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Denzil_DC

(8,001 posts)
Sat Oct 19, 2019, 08:51 AM Oct 2019

Letwin amendment passes

322 for the amendment
306 against it

Johnson now has to write to the EU requesting an extension to the Brexit deadline.

A major factor in tipping the vote by such a margin was the DUP voting for it.


12 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Letwin amendment passes (Original Post) Denzil_DC Oct 2019 OP
Yeah but he just said he won't... Soph0571 Oct 2019 #1
He's full of bluster and shit, as usual. Denzil_DC Oct 2019 #3
Lord Dyson (no relation) on how the law stands: Denzil_DC Oct 2019 #8
Wonder what Johnson's next move is rurallib Oct 2019 #2
The Tories have walked out of the Commons Mike 03 Oct 2019 #4
That was telegraphed by No. 10 earlier if the Letwin amendment passed. Denzil_DC Oct 2019 #5
Thank you. Mike 03 Oct 2019 #6
I don't think it'll happen now. Denzil_DC Oct 2019 #7
OK, the House of Commons has now officially adjourned till Monday, Denzil_DC Oct 2019 #9
"I'd rather be dead & in a ditch" BooScout Oct 2019 #10
Boris Johnson confirms he will seek Brexit delay, says Brussels muriel_volestrangler Oct 2019 #11
The three letters Johnson sent to Tusk tonight: Denzil_DC Oct 2019 #12

Denzil_DC

(8,001 posts)
3. He's full of bluster and shit, as usual.
Sat Oct 19, 2019, 09:02 AM
Oct 2019

"I will not negotiate a delay with the EU and neither does the law compel me to do so."

I think he'll find it does, due to the Scottish Court of Session decision.

Indications elsewhere are that he'll comply and send the extension request letter.

If not, maybe he'll end up in clink, while the court sends the letter on his behalf.

Nothing can compel him to actively negotiate beyond that, of course.

Denzil_DC

(8,001 posts)
8. Lord Dyson (no relation) on how the law stands:
Sat Oct 19, 2019, 09:27 AM
Oct 2019
The biggest worry now concerns the Benn Act. This law says that if parliament does not approve a Brexit deal, or no deal, by 19th October, Johnson must request an extension to Article 50. The government has given assurances in the courts that the PM will act in accordance with the law. Yet No 10 has aggressively briefed that Johnson will not seek a delay. If the PM refuses to meet his obligation, would the courts forcefully intervene?

“That is, of course, a possibility,” Dyson said. He told me that Jonathan Sumption, another former Supreme Court justice, was recently asked “a question on whether, if Boris Johnson simply crashed out without a deal in breach of the Benn Act, that would be unlawful, and he said ‘yes it would’—and that’s obviously right. As to what the consequence of that would be, well, he wouldn’t be committing a contempt of court unless the court actually injuncted him beforehand.” As yet the courts have not gone beyond seeking government assurances, but a second hearing is scheduled in the Scottish Appeal Court for 21st October, to assess the situation again and, if necessary, make an immediate order.

“If the courts were persuaded to grant an injunction, and Johnson still nevertheless [refused], then he would be committing a contempt of court for which he could be punished, possibly even sent to prison.”

https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/lord-dyson-what-happens-if-johnson-defies-brexit-extension-law-benn-act-parliament-supreme-court

Denzil_DC

(8,001 posts)
5. That was telegraphed by No. 10 earlier if the Letwin amendment passed.
Sat Oct 19, 2019, 09:07 AM
Oct 2019

The debate may continue, but today's main action is over, except for the question of what happens about the withdrawal request letter.

Mike 03

(17,135 posts)
6. Thank you.
Sat Oct 19, 2019, 09:11 AM
Oct 2019

Are they allowed to take up the Kyle Amendment with just the MPs remaining?

Denzil_DC

(8,001 posts)
7. I don't think it'll happen now.
Sat Oct 19, 2019, 09:21 AM
Oct 2019

The Kyle amendment refers to a different motion in favour of a no-deal Brexit, and calls for a second referendum. The government hasn't moved that motion, and it looks like it won't in view of this vote on Letwin.

I think I can now safely go outside and get on with some of the chores I've been putting off anyway!

Denzil_DC

(8,001 posts)
9. OK, the House of Commons has now officially adjourned till Monday,
Sat Oct 19, 2019, 10:11 AM
Oct 2019

so that definitively answers your question!

muriel_volestrangler

(102,625 posts)
11. Boris Johnson confirms he will seek Brexit delay, says Brussels
Sat Oct 19, 2019, 04:27 PM
Oct 2019
Boris Johnson has confirmed in a phone call with the European council president Donald Tusk that he is sending a letter requesting a further Brexit delay beyond 31 October.

Despite the prime minister’s insistence that he would not “negotiate” a further extension of the UK’s membership of the EU, he confirmed on Saturday evening that he would be seeking such an extension.

“Waiting for the letter,” Tusk tweeted. “I just talked to PM Boris Johnson about the situation after the vote in the House of Commons.”

An EU source said that in the call between Tusk and Johnson at 8.15pm Brussels time on Saturday the UK prime minister confirmed that the letter would be sent within hours.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/oct/19/eu-will-grant-brexit-extension-if-johnson-sends-letter-says-brussels

On the Guardian's front page, this is just above "No delays, vows PM after humiliating Commons defeat" ...

Denzil_DC

(8,001 posts)
12. The three letters Johnson sent to Tusk tonight:
Sat Oct 19, 2019, 05:46 PM
Oct 2019

The cover letter:



The extension request, phrased exactly as stipulated by the Benn Act:



(The fact it has no handwritten signature is of no legal significance.)

Johnson's woe-is-me-my-parliament-are-such-a-shower-of-meanies letter, which he bothered to sign:




Tusk has acknowledged receipt of the request and is now acting on it. The two-page whine may be in his office bin.

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