions and impatience exposed could well be real, but it doesn’t follow that Brussels is about to suddenly shift its policy.
The prisons minister decides to “be bold” and says that, if it comes to it, MPs should be free to express their genuine preferences on what’s next for Brexit.
If they reject the Withdrawal Agreement a third time, a deeply divided Opposition could yet get the credit for a soft departure.
Longer extension, Customs Union, ‘Common Market 2.0’ and so on all have severe downsides.