Just leave

When I fought the last election as a Conservative candidate I believed in the words of our Manifesto, echoed  by our Leader. We said we would leave the EU 2 years after sending the notification letter. We said No Deal is better than a bad deal. We said we would leave the single market and customs union. We set out a new UK trade policy. We pledged to take back control of our borders, our laws and our money.

Now the Prime Minister tells us we can either support a Withdrawal Agreement which does none of these things for at least 21 months or maybe for 45 months, or support a delay which puts off all these things. Indeed, there is little difference between the two options, save that the Withdrawal Agreement makes the delay a minimum of 21 months and takes away much of our bargaining position as we try to negotiate a future partnership and some kind of exit from a position of weakness. The Irish backstop is but one of the dreadful features of the Agreement. It means we might never get out of the customs Union  or shake off alignment with all the laws they deem to be related to the single market. There are clearly those in government who have wanted to stay in the  customs union and much of the single market all along, and have been looking for ways to achieve this.

I do not agree with being faced with this pair of options which offers no real choice. I have no wish to tear up the promises I made along with the national party in 2017. I think we should try harder to implement what we promised. The way to do so is as I have often set out, to leave on April 12th (needlessly delayed from March 29th), and aim to initiate trade talks with the EU as we exit.  There is a big backlash from party members and Conservative voters to what the Prime Minister is trying to do.The country has decided by a large margin according to the polls that the Withdrawal Agreement is a bad Treaty to enter. Far from allowing us to sort out Brexit after signing, it would lock us into massively expensive financial and legislative commitments and prejudices our future badly.

The government needs to keep its word. From day to day now we do not know what the government is going to say next, nor who in the government is going to push a different line from the Prime Minister. We wait to see what more of our election  promises are discarded  by the Cabinet.  We are on running 3 line whips all this week including Friday in case the government wants to do something. It is clearly making it up as it goes along, and failing to tell the MPs who are meant to support it what the government  wants or why. I am all for  going to Parliament to do good things for our constituents, but so far there are general debates on Wednesday and Thursday. As there are  no votes on those two days in the current business  and nothing to do on  Friday why the 3 line whip? If you want to get MPs to respect the whip more, it has to be applied for good reason.

279 Comments

  1. oldtimer
    April 8, 2019

    The government is a shambles and a disgrace. Conservative MPs should tell Mrs May she is no longer wanted on voyage. Recently a Daily Telegraph columnist likened her to Captain Queeg. It was an apt description.

    1. Peter Wood
      April 8, 2019

      Just so; Mrs May IS the problem and yet she remains in office. How is that the Conservative party keep her there?

      1. Peter
        April 8, 2019

        Maybe the Conservative party is not what it was? Removing leaders always used to be accomplished, when necessary, in the past.

        Sir John Redwood’s article today reads like one of the many, familiar replies on here – a mixture of exasperation, frustration and bewilderment:-

        ‘We do not know what the government is going to say next…..’

      2. Hope
        April 8, 2019

        May is now forcing your party to field MEPs to contest EU elections, what is your theme for the campaign?

        Who in their right mind would believe any canvasser on their doorstep? I think it would be less humiliating for your party to concede all seats rather than seek candidates. Same for local elections in May.

        1. Alison M
          April 8, 2019

          Someone on the DT had a good idea, get the chief executive of the Conservative party to revoke Teresa May’s Conservative membership for bringing the party into disrepute.
          Sorted

        2. javelin
          April 9, 2019

          A vote for a Conservative councillor or MEP is a vote for May.

    2. L Jones
      April 8, 2019

      Will we be told WHY they can’t get rid of her if she’s so unfit for purpose?
      How would a private concern handle it if one of its chief executives were working against the company and having shady dealings with their rivals?

      1. oldtimer
        April 8, 2019

        The CEO would be shown the door without delay.

        1. Merlin
          April 8, 2019

          I agree, but she’s in a terrible fix.

          The customs union doesn’t deliver on the referendum, as it means we have to accept E.U citizens.

          No deal doesn’t deliver on the referendum as it doesn’t deliver the deal we were promised.

          She’s stuck between a rock and a hard place.

          1. David Price
            April 9, 2019

            We were not promised a deal.

            The government promised it would implement our decision to leave. It has not done so. Parliament and the government are reneging on it’s promise.

        2. Hope
          April 8, 2019

          Tory associations must withdraw all support immediately if the party wishes to have a chance of surviving.

      2. Tad Davison
        April 8, 2019

        If the rules say Theresa May can’t be challenged for another 10 or so months, then the rules are in error.

        It’s no good for a despot to remain in post, all the time taking a given nation to the brink of disaster, and politicians meekly saying, it’s no good, we can’t do anything to remove them because the rules don’t allow it. When the despot’s urgent removal is for the greater good, a mechanism simply has to be found.

        In May’s case, it couldn’t be clearer. She has already proved she has no intention of honouring her promises to get the UK out of the EU. She wants to tie us inexorably to a dangerous undemocratic monolith. She has gone against her own words and assurances and should therefore be disqualified from holding office.

        If the Tories are unconcerned and wish to see their party traduced and reduced to an unelectable rump through their unwillingness to to lose an unpopular leader, then that’s up to them.

        1. Hope
          April 9, 2019

          But the constitution can be changed to remain in the EU! It is simply not true that the Tories cannot get rid of her. Truth is they do not want to.

    3. Hope
      April 8, 2019

      JR, what we know is that Traitor May has been underhand, dishonest and lied to keep the the UK in the EU by different names and by two treaties that would last forever. Her MO to lie then bounce cabinet or parliament at the last minute to vote blinded from knowing the full truth. This is dishonest.

      Nigel Evans MP agrees with you he says you cannot beleive anything May says about Brexit. DUP say the backstop is based on a lie to con the people. Take that as your starting point and foundation for any decision to be made if you wish. Far better to get rid of her as she is not trustworthy and is dishonest.

      Out here in the real world people think if she opens her mouth she is living.

    4. Nicholas Murphy
      April 8, 2019

      They need to walk out of the chamber – NOT cross the floor – whenever she stands up at the Despatch Box.

    5. oldtimer
      April 8, 2019

      PS Some say that the EU (prompted by Macron) will only grant Mrs May an extension if it is (a) very long and (b) comes with restrictive conditions.

      The Cabinet and Conservative MPs must signal, very publicly to Mrs May, that she must not extend the leaving date nor accept restrictive conditions. The watchwords must be:
      No taxation without representation and
      No regulation without representation.
      This is the essence of the case for Leave.

      The last time she attended a Council of Ministers meeting she committed the UK to the current extension, via a letter written by a civil servant, without the authority of a SI. Parliament was asked to rubber stamp it after the event. This outrage must not be repeated. This time she should be told by the Cabinet that she has no authority to commit the country in this way.

    6. Stephen Priest
      April 8, 2019

      I see she’s off to grovel to Macron and Merkel (again) tomorrow.

    7. Tad Davison
      April 8, 2019

      Anne Widdecombe said recently that Theresa May was the worst Prime Minister since Anthony Eden, so I re-visited a few books and documentaries to see if I could agree. Eden did indeed make some massive foreign policy mistakes, but they are as nothing compared to May’s abject betrayal to a foreign power.

      And not just any old foreign power. One that seeks to control us from a centralised bureaucracy over which we have no democratic redress. I cannot believe Eden would ever have done such a thing for he was essentially a patriot.

    8. Mitchel
      April 8, 2019

      More like Captain Ahab I would have said:

      “Swerve me?

      The path to my fixed purpose is laid with iron rails whereon my soul is grooved to run.

      Over unsounded gorges,through rifled hearts of mountains,under torrents’ beds,unerringly I rush!

      Naught’s an obstacle,naught’s an angle to the iron way!”

      That memorable scene from John Huston’s 1950’s film adaption with a lifeless Ahab strapped to Moby Dick,his arm swinging back and forth beckoning his surving crew to their doom resonates!

    9. Melvin Cornwell
      April 8, 2019

      For sure, May is our Catain Queeg, yet we do not appear to have our Stephen Maryk character to wrestle control from her now that she has shown her ineptitude and cowardice..

  2. DaveM
    April 8, 2019

    This whole country is “on hold” waiting for Brexit and for May to go.

    No one wants her deal, no one wants her as PM. In all the 30-odd years I’ve been watching politics I’ve not seen anything like this. Your party is going to self-destruct, and in doing so make a Corbyn/Abbott/McDonnell/Thornberry/Long-Bailey government more likely. It’s awful. And I’m an optimist!

    1. Mike Stallard
      April 8, 2019

      Worry not – this very week, we are going to be thrown out of the EEA and the EU. The EU calls the shots, not parliament. Not Mrs May. She has got nothing to offer them except abject surrender.

      1. Doug Powell
        April 8, 2019

        Mike, I wish you were right, but it wishful thinking I’m afraid. The last thing the EU will do is kill the milch cow!

      2. Richard Hobbs
        April 8, 2019

        My goodness, I hope you are right. This has all gone on for too long and our politicians need to grasp the nettle and change the government. I live in Canada and can see how silly and weak the UK now looks abroad. I am really upset on behalf of my country. Mrs. Thatcher was let go and she was a strong leader, so why cant the same happen to Mrs. May. To use the vernacular, my own point of view is that we have been shafted!!

      3. Alan Jutson
        April 8, 2019

        Mike

        We will not be thrown out, because they still want our money.

        Otherwise I agree with your comments.

