The campaign feels better run, including online. People massively prefer Boris Johnson to Corbyn. The question is whether it is enough
The Prime Minister falls 14 votes short – and says that the Bill will be paused while he speaks to EU leaders.
It’s a surprisingly large Government majority: 24 independents and 19 Labour MPs voted with the Government.
May gave Johnson her full backing, and so, after the vote, did Letwin.
If it happens, he must not just win but keep the backing of the DUP, Spartans, Labour rebels and as many of the whipless 21 as he can – and stave off a referendum too.
How the pro-Leave Spartans, not pro-Remain or pro-Soft Brexit Tories, could end up whipless – and barred from contesting a general election as Conservatives.
There are now 15 independents, plus the Change UK factions and a smattering of pro-Brexit rebel Labour MPs.
“I believe that the only way to stop No Deal is to support a deal.”
The Government won by 11 votes, 298 to 309, in a setback for Letwin – though the result doesn’t guarantee No Deal any more than a vote the other way would barred it.
The amendment was seen off by 314-312, so the six votes from the Opposition benches made all the difference.
She says that many Labour MPs share her concern about respecting the referendum result.
The Prime Minister lives to fight another day, and with a bit of help from Labour she could still get her deal through.
The role of these MPs in pro-Leave seats abstaining on or voting against the Cooper amendment in defiance of the whip was crucial.
She says that Labour should support a reasonable Government Brexit deal, and indicates that she would do so
“We are putting transitional protections in…so people who are moved onto Universal Credit will not see any reduction.”