MPs are holding an emergency debate over whether to seize control of the Commons and try to block a no-deal Brexit.
A crucial vote around 10pm tonight will determine whether they can put forward a bill tomorrow which seeks to force an extension to Brexit if no deal is agreed.
Opening the debate, Oliver Letwin said Boris Johnsons negotiating strategy with the EU was like a person standing on one side of a canyon shouting to someone on the other side that if they do not do as he wishes he will throw himself into the abyss.
He said that would not be a credible negotiating strategy or a responsible one, as he would drag the country over the edge with him.
The UK is set to leave the EU without a deal on October 31 if a deal is not agreed next month, or if the prime minister does not go to Brussels to seek an extension.
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A cross-party group of MPs including rebel Tories have put forward a bill which will force the prime minister to seek an extension to Article 50 – unless he either gets a deal and has it agreed by Parliament, or gets Parliament to agree to a No Deal exit.
Mr Letwin said it was decision time for MPs, arguing that uncertainty does create difficulties for business but a no-deal Brexit will create more difficulties for business, in my judgement.
Boris Johnson has warned Tory MPs will lose the party whip if they support the cross-party move to seize control of parliamentary business.
He is also threatening to seek an early General Election if the government is defeated this evening.
Responding this evening, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: We are ready for a General ElRead More – Source