      4. Mark B
        April 8, 2019

        Mike

        They cannot throw us out. All they can do is deny an extension. The thing is, parliament in its wisdom has decided to legislate against that, so we will have to withdraw Art.50.

        Clever eh ?

      5. Alison
        April 8, 2019

        Not only does the EU want our money, it is desperate to show that people (a) don’t want to leave (that’s what they will claim), and (b) that it’s difficult to leave.
        If we did not have a bunch of remainers in control, the UK would be sailing out with ease, pride and confidence.

      6. rose
        April 8, 2019

        Macron isn’t going to throw us out. His FTT won’t raise much without us.

    2. Stephen Priest
      April 8, 2019

      Even the law that would rule out “no deal” makes no sense. How do you define a deal?

      Any one of the arrangements already made in case of “no deal” could count as a “deal”.

    3. Julie Dyson
      April 8, 2019

      “No one wants her deal, no one wants her as PM.”

      There is something deeply wrong with our system of government, in which we have always taken such pride, when the will of so few can simply ignore the wishes of so many. This is not fair and trusted government of the many by the few, it is absolute despotism.

      Rather ironically, it seems we may have to pin a slim hope to someone like Macron deciding they want no more to do with us, potentially forcing a No Deal on the 12th.

      1. DaveM
        April 8, 2019

        Let’s hope Macron sees himself as the heir to de Gaulle. Unlikely though. He probably takes his orders from Juncker and Merkel too.

      2. Merlin
        April 8, 2019

        Er … you seem to be implying No Deal is delivering on the referendum,

        The leaflet made no mention of No Deal. We were given choices of Canada, Norway or Japan-style deals.

        No Deal was only brought up as an option about a year ago. Nobody voted for it – and it is every bit as non-democratic as a customs union.

        1. Edward2
          April 9, 2019

          The PM said over 100 times “no deal is better than a bad deal”
          Cameron made many speeches saying leaving the EU meant leaving the CU SM and the supremacy of the ECJ.
          You are making stuff up Merlin.

    4. Hope
      April 8, 2019

      Brexit will not happen while May is in office. Full stop. That has been proven over the last three years.

      1. Richard
        April 8, 2019

        Andrea Leadsom tells MPs that if the Yvette Cooper EU Withdrawal Bill gets Royal Assent tonight, the Government will table a motion later for a 90-minute debate tomorrow under the terms of the Bill, mandating the PM to seek an Arricle 50 extension.

        Connivance done most expeditously! But for the masses May pretends that she merely bows to parliament’s will.

    5. L Jones
      April 8, 2019

      And WHY won’t they ‘remove her’? Surely there must be some protocol or procedure whereby a PM who is causing damage or dissent can be removed. If not – set a precedent!

      She is making all her colleagues look foolish, or worse.

      1. Leslie Singleton
        April 8, 2019

        Dear LJ–Bonkers though it is, a lot of them want to let her depart with dignity or to allow her to protect her legacy. Can’t imagine why–does her being a woman have anything to do with it? Or perhaps people feel sorry for her, I feel sorry for Oxford having lost the Boat Race but they still lost. Personally I’d boot her out as unceremoniously as possible. Her effect has been pernicious almost evil and I don’t care whether she intended what she has achieved or not. She is the PM and has been outwitted right and left and has no shred of ability to inspire the nation. A leader needs charisma and she ain’t got any. Bring on Boris before it’s too late.

      2. John Hatfield
        April 8, 2019

        LJ, I no more understand than you do but it seems to me that the people who put her there are the same ones keeping her there.
        Who are these ‘people’? No idea, except perhaps they have a lot of money and may also have influence in Brussels.

      3. JoolsB
        April 8, 2019

        Totally agree and she is making our country a laughing stock.

      4. Hope
        April 8, 2019

        I think you mean our nation is now being ridiculed around Europe and English speaking nations like US, Australia etc. All because the Tory party will not get rid of May. Democracy demands she must go and go now.

  3. Bob Dixon
    April 8, 2019

    The Government and our Prime Minister are behaving like chickens when their heads are chopped off. They are dead but their nervesus systems are still working.God Help Us.

    1. Andy
      April 8, 2019

      The are behaving like adults – and not like petulant toddlers. Which you’d hope is the minimum standard we should expect.

      1. Roy Grainger
        April 8, 2019

        A million petulant toddlers marched through London the other day.

        1. Martin R
          April 8, 2019

          400,000 actually.

      2. libertarian
        April 8, 2019

        Andy

        Coming from the ultimate petulant toddler that you are I suppose May does look more of a grown up to you

      3. Steve
        April 8, 2019

        Andy

        Actually many of them behave like flatulent fools.

    2. Hope
      April 8, 2019

      Traitor May’s servitude plan has the same credibility as Cameron’s lie that he reformed the EU!

  4. MOC
    April 8, 2019

    Did the prime minister ever intend to leave the EU in any meaningful sense, do you think?

    Her actions make it appear not.

    1. eeyore
      April 8, 2019

      She could keep her promises and leave today by proroguing. Draw your own conclusion.

    2. Everhopeful
      April 8, 2019

      MOC

      The aim was to string us along with this ludicrous, scripted drama.
      To divert our attention from…the viability WTO Article 24? From the idea that Art 50 is just an elephant trap?
      Maybe just playing for time until May could impose something at the 12th hour?
      Staggeringly Machiavellian.
      The political classes never wanted to leave.

    3. Ian
      April 8, 2019

      Her contrivance all along gave the appearance that a way to stay under EU control was the aim

    4. Lifelogic
      April 8, 2019

      A good question. In failing to be serious about leaving with no deal (unless something better was offered) then Theresa May virtually ensured that only an appalling and totally unacceptable deal was offered by the EU. Either this was her plan from the outset (and she was lying) or she was a totally incompetent.

      Either way she must go now (as the worse PM in living memory & with some very stiff competition) before we get Corbyn/Mc Donnall/SNP and Venezuela Mk II.

      So the government has spent billions of our taxes on modifying road junctions and controls which has increased congestion, pollution and journey times. Well done!

      Well on the way to the highest and most complex taxes for 70 years now. Then Hammond complains about the “productivity problem”. But they are the cause. High tax level are hugely damaging to the economy (as are the expensive green crap energy policies). This especially as most government spending is so very wasteful, incompetent, misdirected or actually does positive harm as we see above.

    5. Brian Tomkinson
      April 8, 2019

      I am convinced that she always intended to keep us in EU one way or another and has conspired with the EU and others to bring that about.

    6. Turboterrier
      April 8, 2019

      Never in a thousand years. She will destroy the party and the country before she does anything positive to get us out of a crumbling political cartel.

    7. James1
      April 8, 2019

      How dare Mrs May go to an EU summit in the posture of a supplicant. She should not be asking what they are willing to grant us. A leader of this country worthy to be named Prime Minister would simply tell them what we are doing and confirm that we are happy to continue with free trading arrangements. That’s it. Nothing more.

    8. John Hatfield
      April 8, 2019

      Perhaps when she was first elected and made all those promises, she hadn’t quite got the picture. They hadn’t explained things to her yet.

  5. Pominoz
    April 8, 2019

    Sir John,

    Thank you for today’s posting. Those who voted to leave see the simple ‘Get out on 12th April on WTO terms’ as he most obvious thing in the world to overcome this hiatus in British personal and business life. More and more MPs seem less against the idea of leaving now, when the alternatives include the treacherous WA, a long delay or cancellation of Article 50.

    What is it about this WA that is sacrosanct to Mrs May? It is, to my mind, the fundamental plank in a strategy agreed by My and all her carefully chosen pro-EU entourage, agreed at the outset on (non?) negotiations to ensure she delivers to her EU pals, the UK on a platter. How can anyone betray so badly, and so blatantly, the future prospects of their own country? It seems that some of your colleagues who faltered at MV3 are now seeing the betrayal which would result if the WA was approved.

    The prospects of world trade once we are outside the EU are incredible provide we move forward with the confidence which this once-proud nation should be entitled to feel. The insidious negative attitude of the ‘Establishment’ must be cast aside.

    Please continue to do all you can to GET US OIT NOW and avoid the disaster for the country and the Conservative Party.

  6. Everhopeful
    April 8, 2019

    The existential threat of Corbyn is too massive for
    Hesitation
    Party loyalty
    Wasting any more time.
    Is May expecting to whip you all into voting the minute she and her new best friend arrive at an agreement?

  7. Dougal Hamer
    April 8, 2019

    The polls are very clear – they say NO to no deal. We need a deal or we need to remain

    1. Julie Dyson
      April 8, 2019

      Huh? Which polls? Even Yougov now has No Deal as the preferred option — as published recently in the Evening Standard (itself hardly a Brexit bandwagon!).

    2. Lifelogic
      April 8, 2019

      May’s deal is even worse that remain. Most sensible people want to leave now (on WTO terms) and negotiate deals as needed without putting May’s £39 billion vassal state straight jacket on and giving the EU the key.

    3. Jagman84
      April 8, 2019

      Which one have you cherry-picked? And what was the question they asked to get this result? The devil is in the detail….

    4. a-tracy
      April 8, 2019

      Which polls? who was asked?
      Have you ever answered a poll Dougal, if so from which company?

