Andrew Gimson’s Commons sketch: Leadsom is unbelievably rude to Clarke while Letwin leads a conservative revolution
The Leader of the House is as cloth-eared as Jeremy Corbyn when it comes to dealing with her own backbenchers.
Our view of May’s deal
Hers or Letwins? That’s what the choice is narrowing down to. From the point of view of trust in politics, how MPs vote will now make little difference – if any.
The Prime Minister In Name Only awaits the Prime Minister In All But Name
In other words, May waits for Letwin. Which adds a new dimension to her chicken game. Her message is: “vote for my deal soon – or get his.”
It’s third time lucky for Letwin. His amendment passes by 329 – 302. He gains and May loses control.
He, Cooper et al have seized control of parts of Commons and Brexit business, and we wait to see what happens next.
The Beckett amendment falls by 311 – 314
This was the amendment that sought to ensure that No Deal doesn’t happen without the Commons sitting – and having a chance to stop it.
Brine, Burt and Harrington resign to vote for the Letwin amendment
All credit to them for quitting on principle rather than, as the Cabinet “Gang of Three” did, defying the whip and staying on in Government.
Letwin the optimist says MPs can still find a Brexit which commands a majority
Harmony reigned as he denied being a revolutionary.
Andrew Gimson’s Commons sketch: May is no Trump, no populist, but nor is she much of a parliamentarian
The Prime Minister looked alone at the Despatch Box.
The Conservatives and anti-Muslim prejudice. A role for the Extremism Commissioner.
Sara Khan should hold an investigation into racial and religious prejudice among all the main parties.
Coronation (headless) chicken
May should go in mid-April. But attempts to appoint a successor uncontested will only stir further chaos in the hen coop.
Would the EU abandon Varadkar? Perhaps. But it’s not at all likely.
The divisions and impatience exposed could well be real, but it doesn’t follow that Brussels is about to suddenly shift its policy.
The price May is paying for survival is powerlessness
She yesterday achieved the outcome most likely to prop her up – at least for the time being. But Cooper, Letwin and Bercow are waiting in the wings.
Would May really be prepared to attempt No Deal? We offer you the Varadkar Test.
If he starts ringing alarm bells over the next few days, the possibility may be real. If he doesn’t – or only goes through the motions – then it probably isn’t.
May. Treating you like a fool.
New Labour’s legacy is alive and well. When it trouble, don’t accept responsibility. Instead, blame someone else.
Andrew Gimson’s PMQs sketch: May like Cromwell is losing patience with Parliament
The Prime Minister seemed to imply that if MPs will not bend to her will, she is off.