Democracy calling

This afternoon, the Commons held a democratic vote to stop a present or future Prime Minister democratically suspending democracy in the name of protecting democracy.

And several ministers abstained, and one voted against the Government three line whip, so the Government was defeated by 41 votes. A significant defeat.

And the minister then resigned. Another one.

But, as this is an untried path to block the suspension of Parliament, it is not clear if it works, but it shows Johnson, or Hunt, the strength of feeling in The Commons.

So this doesn't stop no-deal. But it gets us pretty damn close to being able to stop prorogation, if Johnson was fool enough to try it. And it gives us some faith that parliament will stand firm in the battles to come.

But it does not stop no deal, as that requires the UK follow another path, either accepting the WA or cancelling the A50 notification.

Simple choices.

Circumstances in which the amendments don't stop Parliament being suspended:

(1) an Executive is formed in N. Ireland;

(2) Brexit is delayed beyond 18 Dec;

(3) if two reports on forming a NI Executive were published on 4 and 5 Sept, Parl could be suspended from 7/9 to 22/10 inc.