    5. Lynn Atkinson
      April 8, 2019

      UK, YouGov poll:

      European Union membership referendum

      Scenario: If Britain has not agreed a deal by 12th April

      Leave with no Deal: 51% (+9)
      Remain: 49% (-9)

      +/- with regular Remain vs. No Deal Question of Dec/Jan

      Fieldwork: 31/03/19-01/04/19

    6. Oldrightie
      April 8, 2019

      Article 50 has within it and enshrined in law a WTO arrangement which maintains a relationship to continue trading much as we do now until a replacement trade agreement is in place. It was always a binding deal to enable a Nation to leave the EUSSR. All the rubbish, procrastination and collusion is from self interested factions, the Mandarin class part of that dreadful cabal, that does not wish us to snatch away multi million career paths. Or access to the corruption so rife and accessible for many who want desperately to “remain”.

    7. oldwulf
      April 8, 2019

      Polls are never very clear and are often wrong.

    8. Oh Danny Boy
      April 8, 2019

      Utter nonsense.

    9. L Jones
      April 8, 2019

      Which ‘polls’ are you reading, then, Mr Hamer? None that I have.

      But then, there are lies, damned lies and statistics, aren’t there?

    10. Melvin Cornwell
      April 8, 2019

      Dougal Hamer – the polls do NOT say No to No Deal – it is only the hardcore of traitorous remain MPs that are saying it. The vast majority of the public are KEEN to leave on WTO/ No Deal. And you seem to have overlooked the fact that remain was removed from the equation, way back in June 2016. There is just one person preventing us from leaving right now on WTO terms, and she has long since lost the plot.

    11. Al
      April 8, 2019

      The polls also say no to Theresa May’s deal, and the referendum said no to Remain.

    12. Steve
      April 8, 2019

      Dougal Hamer

      Why do we need a deal ? we didn’t vote for any deal. We voted to just leave.

    13. matthu
      April 8, 2019

      What polls? Yougov? ComRes? Madeup?

    14. Julian Flood
      April 8, 2019

      Our market stall polling says different. Out with no deal on WTO rules wins against remain by over two to one.

      JF

  8. Richard1
    April 8, 2019

    clearly we aren’t just leaving so I suggest focusing on what to do now. If Mrs May and Mr Corbyn manage to get their parody of brexit through I would join all those remainers wanting another referendum, remain being better than Brino with a permanent CU. All focus should be on getting rid of Mrs May so as to stop that. Best Option is the long extension which she can’t justify staying on though and which goes well past next Dec when she can be challenged again.

  9. The Quiet Man
    April 8, 2019

    May’s deal is Merkle’s deal a total surrender to the EU with then still controlling our immigration policy and our legal system . When we need great leadership like during WW11 we got it in Churchill today again we great leadership but its sadly lacking.
    Do these lemmings like Hammond and Rudd think people are going to vote them back into office, Rudd I think has a majority of over 330 she has no chance.
    The people of this country are sick of what this country has turned into London a prime example. No point in blaming Labour the Tories are just as bad, oppressed with political correctness and appeasing ever looney group.

  10. agricola
    April 8, 2019

    I too believed in what you describe above re the direction of our government. I am aghast at what May has chosen to do, her mendacity, and devious support for her WA. and nothing else but staying in the EU.

    Out here in the real world we conclude there is only one answer. Rid yourselves and us of what has to be the worst, anti British PM in living memory, and that goes back to Chamberlain and includes many dodgy
    examples.

    1. Alison M
      April 8, 2019

      I agree entirely. I hope that Graham Brady is not falling for ANYTHING that slippery woman says. I hope all the Conservative MPs are putting in their letters to the 1922 committee, because she said at the last vote she would stay as long as they wanted her to. As soon as Graham Brady has the numbers he needs to insist that she goes immediately.
      Andrea Leadsom was second on the MPs last ballot so could legitimately act as interim PM until there is an election of the Conservative leader.
      No more delay please things are getting desperate

  11. agricola
    April 8, 2019

    I too believed in what you describe above re the direction of our government. I am aghast at what May has chosen to do, her mendacity, and devious support for her WA. and nothing else but staying in the EU.

    Out here in the real world we conclude there is only one answer. Rid yourselves and us of what has to be the worst, anti British PM in living memory, and that goes back to Chamberlain and includes many dodgy
    examples…..

  12. Bryan Harris
    April 8, 2019

    May is trying to give our country away at no cost to the EU – She has surely fallen in love with the EU dream such that her faculties have been affected, for she no longer works for the benefit of UK people. This is what has been recognized by most of the population.

    Every great nation that came before us ruled their sphere, but didn’t endure – this happened because they fell apart from within, not always because of more powerful enemies. When a society has been perverted from its goals and morals it will fall unless it purges itself of the bad things affecting it. In our case it is overwhelming socialist dogma, and leaders that have lost their way.

  13. Dominic
    April 8, 2019

    The EU is a cancer in domestic politics. We’ve seen it Italy. In Poland. In Greece. In Hungary. Other nations simply lie down and allow Merkel and Juncker to walk all over them. And now the UK rolls over

    May’s WA is in the bag which may explain this sombre delivering this morning.

    She played hard and fast with the rules of the Parliamentary game and won the battle. The ERG, the only bloc capable of preventing her tyrannical behaviour, chose to behave like gentlemen and, lost thereby delivering servitude on a golden platter to Merkel.

    How is is that one politician, namely Nigel Farage, is able to force a Tory government into offering a referendum on our membership of the EU and yet 200 Tory MPs are unable to stop her from destroying our nation? Farage is not even an MP.

    The ERG should’ve split from the Tory party and smashed the rules of the game. They chose to roll over.

  14. agricola
    April 8, 2019

    Computers like Captcha cannot think and so they duplicate.

    1. hefner
      April 8, 2019

      No, not true. If you had not added some additional dots after your last word, Captcha would have recognized you were trying to submit the same message again and would have prevented you from doing it. Typical “it’s the computer’s fault”. Sigh …

  15. J Bush
    April 8, 2019

    Why are politicians allowing her to behave like a dictator?

    1. miami.mode
      April 8, 2019

      JB. Mrs May has gone rogue and is obviously determined to get some sort of deal through at any price.

      She has ultimate executive powers and Dominic Grieve was probably correct this morning when he said on TV she could probably send a letter to the EU revoking Article 50 without reference to anyone at all.

    2. Tad Davison
      April 8, 2019

      Because they are either complicit, impotent by design, careerists money-grabbers, or just plain frit.

    3. L Jones
      April 8, 2019

      Yes – why? Why don’t they tell us why?
      Do they think the complexities of Parliamentary procedure will be lost on us?

  16. Iain Gill
    April 8, 2019

    Well said John

  17. Neil Turrell
    April 8, 2019

    I think she’s been running scared since she lost her majority in the last GE. I think she’s driven by her desire to remain in office at any cost. I further believe that she wanted a withdrawal treaty that the EU was bound to agree, and that’s why she appealed to them to draw it up, with significant German influence. The treaty is designed to minimise our capacity for independent action in the years after we leave so that other countries will not be tempted to follow suit and the great integration project can go ahead. I think the PM lacks empathy, team spirit and leadership. Unless the Cabinet acts together, unlikely with characters such as Gove and Hammond, I think she will stick to office like a limpet and continue to damage our standing in the world and our prospects for the future.

  18. Mark B
    April 8, 2019

    Good morning

    Let us point out a few things we know.

    1. The PM can not be challenged until December. So our wait is not as long as it first may seem.

    2. The opposition may try for another vote of no confidence in the government. In fact now that the PM is consulting JC it would be a good idea for the ERG to let it be known that they may abstain.

    3. The PM has stated she will not fight another election. That means that if the above were to happen she would have to resign. Not that I think she would.

    4. We will have to participate in the Europarl elections. I for one will be most looking forward to it.

    5. Local elections in May are going to be interesting.

    6. TM knows she is finished and does not care about the Tory party. That much is clear.

    In conclusion. I am afraid Sir John you have a Cuckoo in the best and, just as the way with that bird, you will be turfed out in short order unless you do something fast. Alas you do not have the luxury of time and tour option are limited. Your loyalty to tour leader and party is admirable but, your loyalty to our Soverteign and her people should be greater.

  19. Nigl
    April 8, 2019

    Apparently the PM is driven by duty. If so her duty is to resign immediately as she has caused this shambles together with her Cabinet appeasers.

    1. Lifelogic
      April 8, 2019

      Indeed her duty is clearly to resign and take Tax to Death/project fear pusher Hammond and the rest of the Traitors with her now.

    2. Mark B
      April 8, 2019

      Yes. But duty to whom ?

  20. Adam
    April 8, 2019

    A Govt that fails to keep its word loses its right to speak.

    1. Lifelogic
      April 8, 2019

      Well nearly all politicians do lie alas Blair promise a referendum on the EU constitution so they just called it a Treaty and pushed it through with one. Cameron said he was a Cast Iron EUsceptic and low tax Conservative at Heart – what a sick joke that was.

      They nearly all promise lower taxes and better public service but invariably deliver the exact opposite. We are well on our way to the highest taxes for 70 years under Hammond and this does not even include rip off parking taxes, ‘congestion’ taxes BBC taxes, bus lane taxes, Green crap energy taxes, Khan’s motorist mugging taxes, probate taxes, death certificate taxes, building control and planning taxes, planning gain contribution to social housing taxes, bus lane taxes, one day off school taxes, refuse collection fine taxes, passport fees and land registry fee taxes ……. plus all the rest.

      .

    2. Tad Davison
      April 8, 2019

      May doesn’t keep her word and she sure as hell doesn’t speak for me! I have never yet found myself in accord with traitors who would do this nation down.

  21. Mike Stallard
    April 8, 2019

    Customs Union? Zollverein? They are historic tricks to enter the EU by stealth.

