Johnson must seek Brexit extension as MPs vote for Letwin amendment
It does not matter whether Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal – which is worse than Theresa May’s, don’t forget – is passed by Parliament. He will still have to write to the EU to seek a delay after MPs supported the so-called ‘Letwin amendment’.
The vote took place on what has been described as ‘Super Saturday’ – an extraordinary sitting of Parliament today (Saturday, October 19).
The vote was won by 322 votes in favour, with 306 against.
Under the amendment, the House of Commons would withhold support for Mr Johnson’s deal until relevant legislation takes place. It is considered insurance against the possibility that MPs could vote for the deal today, then go against the Withdrawal Act that would follow, paving the way for a “no deal” Brexit.
Government sources have suggested that if this amendment wins majority support, the whips will tell Tory MPs to go home – boycotting the amended motion.
But will they break the law that they must now seek to delay Brexit?
ADDITIONAL: This amendment does not block a further threat of “no deal” Brexit – that the UK could still leave without a deal if trade talks collapse after a vote in favour of Mr Johnson’s deal:
Boris Johnson's Brexit deal opens the back-door to no-deal. No Labour MP should vote for it.pic.twitter.com/i3mPTqFr05
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) October 18, 2019
Do you want your MP to support that?
Have YOU donated to my crowdfunding appeal, raising funds to fight false libel claims by TV celebrities who should know better? These court cases cost a lot of money so every penny will help ensure that wealth doesn’t beat justice.
Vox Political needs your help!
If you want to support this site
(but don’t want to give your money to advertisers)
you can make a one-off donation here:
Here are four ways to be sure you’re among the first to know what’s going on.
1) Register with us by clicking on ‘Subscribe’ (in the left margin). You can then receive notifications of every new article that is posted here.
2) Follow VP on Twitter @VoxPolitical
3) Like the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/VoxPolitical/
Join the Vox Political Facebook page.
4) You could even make Vox Political your homepage at http://voxpoliticalonline.com
And do share with your family and friends – so they don’t miss out!
If you have appreciated this article, don’t forget to share it using the buttons at the bottom of this page. Politics is about everybody – so let’s try to get everybody involved!
Buy Vox Political books so we can continue
fighting for the facts.
The Livingstone Presumption is now available
in either print or eBook format here:
Health Warning: Government! is now available
in either print or eBook format here:
The first collection, Strong Words and Hard Times,
is still available in either print or eBook format here: