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Divisions continue over opposition parties' Brexit strategy | |
(about 3 hours later) | |
For the last couple of weeks, groups in Parliament opposed to a no-deal Brexit have been talking - but so far, they've failed to agree on tactics. | For the last couple of weeks, groups in Parliament opposed to a no-deal Brexit have been talking - but so far, they've failed to agree on tactics. |
Last week, it was a lack of consensus on who should head an emergency government if Boris Johnson can't get a new deal and refuses to seek a Brexit extension later this month. | Last week, it was a lack of consensus on who should head an emergency government if Boris Johnson can't get a new deal and refuses to seek a Brexit extension later this month. |
Labour said Jeremy Corbyn had to be emergency prime minister if the plan was to work, others didn't. | Labour said Jeremy Corbyn had to be emergency prime minister if the plan was to work, others didn't. |
Timing was also an issue. The SNP wanted to move right away, others didn't. Instead, opposition parties decided to apply for a series of emergency debates designed to force ministers to publish key documents. | Timing was also an issue. The SNP wanted to move right away, others didn't. Instead, opposition parties decided to apply for a series of emergency debates designed to force ministers to publish key documents. |
However, the Speaker, John Bercow, refused to grant the debates, so beyond a few meetings nothing really happened. | However, the Speaker, John Bercow, refused to grant the debates, so beyond a few meetings nothing really happened. |
One attendee texted me in advance of one of those meetings with two emojis: a biscuit and a cup of coffee. | One attendee texted me in advance of one of those meetings with two emojis: a biscuit and a cup of coffee. |
Suffice to say they didn't think much progress was being made. | Suffice to say they didn't think much progress was being made. |
Indeed, the disagreements appear to be getting worse rather than better if the reaction in the last few days - and after their latest meeting on Monday - is anything to go by. | |
Labour say the Lib Dems will be blamed if no-deal happens. | |
The Lib Dems say Mr Corbyn risks becoming the main block to stopping no-deal. | |
The SNP say Labour and the Lib Dems should stop squabbling. | |
Plaid Cymru are urging everyone to calm down. | |
It sounds a bit like general election positioning, but there's a question big mark over whether the differences can be overcome. | |
On ice | |
Monday was originally pencilled in for a Commons ambush - the plan was to pave the way for opposition figures to take control of business from next week to pass more emergency laws on no-deal, or demand more documents in the run-up to 31 October. | |
But that has now been put on ice. | But that has now been put on ice. |
Sources say former Tory MPs expelled last month for refusing to back Mr Johnson's strategy got cold feet and want to give No 10 more time to try and get a new deal with Brussels. | Sources say former Tory MPs expelled last month for refusing to back Mr Johnson's strategy got cold feet and want to give No 10 more time to try and get a new deal with Brussels. |
Those opposition figures who have been frantically trying to get all their MPs to the Commons today are less than pleased. | Those opposition figures who have been frantically trying to get all their MPs to the Commons today are less than pleased. |
Watertight? | Watertight? |
There are different interpretations of how much this matters. | There are different interpretations of how much this matters. |
Some opposition figures are worried Downing Street will be able to bypass legislation to stop no-deal and fear they've missed a chance to act. | Some opposition figures are worried Downing Street will be able to bypass legislation to stop no-deal and fear they've missed a chance to act. |
Others are more relaxed and believe the so-called Benn Act is watertight. | Others are more relaxed and believe the so-called Benn Act is watertight. |
We'll only know for sure at the end of next week - and only if the prime minister fails to agree a new deal with Brussels and get it through Parliament. | We'll only know for sure at the end of next week - and only if the prime minister fails to agree a new deal with Brussels and get it through Parliament. |
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