    If we want to arrange a free trade arrangement, by far the easiest one is to leave the Single Market (aka EU/EEA) and go for the Efta/EEA one instead. We have now just got a couple of days to do it


    So that is out.

    Second best: just leave and then go, cap in hand begging for a trade arrangement with the EU? No! Why not turn to our fellow Anglosphere members like the USA? Canada, Australasia, South Africa? India? Africa?

    Banging on about the Withdrawal Treaty is just a waste of time and the silly threats uttered by the Prime Minister must not be allowed to cajole any MP.

  22. Dave Andrews
    April 8, 2019

    I anticipate talks will break down, and the politicians will opt for their favourite option – kick the can down the road. This time for the one year extension.
    This will mean further humiliation for the Conservative Party in the European Elections, but it’s a price the PM will be prepared to pay for staying in No 10 a bit longer.

  23. Old Albion
    April 8, 2019

    I now believe if April 12th passes and we have not left the EU, we never will. May and all the cowards in Parliament who cannot accept democracy, have betrayed the British public.
    I will be done with it all. I’ll see my remaining (no pun intended) years out as a non voting citizen.

    1. a-tracy
      April 8, 2019

      This “I won’t vote again” is perfect for the parliamentarians, they can get elected if only 10% of the public come out there is no quorum necessary of say 50% of the electorate has to come out to authenticate the representative elected and the main political parties know they can get their colour rosette supporters to number 10-20% anyway.

      It’s an empty threat like telling a child you will punish them in a certain way with no intention of ever following through that child will never behave. What will eventually happen in that situation though is that extreme groups rise.

    2. Original Richard
      April 8, 2019

      Non voting citizens is just what they want.

    3. Tad Davison
      April 8, 2019

      That would suit them just fine OA, the elimination of all opposition through abstention. Far better to vote for a solid proven eurosceptic if you’re fortunate enough to live in their constituency, or for a minor Eurosceptic party.

    4. SueW
      April 8, 2019

      Old Albion, I’m afraid I don’t think they’ll care that you don’t vote. I believe the thing to do is to vote for a candidate from outside of those parties who have shown themselves unworthy of our trust. I’m starting with my local county council elections in May where I will be voting for an independent, since neither the Brexit Party nor UKIP have fielded candidates.

    5. graham1946
      April 8, 2019

      Me too OA.

      Interesting this morning on our local radio, the Political Reporter was saying Tory activists are tearing up their membership cards in droves and won’t go out canvassing or leafleting for the local elections next month. She also said money is drying up fast.
      Good.

    6. L Jones
      April 8, 2019

      Don’t be a naysayer, Albion. This is not the time to start speaking the EXACT words that are music to remainers’ ears.
      This is the time to stiffen the resolve, not cringe under fire. It may get even heavier. Tough. ‘Bring it on’ as someone has said recently.

    7. Nicky Roberts
      April 8, 2019

      Old Albion, I understand exactly how you feel but can I encourage you to think again. This is exactly what dictators want. May and the EU are trying to wear us down so we forget, forgive, move on etc. The only way to stand up to this is to bounce right back again. I too would never vote for the Conservatives or Labour, I will however vote for the Brexit Party if I can, and I will continue to lobby for the 17.4 million people who voted in good faith and whose votes have been trashed.

    8. Julian Flood
      April 8, 2019

      That’ll show ’em.

      JF

  24. APL
    April 8, 2019

    JR: “There is a big backlash from party members and Conservative voters to what the Prime Minister is trying to do.”

    Theresa May should get the same treatment as Dominic Grieve. If her constituency party ‘had a pair’, she would be fending off a vote on no confidence right now.

    The Tory party has got away with wagging the dog for four decades too long.

    1. MickN
      April 8, 2019

      It seems that moves are afoot to do just that.

  25. Dame Rita Webb
    April 8, 2019

    JR you and your colleagues need to go on strike, ignore the whips and stop voting for her. Thats the only way you are going to dislodge her.

    1. L Jones
      April 8, 2019

      Dame Rita – WHY is it the ‘only way’? Are there no other ways? If not, why not?
      A way would have to be found if she were thought to be in some way lacking in capacity, wouldn’t it? So why not simply because she is a huge liability to the country and her party?

  26. jack Snell
    April 8, 2019

    1/ If we leave the way you are proposing, which might very well happen Friday 12th, there won’t be a future partnership with them- there may very well be trade of sorts by WTO rules but it won’t be a partnership

    2/ The Backstop was negotiated by UK’s DD and May as much as by Barnier it should not be the problem it is made out to be because it is just an insurance clause in case future talks don’t work out, and in any case will be all gone along with the border when Irish unification comes about probably in ten years or so- hope you’re not in that camp that thinks Ireland will be divided forevermore by a British border drawn 100 years ago?

    3/ Again you miss the point about the WA- because it is only that- it is not a future deal. The WA is to bring closure to the past- ie. the 39billion owing for commitments and promises made when we were making the decisions along with the rest of them at the top table. You don’t seriously think we can just walk away from our responsibilities in this regard and that on the following day everything will be hunky dory?

    4/ Why pretend you do not know the reason for the three line whip on Friday. Friday is ‘D’ day and with everything else going on in the PMs mad mind if it doesn’t work out then she might think it time for the nuclear option- ie. revoke A50 on the 12th- of course it will all have been quietly worked out beforehand with EU chiefs, probably on Wednesday at the EU Council meeting- so another interesting week lies ahead- only the choreography needs to be played out now- almost there

  27. Freud chips
    April 8, 2019

    We looked on with interest at Mrs May on the Director’s couch.
    Now know why she is still a starring PM.

  28. MikeP
    April 8, 2019

    “We pledged to take back control of our borders, our laws and our money”.

    The most despicable thing about this is hearing the PM constantly claiming that her Withdrawal Agreement *does* do all of those things, when it patently doesn’t and would be a disastrous dereliction of duty to sign such a treaty.
    Hot on its heals is the perpetual muddying of the language, calling the WA a “deal” as though to re-assure us that it’s like a free trade deal so maintains business as usual. None of this is necessary, we should just leave.

    1. Lifelogic
      April 8, 2019

      Indeed if she says it much more I will have to smash my TV and radios. No one is fooled dear, you daft, lying robotic liability.

      1. Lifelogic
        April 8, 2019

        Is she perhaps trying to Make John Major look half competent?

  29. Oggy
    April 8, 2019

    SJR – ‘Why the 3 line whip all week ?’ Maybe she is waiting for the EU summit on Wednesday to say no more extensions and then I wouldn’t put it past her to try to revoke A50.
    She has never had any intention of leaving the EU in any meaningful way. You have been betrayed and we have been betrayed by this awful PM.
    The stakes are now very high, she needs to go before she causes insurrection in this country.

  30. Alan Jutson
    April 8, 2019

    Sounds like your as fed up, bemused, and disgusted like the rest of us John.

    Signing her surrender document is as you say another 4 years (plus possible extensions) of uncertainty for business, along with everything else.

    Remember those John Cleese Video Arts management training films of decades past, its like viewing one of those on how not to negotiate..

  31. Ian Wilson
    April 8, 2019

    Your comments are spot on as usual – just leave is absolutely right.
    I dearly wish we had someone like yourself or Owen Paterson as leader.

  32. Roy Grainger
    April 8, 2019

    The actual choice May seemed to be presenting us in her artfully contrived video is some deal she is cooking up with Corbyn or no Brexit at all. As her Corbyn deal must (according to the EU) contain the WA unaltered, backstop and all, which she said herself is unlikely to pass then in her mind no Brexit at all is the choice. Fine. Let’s see how she votes in the A50 withdrawal debate. Let’s see if she whips that vote.

    1. L Jones
      April 8, 2019

      ‘Artfully contrived video’? It was dreadful! I think someone was ‘avin a larf, and they certainly succeeded in making her look a prize idiot.
      She is supposed to be statesmanlike – not behaving like someone on a TV chat show.

  33. ChrissyG
    April 8, 2019

    I’m really worried (scared actually) about what’s happening & who’s in charge. Someone really does need to stop this betrayal & madness. In my humble opinion, Mrs May is out of control & incapable of admitting she’s out of her depth. Why aren’t the cabinet stopping her? Are they so weak they’re prepared to see our wonderful country become a lackey of the EU & a joke in the eyes of the world?

    1. Jim R
      April 8, 2019

      Yes

  34. Robbie1975
    April 8, 2019

    Dear John,
    Why don’t all MPs of your persuasion (including those in Cabinet) stop attending the Commons and instead, in protest, set up stall outside on College Green or wherever. When May resigns and the Commons nonsense stops, you can go back in. Maybe add a hunger strike to boot. You are more expert and in a better position to judge, but won’t continued column inches and Commons speeches just fail? And if so, isn’t there something more, in the spirit of protest, that you can legitimately do?

    1. Ian Pennell
      April 8, 2019

      @Robbie1975

      A truly brave idea would be the following.

      1) Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party wipes the floor with all established Parties in the Euro elections.
      2) With the Brexit Party then riding high in the polls 100 brave ERG and Brexit- supporting Conservative MPs (including our esteemed host) DEFECT en-masse to the Brexit Party.
      3) The Brexit Party rises high in the polls and becomes a contender to win the next Election.
      4) Brexit Party MPs join with Labour to force Vote of No Confidence in the Government.
      5) Brexit Party fights General Election with a full slate of candidates on a WTO “No Deal” Brexit platform with a promise of big tax cuts, massive infrastructure investment and house- building programme funded from saving EU contributions and ending Foreign Aid (and borrowing a bit more).
      6) Brexit Party wins Election with huge Majority with Nigel Farage as Prime Minister and Sir John Redwood as Chancellor of the Exchequer.
      7) Britain leaves the EU on WTO terms. Tax cuts revitalise the economy in a big way.

