This is not about infiltration. Rather, it’s about defending democracy and the Leave vote, in a traditional, decent, moderate, thoughtful and patriotic way.
It may have produced Anna Soubry – but it also gave us a mixed cross-section of Tories, including Conor Burns, Esther McVey, Priti Patel and Liz Truss.
When asked for it, the three MPs presented none. The reason is simple: this supposedly sinister entryist army does not exist.
Plus: In news elsewhere, a luxury women’s health spa in Belgravia – with annual membership fees of £5,500 – this week blamed Brexit for its closure.
No less than the ERG, the group of three sees everything through the prism of Brexit – which, let it not be forgotten, they voted to support themselves.
But their deputies look stricken, while the defectors are rejuvenated.
“There was nothing else we had left in our pockets. This is in part designed to be a wake-up call.”
We regret the Party being less broad a tent than it did this morning. But the position of these MPs had become impossible – and intolerable.
They move from the Government side of the chamber to the Opposition one to sit with the Independent Group.
“I am determined that under my leadership the Conservative Party will always offer the decent, moderate and patriotic politics that the people of this country deserve.”
“There is a failure of politics in general, not just in the Conservative Party but in both main parties as they move to the fringes.”
She hopes to move quickly while Labour is splitting, get a quick gloss on the backstop, square the ERG with a hint of Malthouse later – and, hey presto, the deal will be done.
The long and short of it is: it ought to damage Labour more, but there are dangers for the Tories none the less.
The amendment passed by 317 to 301 – and seven Labour MPs rebelled to back it.
In the night’s only defeat for the Government, it passed by 318 votes to 310 – and with the largest rebellion from Conservative MPs.