A small domestic Brexit matter

Before I write any further, just a reminder to you all that what we call Brexit, the UK leaving the European Union is going to happen unless the UK Government either tried to revoke that A50 notification, or the EU stops it, or tries to. Brexit under A50 will happen automatically after 2 years from the day of notification in accordance with the clauses within it. Therefore, for a member of the Cabinet, Government Parliament, etc, accuses someone in their party, another party, or other individuals that they are derailing, or trying to derail Brexit, remember that no one, other than the PM can stop it. It is possible, that at some point, Parliament might try to instruct the PM to stop Brexit, or try to stop it, pause it, whatever. It is unclear whether she would or would have to. Or that Britain on its own could stop it.

The EU and member politicians have said many times in recent months that the UK can change its mind, and it seems to make sense that it could, but the final say on that comes down to our friends in the UCJ.

I say all this as yesterday, the once Great Repeal Bill cleared the COmmons and has been sent to the Lords for their consideration. In the last day of debate and voting on amendments, the Government won every one, in fact it won 45 out of 46 amendment votes in total. The ones last night were regarding releasing the legal opinion on whether Brexit can be stopped, whether rights can be stuck down without Parliamentary review, and so on. A bonfire of rights, with the way paved for Britain to offer lower worker, human, environmental rights that the EU and other countries. And without the approval of Parliament.

Almost all COnservative MPs voted with the whip, even the vocal opponents, and the Tory's nice friends at the DUP voted with them to ensure a Government victory.

Some highlights:

Shadow Brexit Minister Pennycook says Govt going to be in “ludicrous position” of having to amend Withdrawal Bill with Withdrawal Agreement Implementation Bill... ie temporarily repealing the Repeal of European Communities Act for transition

Grieve intervenes: “Virtual certainty”

Pennycook: “its ironic that Tory MPs who voted for Amendment 7 are viewed as having betrayed the Government, while those who actively undermine Government policy get promoted in quick succession”

“Govt cant agree what transition means; can be no clearer evidence than recent appointment of [Suella Fernandes] to Dexeu team, given her past form in seeking to actively undermine Florence policy position by encouraging colleagues to sign ERG letter objecting to crucial aspects”

Closest vote so far on a Lib Dem #Brexit amendment. Just 19 votes behind the Govt. Great to have Labour support on a New Clause which would require Govt to extend or cancel Article 50 if Parliament rejects either the Govt agreement with the EU or No Deal.

On hard Brexiteers wanting to leave EU with no deal: "The most catastrophic act perpetrated by a government in modern history"

On gov's red lines: "currently, and I fear forever, incompatible with that [EU] legal order"