      But would any Conservative MP be willing to sacrifice/ risk their ÂŁ74,000 per annum (plus) income to undertake such a bold move for the long-term good of the country and to save Brexit? Would their wives and families (dependent on their income) let them do this? I would hope that there are some MPs with such courage if they see the Conservatives 20% behind Labour in the polls (and no hope of re-election)- whilst a Brexit Party polling at 15% has much more potential if only it were given strong public endorcement.

      Ian Pennell

  35. Ian wragg
    April 8, 2019

    Let’s face it John, the signs have been there for over a year but MPs have done nothing about it. No or little preperation for No deal.
    Chequers and many more.
    May has been battling for Brussels and the annihilation of the Tory Party is all but guaranteed.
    I have paid my ÂŁ25 to the Brexit Party and hope that they wipe the floor at the EU election s.
    Never before have I felt so ashamed of my country and the loathsome idiots that govern.

    1. MickN
      April 8, 2019

      I echo Ian’s thoughts and have also paid my ÂŁ25

    2. Stevie
      April 8, 2019

      I paid ÂŁ50 but apart from a receipt heard nothing from them

    3. ChrissyG
      April 9, 2019

      I’ve paid £25 x 2 for my husband & I to become members of Thr Brexit Party (sorry JR). Happy to give them time too to organise themselves into a serious contender before the EU elections. It’s time for The Leavers to be heard once more. Bring it on! I’m beyond angry that our democratic votes have been ignored & that such shame is being brought upon my beautiful country by people who don’t understand or value Democracy. I think there’s a special place in hell waiting for them.

  36. John G
    April 8, 2019

    Was it not the case that more favourable terms were offered, as advised by Steve Baker MP, yet they were ignored by No 10? The writing was on the wall from that point, if it wasn’t already.

  37. Nick Thompson
    April 8, 2019

    I’m beginning to think traitor May is a Labour deep mole plant as she seems determined to lead the Conservatives to electoral oblivion.

    Thank you for keeping true to the wishes of the people Sir John.

  38. Glenn Vaughan
    April 8, 2019

    It may be the case that the UK will be required to participate in the upcoming elections for the EU parliament but what on earth will be included in the various manifestos?

    Furthemore what is the point of either Labour or Conservatives producing manifestos either for those elections or the next General Election when both the main parties have betrayed their commitments made in their 2017 manifestos?

    1. Tad Davison
      April 8, 2019

      My word is my bond – something a lot of politicians seem to have forgotten.

      Some see manifestos as a mere irritation to be brushed away at the earliest opportunity. Yet it is the covenant with the people and should be physically real.

  39. Brian Cowling
    April 8, 2019

    What an appalling, shameful state of affairs; not knowing on Monday if the United Kingdom will be a member of the European Union on Friday.

  40. John Sheridan
    April 8, 2019

    I think it has become very clear that Mrs May wants to remain in the EU, or be as close as possible to the EU. She is trying to achieve this aim without damaging the Tory party more than necessary. Hence her talks with Labour (a pain shared is a pain halved) and her willingness to be controlled by a remainer Parliament.

    Sadly she will never countenance leaving with no-deal or facing the EU down over the backstop.

    It might be best to agree a longer extension (the implementation period was just a standstill period) so that Mrs May can step down. This would enable the Party to choose a new leader and, if necessary, go to the country on a Brexit means no single market, no customs union manifesto.

  41. RAF
    April 8, 2019

    With the May Government assuming the mantle of Fred Karno’s Army, why should anyone think that anything this mendacious PM has “negotiated” is fit for purpose?

  42. majorfrustration
    April 8, 2019

    I get the feeling that the Brexiteers have run out of steam – what a let down.

    1. Rien Huizer
      April 8, 2019

      @majorfrustration

      On the contrary. The brexit process was boobytrapped a long time ago by legislation that favours leaving without a deal. And that is likely to happen this week. I do not see a basis for agreement between Corbyn and May. May needs something her backbenchers will not approve and Corbyn does not want anything that would let Mr Redwood et al reform the UK in a way that would favour investors and retirees mainly, where Labour does not have many votes. You can bet your boots that whatever May agrees will be modified by subsequent governments if they get the chance, so why do more than a few steps in a ritual dance.

  43. Kevin
    April 8, 2019

    …including Friday in case the government wants to do something

    Mrs. May has undoubtedly been diligent in meeting every Brexit deadline other than the one to actually deliver it. Her no no-deal planning is meticulouus, especially binding us in international law to a new exit date when Steve Baker had commented on “Peston” that “there are some things we could do” to stop the statutory instrument.

    Our only hope, it seems, is if MPs can do something which has not been anticipated, whether it be a particular step, or simply the courage to take a particular step. After all, who has anticipated each of Mrs. May’s actions?

  44. Andy
    April 8, 2019

    You do not wish to break the anti-Europe promises you made in your 2017 manifesto.

    Though you seem to have been happy enough to break the pro-Europe manifesto promises the Conservatives made in 2015. And 2010. And 2001. And 1997. And 1992. And 1987.

    Reply I didn’t make them! See my own manifesto to electors in 2010 seeking a referendum to get us out.

    1. L Jones
      April 8, 2019

      Remainer – never a comment without an insult.

      Well done, Andy – at least YOU are staying true to form, deeply unattractive though that form may be.

  45. yossarion
    April 8, 2019

    When She called the election I said that a lid that was screwed tight is now ajar. The jar is now smashed into a million diktats that no one will ever understand how this has happened, She was a wrong un from the start and you let her in.

  46. Mike Wilson
    April 8, 2019

    Any deal is worse than Remain.

    We’re not leaving without ‘a deal’.

    So, let’s just Remain and not bother voting in future.

    The groundwork has been done. May has warned us we ‘might lose Brexit altogether!’

    Here is what is going to happen. The EU will not allow a further extension. Remain MPs will enact legislation to revoke Article 50. Job done. Years and billions wasted. UK political system broken. Tory Party destroyer. Corbyn and Venezuela beckon.

    1. Steve
      April 8, 2019

      Mike Wilson

      “Remain MPs will enact legislation to revoke Article 50. Job done”

      Personally I don’t think they would dare.

  47. James Bertram
    April 8, 2019

    Just Leave – never a truer word said.
    That means Leave the EU on the 12th April come what may.
    Equally that means if we don’t leave on the 12th April, Tory MPs must immediately leave the Tory party, bring the government down, fight the election as the Real Tory party (fielding candidates in 650 seats), and win the election.
    Time is up.
    Action is called for.
    No excuses.

  48. Martyn G
    April 8, 2019

    One view that might be put forward is that the PM both now, and in her previous occupation during which she undermined both the police and border security forces, is close to achieving her aim of destroying the Conservative party. Almost everything she has done could be seen as aiming at that objective and, so far as Brexit is concerned, she has acted more like an agent of the EU than the leader of a determined, sovereign nation wanting to break free from the EU prison. It is reprehensible that Conservative MPs and others have allowed this situation to remain in being and for which all will be punished in the next GE, let alone local government elections.

  49. miami.mode
    April 8, 2019

    After voting Conservative in the last general election I could accept a coalition with like-minded parties, but there is no possible way I considered a coalition with Labour and I am horrified at the current developments.

  50. Newmania
    April 8, 2019

    PS- I do agree that No Deal is better than the customs Union stitch up btw which gives you some idea just how bad that is

    1. Tad Davison
      April 8, 2019

      Welcome! But we have to be careful with the terminology. No deal is really WTO from which we can then build trade deals without the shackles and the inherent dangers of EU membership.

    2. Zorro
      April 8, 2019

      WOW! We agree on something…..

      Zorro

  51. JimS
    April 8, 2019

    This is the first time since I took an interest in politics that I haven’t understood what the two main parties objectives are. I suspect that the leadership of both want to keep us in the EU but neither have the courage to say so.

    The same is true of most MPs I think. Why do they keep proposing amendments that aren’t deliverable by the UK, only in conjunction with a foreign power?

    What is so wonderful about the EU? No-one has given us a positive reason for being in for forty years plus, could it be that the real reason is too awful for we voters to know?

    1. Doug Powell
      April 8, 2019

      Quite agree about the wonderful EU! If it is so bloody wonderful, why haven’t the remoaners gone forth and taken up residence there!

    2. Tad Davison
      April 8, 2019

      ‘I suspect that the leadership of both want to keep us in the EU but neither have the courage to say so.’

      I agree Jim, so what is that telling us about our political leaders who can’t be open and honest with the people?

      The majority express their wishes in a general election, that the country should go in a particular direction. MPs are then instructed to carry out those wishes. They are not supposed to then go off and do their own thing, because that represents an extremely serious disconnect between the electorate and parliament.

      Other knowledgeable contributors have quoted Cromwell’s speech of April 1653 in which he derided a rotten parliament. The one we presently have is about the same. Even tagged convicted criminals get to vote!

    3. eeyore
      April 8, 2019

      JimS – let me help. Both Parliamentary parties wish us to Remain but pretend to want to Leave. The Labour leader wants to Leave but must pretend to want to Remain to keep his party onside while its official policy remains to Leave.

      The Conservative leader’s position is even more simple. Her policy is to Leave but she wishes to Remain while hoping to Leave on terms which are equivalent to Remaining so she can claim to Leave and Remain simultaneously.

