“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.”
Our party owns this crisis. If we honour the referendum we can shape the next decade. If we don’t then chaos – and Corbyn – await.
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.
“Brexit is the will of the British people, we need to deliver that.”
“We should look again at being able to leave with a negotiated deal, but in order to do that we need time…”
“However, it remains my intention to bring the deal back to the House.”
They are much less divided over whether to do the same to the Brexiteer rebels against the Withdrawal Agreement: definitely not.
Gove and Davis followed the Prime Minister, but they were heavily outnumbered in the Parliamentary Conservative Party. The Chief Whip abstained.
By longstanding convention the Speaker casts his vote for the status quo. But would he?
The Prime Minister has made no effort to consult Parliament about her agreement with Brussels – but it requires changes to British law.