Freeman joins the rebellion. But the amendment fell by 321 to 298.
Only 13 of the more than 100 colleagues who are publicly opposed have said that their position is solely based on that aspect of the plan.
The Government is suggesting that it will make little difference in practical terms – but opposed it for symbolic and political reasons.
Brexiteers take the podium spots, but Tracey Crouch wins an honourable mention for her stand on fixed-odds betting terminals.
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.
Meanwhile, the Government has quietly been appointing more trade emissaries during the last few months.
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.
That’s ten gone from the front bench or CCHQ – and it would be surprising were there not more today.
Frank Field, Kate Hoey, Graham Stringer and Kelvin Hopkins voted with the Government.
The flashpoint appears to have been the Brexit supporter’s comments about Airbus. His replacement must be chosen by a full democratic ballot.
The Mercers, Tugendhats and Cleverlys get a lot of media coverage. However, most promotions come from the ranks of the toiling Ministers of State.
Nineteen Members of Parliament have so far declared publicly.
The constitutional crisis MPs are threatening to bring down on all our heads will have wide-ranging and severe consequences.