      Both are discussing a Customs Union. The Conservative leader wants a non-Customs Union that is actually a customs union. The Labour leader wants a Customs Union that is not a customs union.

      Meanwhile decisions about Britain’s future have been delegated to the French President, the German Chancellor and an elderly gentleman from Luxembourg.

  52. John G
    April 8, 2019

    Is there anything we can do about the continued anti Brexit approach by the BBC? I watched the early part of the BBC’s News Channel’s “News Paper Review” that claims to provide “A lively and informed conversation about the next day’s headlines” late last night (7th April). Lively, I gather it can be, but informed? They had journalist Tony Grew on the panel of two (Caroline Frost the other) and he basically let rip about Boris Johnson and his closer colleagues over their approach to Brexit and in response to an article in the Daily Telegraph which claims they are “Rallying to stop TM’s Custom Union surrender”. There was no one on hand to counter his opinion, it was simply accepted as fair and reasonable and presumably “Informed”? I have been trying to check precisely what Grew said word for word using Iplayer this morning but, surprise surprise, they’ve edited it out! What can be done about the BBC? I would suggest starting an on line petition for it to be discussed in parliament but you can easily see where that will lead – no where, as it seems they are ‘mostly’ all in it together.

  53. glen cullen
    April 8, 2019

    Sir John
    I fully endorse and support your views
    Now is the time to stay strong and on mission
    Do not compromise nor give an inch you are fighting for democracy and the will of the people
    You’ll be offered deals, threaten with worst case options, told about national interests, encouraged to support political unity etc etc
    Don’t falter you have the majority behind you
    Leave still means leave

    1. Simon Coleman
      April 8, 2019

      ‘…have the majority behind you’. Who are they exactly?

  54. John Turner
    April 8, 2019

    Why don’t all the true Leavers in Parliament resign their respective Whips and join the Brexit party. With those members standing for election alongside Nigel Farage the Brexit Party would be guaranteed to win the next election as 17.4m Brexitiers would vote for the Brexit Party while the 16.2m remoaners votes would be split between the other parties denying them of a majority.

  55. David Taylor
    April 8, 2019

    I think a large number of people in the UK worked out for themselves that a majority of the Westminster MPs , civil service and members of the mass media , do not want the UK to leave the European Union .

    I was fully aware of what I was voting for in the referendum , not , to be a member of the EU and its supranational policies , with the UK having the option to join in with or not , any international agreements or trading arrangements with Europe or the rest of the world , as and when it suited us .

  56. A.Sedgwick
    April 8, 2019

    Resign the whip

  57. The Prangwizard
    April 8, 2019

    Sir John, you are delusional. It is dreaming to imagine you can ‘go back to basics’ with Mrs May. She has been compared to Captain Queeg the obsessional sea captain in the famous film.

    She must be removed. When will we get action to remove her? Never with such a determination from you to be increasingly ‘moderate’ under every circumstance. What would you have done on his ship? Nothing, clearly.

    You seem to be advocating to turn the clock back and pretend she isn’t in charge while in reality she acts with increasing irrationality as you, at the same time, say. And with ruthlessness. It’s always ‘the government’ though never the person. You can’t have it both ways. The ship, and I mean the country will be ruined if you leave her in charge. And if the ship foundes you may not be as safe as you think you are, maybe that is why you are making references to service to your constituents lately.

  58. Iain Gill
    April 8, 2019

    Got to be said the Government on the radio talking about how they are regulating the internet are completely and utterly clueless.

    I find it frightening that such poor quality people have framed laws and regulations which have gone live.

    Its not going to work for obvious reasons, and will cause more problems than they solve.

    As ever government and public sector shows it has no clue who to ask for advice when it comes to IT

    Staggering really

    1. APL
      April 8, 2019

      Iain Gill: “Got to be said the Government on the radio talking about how they are regulating the internet are completely and utterly clueless”

      No they are not!

      It’s all about protecting the children, you know, those nasty paedophile rings. Or terrorists, that the government and home office are busy smuggling in to the country disguised as ‘children’.

      When Parliament had a chance to do something about the biggest most scandalous paedophile rings in the history of the United Kingdom, they sat on their hands and told the Police to look the other way.

      So, the real reason, they want to shut the internet down? Because we get our information from wherever we choose now, the BBC is an expensive boondogle now that no body believes a word it says.

      And that means Theresa May and the political class are in danger of losing control.

  59. bigneil
    April 8, 2019

    Have just heard the local Fire Service have to cut ÂŁ4m a YEAR from it’s budget, so want to cut crews down to four instead of five per vehicle. Meanwhile the EU is handed ÂŁ55m a DAY. People here can die, so long as those sat in Brussels can live the high life. Says it all.

    1. Sir Joe Soap
      April 8, 2019

      Indeed, and insufficient money for councils to cut grass now leading to fires later which won’t be put out. Great.

    2. Andy
      April 8, 2019

      Well, that is just a silly comment. If your services are not being properly funded – and they are not – then you need to take it up with Westminster. MPs decide where to spend your cash. If something is not getting enough money then you are welcome to pay more tax to fund. But I forgot that you don’t like paying tax either. Basically you want something for nothing and are outraged when you can’t have it. Quaint.

  60. Stred
    April 8, 2019

    May and the Remain half of the party, managed by Central Office never intended to allow a real Brexit. Now you will be whipped and blackmailed into accepting her capitulation or a slightly worse WA with some socialist extra rights. Really Starmer’s requirement for joining the customs union are the same and amount to staying in the common market and trading block, with all the law but minor differences in border control and farming.

    The only way that MPs who wish to honour the referendum and manifesto can stop the capitulation is to resign the whip and either form s new party or join the Brexit Party Conservative wing or Ukip. It has to be done before the blackmail works on the gutless element. The Leadsom types were never going to be true to their word.

  61. John Lewis
    April 8, 2019

    I honestly believe she is a fully paid up Common Purpose 5th Columnist and is far from alone as such in our Establishments. Damn them all to hell. Please keep up the good work Sir, much appreciated.

  62. ChrisS
    April 8, 2019

    The whole premise of this piece is flawed. We are no longer in control of anything : PMs of all parties have ensured that 66 million of us Brits are now mere passengers.

    It will be the 27, or rather Merkel, who will decide if we leave the EU on Friday or, if there is an extension, of what length and on what terms. Then there is Yvette Cooper and her Remainer supporters who have wrestled any semblance of control that might be left from the Government.

    Trust and respect for the abilities of politicians is at an all-time low. Everyone who voted to Leave across the country is deeply disillusioned by the total incompetence of May’s negotiating strategy and the catastrophically poor judgement of MPs on all sides of the argument.

    The latter applies equally to every Brexiteer who voted against the May deal at her third attempt to pass it as well as to undemocratic Remainers like Soubry and Grieve.
    We should have left on the 29th March. Every MP must bear responsibility for that failure.

  63. Peter Parsons
    April 8, 2019

    The Conservative party did not gain a majority of the votes cast in 2017, neither, despite the unrepresentative FPTP system, a majority of MPs.

    While both main parties ran on a manifesto of leaving, the manifestos differed on how, and there are multiple versions of how as evidenced by the different relationships which currently exist between the EU and other countries, such as multiple bilateral agreements (Switzerland), EFTA/EEA, FTA (Canada), sectoral agreements (USA) or pure WTO.

    It seems that most Westminster politicians are products of a system where cooperation and reaching compromise are considered dirty, evil words (or maybe the system is a product of those politicians), but in the real world, these are normal, everyday, grown up concepts. It’s about time politicians started to understand, embrace and accept them.

  64. Lifelogic
    April 8, 2019

    Just leave indeed – applies to the EU plus May, Hammond and all the other traitors.

  65. robert lewy
    April 8, 2019

    Read Martin Howe’s latest:
    “Theresa May caught facing both ways on the customs union”

  66. Shieldsman
    April 8, 2019

    What is plain to see is that Theresa May and the No.10 Mandarins with staff are scratching around. As you rightly say making it up as they go along.
    This Political Farce caused entirely by the PM and her aides must end.
    The birthplace of Parliamentary Democracy is Chaos, seeking a consensus on how to hand over control to a Foreign Power.

  67. Edwardm
    April 8, 2019

    I am so angry that the PM and many MPs wish to bind us to EU as vassals, opposite to the referendum result, instead of pushing for freedom and opportunity. All they have to do is Just Leave.

    I thank JR for his loyal efforts and I only hope that Conservative MPs can take action to end Mrs May’s tenure at Downing Street before Wednesday.

  68. Special K
    April 8, 2019

    It’s over, Sir John. We’re not leaving.

    All that’s left now is to resist legitimising this decision with a People’s Republic vote – and then to eliminate the Tory party at the next election.

  69. Onlyjoken
    April 8, 2019

    I remain very concerned that the PM may use prerogative wrongly to accept, perhaps late at night on Wednesday, not only a different length of delay but also significant, costly and unacceptable conditions imposed at the last minute by the EU. Perhaps a sole redeeming and unintentional effect of the awful Letwin bill passing might be to require her to bring such terms back for parliamentary approval ‘against the clock’.

    1. miami.mode
      April 9, 2019

      Agree there Oj. They will give their verdict to her and it’s been said that she will have to make her mind up there and then.

  70. Nicholas Murphy
    April 8, 2019

    This week, Sir John, we need a sustained intellectual assault by Brexiteer MPs against the idea that a CU is superior to an FTA with the EU. The Labour proponents of CU membership need intervention after intervention. That’s my message to you. My message to the Brexit Party is that they need to announce today that they will put a candidate up against any MP voting for our being tied into a CU.

  71. Gareth Warren
    April 8, 2019

    I’m afraid your government is no longer fit for purpose, it is betraying the referendum, the manifesto and democracy.

    So many MPs have written to the PM supporting no deal that we know a majority would likely be against the government. If this majority said no, we are no longer willing to support government until either we get a no deal brexit or Theresa May resigns it would likely get us out of the EU.

    The leadership rules would likely need changing, but things would probably be resolved before one is needed. The ultimate sanction is Corbyn, if he agrees to take us out of the EU with no deal I’d bear him even as PM, but otherwise a vote of no confidence could well be the only option if brexit itself is cancelled.

    If we could wait until December I would be happy to do so, but I believe no Theresa May is better than a bad Theresa May and she appears to care not for the destruction of British democracy..

  72. Know-Dice
    April 8, 2019

    Slightly off today’s topic –
    I don’t particularly want a second referendum in particular as I don’t believe that it would solve the current impasse.

    But, as we are having country wide council elections on the 2nd of May, maybe we the general public could have a non-binding “indicative” vote on “What the Public want”.

    Some initial suggestions for options.

    1. Leave on WTO terms
    2. Leave with May’s surrender terms
    3. Revoke Article 50

    1. ChrisS
      April 8, 2019

      A nice idea but a waste of time :

      The majority of MPs are Remainers and they will simply ignore option 1 and 2, whatever the outcome.

  73. Original Richard
    April 8, 2019

    Mrs. May and her EU supporting colleagues in Parliament never had any intention of implementing the referendum result or their election manifestos.

    Mrs. May is trying to implicate the Labour Party in this betrayal but leavers will be holding Mrs. May and the Conservative Party responsible.

    The demise of the Conservative Party will be very quick if Parliament revokes Article 50 or more slowly if there is either a further delay or the WA is signed.

    IF the WA is signed and the UK becomes a vassal state, accepting laws and taxes made by those we cannot elect or remove and without representation or veto and with no lawful means of exit then the resulting humiliation for our country will in time be felt by both leavers and remainers alike and the Conservative Party will be toast.

    Particularly if Mrs. May goes along with a customs union with the EU which would not only mean that we cannot make our own trade deals but even worse we would have a situation where goods could come in to the UK from a non-EU country tariff free but our goods to this country would be subject to tariffs. A coup for all our EU competitors.

  74. Dominic
    April 8, 2019

    With May and Marxist Corbyn working together I believe this nation is heading towards a quasi-authoritarian state in which freedom of speech, the media and the internet come under strict State control

    All opinion that confronts liberal left orthodoxy will be crushed without question. On this basis this website would be classed as extremist simply because Labour, the BBC and the Guardian declare it to be so

    We are entering into VERY DANGEROUS territory and May and Corbyn are embracing such a social control mechanism

    Not ONE SINGLE Tory MP will stand up to this PM’s vile assault on our freedoms

    Marxist Labour and the liberal left Tory party will enslave us all unless the ERG rise up and confront and crush this attempt to silence all anti-left debate

  75. formula57
    April 8, 2019

    “From day to day now we do not know what the government is going to say next…” – just so, but allow me to suggest some inconceivably stupid measures and let us see how many T. May actually adopts shall we? Like:

    – invite Mr. Corbyn and three pals to attend Cabinet and its Brexit-related Committees.

    – invite Mr. Barnier to attend Cabinet in an “advisory capacity”.

    – agree that the terms of any extra extension will mean the UK contributes at a full rate for the whole of the next five year budget period whether it leaves beforehand or not.

    – agree that post-Brexit the UK will allow the Evil Empire a veto for five years over any UK legislation affecting all but purely domestic matters except for any matters affecting EE nationals in the UK where the veto will be permanent.

    Her own list is certain to be more extensive, naturally.

  76. Alastair Harris
    April 8, 2019

    It seems unreasonable to whip MPs votes when the cabinet seem incapable of respecting collective responsibility!

  77. roger
    April 8, 2019

    I have voted conservative for sixty years and never missed any opportunity to vote.
    Yesterday however I reached the cliff edge and fell out of a lifelong allegiance.
    I joined the Brexit Party and contributed to their funds in the hope that even at this late hour we might save our dignity, democracy and country from this most dreadful assembly of MPs and Ministers that we have ever known.

    1. a-tracy
      April 8, 2019

      Roger, what is the point of the Brexit Party in the EU, “Farage has confirmed that his new ‘Brexit Party’ will be competing for nearly all of the 73 seats. They will have candidates running in 70 areas but they will not be challenging the DUP for the three Ulster seats.” However, UKIP was elected as a majority in the European Parliament, the UK makes up less than 10% of the MEPs but UKIP don’t achieve anything – how can they when they’re not in any of the key voting blocks, they never get the key positions May chooses them such as the European Commissioner, when the public reject the candidates such as Kinnock or Patten they get this key position and people like Mandelson and unheard of men like Lord Hill this is where the legislation is created!

      Then there is the Council of Ministers – this is the main legislative body that debates and passes EU laws. The UK has 18 members – the public don’t choose or elect them, they’re men like Lord Prescott, Alex Salmond the leader was Sir Roger Gale (who knew!).

      The truth is we are mute.

    2. Fedupsoutherner
      April 8, 2019

      Roger, you are certainly not alone. The Conservative party can sink no lower. I never thought I would see the day when I could find no good reason to vote Conservative. Nothing could inspire me to vote Labour or Limpdim so the Brexit party it will be.

    3. Peter D Gardner
      April 9, 2019

      I have been trying all week. Apparently many people have complained that the only options are to use PayPal or send a cheque in the post. The BrexitParty informed me that the web site is to be changed to enable direct transfers or payment by another payments platform. It hasn’t been done yet.

  78. Brigham
    April 8, 2019

    May has shown herself to be a dedicated remainer. She has lied consistently throughout the so called Brexit. The government has dithered instead of getting rid of her. We appear now, to have a labour deputy PM. KICK HER OUT.

  79. hans christian ivers
    April 8, 2019

    Sir John

    Why, do you keep mentioning the Manifesto which ahs now been broken several times by both main parties, it is like describing water that has already flown under the bridge?

    1. Tad Davison
      April 8, 2019

      A manifesto is an agreement. A party gets elected on the strength of it and has a duty to stick to it throughout its term of office. It cannot abandon it whenever it thinks it will.

      In Labour’s case, its change of stance is a betrayal of the sizable number of Labour-voting Brexiteers. They make that mistake at their peril.

      We’re talking here about ethical standards and a moral code – things that consistently escape the notice of one Theresa May and her pro-EU cohorts to whom honesty and integrity are mere words to be dismissed at their whim and for their own convenience in pursuance of their hidden agenda.

    2. Edward2
      April 8, 2019

      Because it was the policy document which was presented to us voters before we decided who to vote for.
      The issue of the EU was decided by us voters.
      We voted to leave.
      The manifestos promised we will respect your decision.

  80. ferdinand
    April 8, 2019

    The escape clause for the Remainers seems to be that after 21 months tied and shackled we can break free. O please – pull the other one.

    1. Peter D Gardner
      April 9, 2019

      UK can – by acceding to the new EU Treaty intended to replace the Lisbon Treaty by 2025. Then UK will have its representation in EU institutions restored and UK’s time in the naughty corner over.

  81. Christine
    April 8, 2019

    Sounds like she is preparing to blindside you all yet again with another crazy decision cooked up with Corbyn. I never thought I would live to see the day when our once great country signed away our democratic rights at the behest of one person. JR-M is correct that the blame for this will fall on her shoulders. She will go down in history as the biggest traitor this country has ever seen. I weep for the future of our children and grandchildren.

    1. Tad Davison
      April 8, 2019

      I agree except her kind have no conscience. Shame and disgrace play no part in this. What troubles most people, cuts no ice with a sociopath. They have no sense of reason nor empathy with those to whom they cause strife and misery. They come across as affable and trustworthy and weedle their way into influential positions. But they only succeed if we fail to see them for what they are. May is now a known quantity. Time to get rid.

    2. Blinkered
      April 8, 2019

      Christine.. JR-M and his ERG pals could get rid of her very fast if only a few of them sided with Labour in a vote of no confidence in her. But they won’t because they don’t want her removed, not at the moment anyhow, because there’s nobody else willing to take up the reins at this particular time all because of the terrible mess we’re in, and so we have to put up with all of these self serving politicos dancing around strutting their stuff- but I expect it will all come to a sorry end on Friday- and then the blame game will start in earnest

  82. Grant
    April 8, 2019

    What you sow you reap and as part of the ensemble that brought about this sorry mess JRs name is up there with the best.. am sure history will record it all in a footnote somewhere

    1. Sir Joe Soap
      April 8, 2019

      No, his only real error was not to realise Cameron and May were frauds and to walk away when UKIP was gaining momentum in 2010. Then was the moment to walk away with others as many on this site did.

    2. sm
      April 8, 2019

      Which ‘sorry mess’ are you referring to, Grant?

      Getting us into the Common Market – wasn’t that Ted Heath?

      Getting us into the Maastricht Treaty – wasn’t that John Major?

      Getting us signed up to the Lisbon Treaty – wasn’t that Gordon Brown?

      PS. A quote from Hilary Benn: the Lib Dems were the first to come up with the idea of an in/out referendum, organising a national petition and a Commons walkout to advance the cause, and getting pretty huffy with those who didn’t agree.

    3. Tad Davison
      April 8, 2019

      He voted for Andrea Leadsom!

      JR only ever acted in good faith with this Prime Minister. I myself was conned by May’s Lancaster House speech into believing that is what she stood for.

      We have to take people at their word, but that exposes a certain vulnerability that unscrupulous people use to their nefarious advantage. I wouldn’t trust a word Theresa May now says. The trust has absolutely gone. She has no credibility left.

  83. Les
    April 8, 2019

    Would you consider one suggestion that you may have contacts to implement …
    that is – a web page which lists all the Brexit supporting sites – I have at least 10 bookmarked, but there does not seem to be much co-ordination. In fact it seems that they are competing – with different ambitions (boris…) so that each does not want to draw attention to the others. If this is the case then the ’cause’ is lost!

    PS I am interested to read of the constitutional outrages which folk consider are happening – even to the extent of undermining the Sovereign.

    1. Richard
      April 8, 2019

      The House of Lords has had a series of motions that “The Question Be Now Put” which means the motion is voted on with either no debate or very little. This is a shocking way to carry on constitutional business.

    2. Steve
      April 8, 2019

      Les

      “I am interested to read of the constitutional outrages which folk consider are happening – even to the extent of undermining the Sovereign.”

      In my opinion the sovereign should have stepped in long since. I can only guess Her Majesty must be ok with having so many traitors in her government.

      After all, a threat to sovereignty is also a threat to national security.

      Pity, if this was a few hundred years ago their necks would have been on the block.

    3. Lynn Atkinson
      April 8, 2019

      The Sovereign is a Suzerain. She is a common citizen of the EU. She can be arraigned in her own Courts! This has been the case since Maastricht!

    4. Peter D Gardner
      April 9, 2019

      Dead right. I called for close co-ordination between Leaver MPs to call out Remainers in and out of Parliament incessantly at every opportunity in my article for TCW, here:
      https://www.conservativewoman.co.uk/mays-treacherous-endgame/
      Leavers need a joined up approach. And also the time for being nice has passed. Deadly, well-aimed broadsides are required and no taking prisoners.

  84. Chris
    April 8, 2019

    We are all waiting for Tory Brexiter MPs to act. Just words from all of you at the moment. I think that many voters have already decided to take their revenge on the Tory Party which lets Theresa May continue with her utter treachery. Next come the European elections, and then a GE.

    If Cons MPs take action immediately, then the scale of their defeat in the elections may be lessened, or they could even win with a bold and committed Brexiteer at the helm. Just letting us drift along with the appalling status quo speaks volumes about what the Tory MPs are apparently made of. Words alone are cheap and will not save this country.

    Also, please could you let the PTB know that those Tories reviving the old mantras about One Nation Conservatism and other such meaningless slogans are driving many in the electorate mad. I want none of that left liberal, wishy washy Cameron/May approach. We have had enough of all of that to last a lifetime. Please can we have a bold, radical leader who speaks plainly, who is honest, and above all who is committed to saving this country. How about “Making the UK great again” or “Reclaiming our powers and the right to govern ourselves” “Taking back our powers”. “Draining the swamp” wouldn’t go amiss as a policy slogan and nor would “Promises made, promises kept” either. Someone over the pond is doing this with great success.

    So please Tory MPs take action, now.

  85. John Probert
    April 8, 2019

    I saw your interview on C4

    Good Robust Response Well Done

    1. hans christian ivers
      April 8, 2019

      John Probert

      Channel 4 interview are you sure we all watched the same programme?

    2. APL
      April 8, 2019

      John Probert: “Good Robust Response Well Done”

      Yes, I just looked it up. Tired old boilerplate from channel 4, and when Redwood wouldn’t capitulate, they cut the interview short.

      That’s the mainstream media for you – playing by the deep state playbook.

  86. Kenneth
    April 8, 2019

    The referendum was called by David Cameron because of the divisions in the Conservative Party, in Parliament and amongst the People over our eu membership.

    As would be expected, the poll was close
but it was decisive.

    At last we had a decision that we could act upon.

    Since then Remain MPs and the Remain media have tried to undermine that decision and illogically attempted to morph a binary decision into some kind of half-decision.

    If we “part-leave” then we are not leaving.

    Bizarrely, many Remainers are calling for another referendum because the “country is divided”. DĂ©jĂ  vu?

    Sorry, the game is up. As Sir John says, Just Leave.

  87. Caterpillar
    April 8, 2019

    It appears the P.M.’s ordering is

    1a. Her W.A. and Political Declaration
    1b. Her W.A., Political Declaration and a legislated commitment to whatever Labour want
    2. Long delay agreed by E.U., presumably costly and with preconditions.
    3. Revoke A50

    ‘No Deal’/Just Leave is not on her list, if it were then we would be hearing much more about ramping up preparations. Surely we would be receiving more information from the Govt?

    Since ‘no deal’ is not happening (not even as a referendum option), and the binary choice between 1 and 2 is not acceptable, then I am afraid that Leavers need to push for 3 – revoking A50! It is better to lose this battle than be trapped in 1 or 2.

  88. a-tracy
    April 8, 2019

    Mrs May has lead you all a merry dance.

    You all elected her giving your membership no say.

    If Mrs May joins with the Labour party and leads them into a Customs Union I believe she must be expected to explain to the public how that is better, explain how we can set our own tariffs with the rest of the world and trade with them freely, control our own taxation and not pay the 80% import taxes and there must be a right to reply from the ‘Leave without a WA’ group? How is she intending to control immigration and work movement allowing economic movement without top-up benefits including housing benefits?

  89. Jacey
    April 8, 2019

    In an article published today Martin Howe QC describes the Withdrawal Agreement as ;
    ” the most incompetently conducted negotiation in the history of the world ”
    Personally I feel this is a little too generous.

  90. KMILLS
    April 8, 2019

    Clearly the WA was from the start acknowledged as being a bit of a dog,but we were assured it was only an Irish dog which could readily be dealt with.Mr Martin Howe QC then disclosed about forty other fairly obvious dogs in most of the other bits and advised that there were doubtless many others at the moment hidden away.Not a very good start therefore even if you wish the WA to be used as a starter pack to remain let alone seriously think in terms that it could be used as a basis for ever leaving!!!!
    Mr Howe has provided a further recent comment via Brexit Central which suggests that Mrs May nor her newfound labour friend are aware whether they are coming or going in relation to the Customs Union being put foreward in order to bring her new friend on board with the deal.The opinion makes yet another disquieting read.
    Finally would it not be wonderful if the court found that May had been hoist by her own stupidity in relation to the illegality of extending the leaving date and that we are already out!!!!!!

  91. BR
    April 8, 2019

    The whip has been made irrelevant to point of ridicule. Both major parties are voting as individual MPs see fit.

    I stopped my party membership after the May coronation and my voluntary contribution to the party as well. I assume the only reason the MPs who want to implement the manifesto are not telling May to go is that you believe another coronation would foist another remainer on us? Otherwise, how bad can it be? It’s difficult to see how it can be worse than this.

    It may go against the grain for a Conservative to be part of bringing down their own government, but desperate times call for desperate measure. May has to go now.

  92. Rien Huizer
    April 8, 2019

    Mr Redwood,

    Your government does not command a majority so any promises made during the election must be regarded in the same way continental governments process manifesto statements post-election: by entering coalition negotiations with manifesto “promises” as aspirational elements in putting together a coalition program. Of cpourse coalition partners then start to man-ever for the next election. Once a coalition partner sees an advantage in letting the coalition collapse, she will do do unless a public backlash can be expected.

    What is happening in the UK now is that two unwieldy (too large, too internally divided) and undisciplined pareties must deal with decisionmaking in an environment where a referendum has become sacrosanct.

    Strangely, the UK was never able to participate in a European integration process because of its political system and now it appears to be unable to cut its ties (except in a suicidal way as you appear to relish but your business compatriates apparently not) in a more or less civilised manner. Maybe the problem is not the EU..

    1. Edward2
      April 9, 2019

      With the supply agreement with the DUP the government does have a majority.
      That is why it is the government.

      How can you say the UK never participated in the process of EU integration?
      The last decades have seen the UK sign and agree with every treaty put before parliament.

  93. Sir Joe Soap
    April 8, 2019

    How can you stand this?
    It is bad enough for us, but at least relatively easy for us to walk away from the lies and cowardice. Equally, we have less we can do about her then you, collectively. She should have gone long ago, but it’s still not too late.

  94. Charles Crane
    April 8, 2019

    My understanding is that if we leave on Friday without a deal, then nothing changes as under WTO we enter into trade negotiations with the EU and under GATT Article 24, there are no changes to incoming or outgoing tariffs

    (1) Am I wrong?
    (2) If I’m not, why is nobody yelling this from the rooftops to dispel No Deal Project Hysteria?

    1. Peter D Gardner
      April 9, 2019

      Parliament agreed the Brady Amendment which enabled your proposal to be implemented.
      Guess who squashed it by agreeing with the EU it could be discussed after her WA and PD is ratified..

  95. Denis Cooper
    April 8, 2019

    I could just give the link to the Observer article published on June 10th 2017, but as that simple way of proceeding would not be acceptable on this blog I will instead recommend putting the following sentence into an internet search engine such as google:

    “The Observer has learned that May took the fateful decision to call the election having been urged to do so by commission president Jean-Claude Juncker”

    Allegedly he advised her to call an early general election because he was concerned that her 17-seat majority might not be enough to push through a negotiated deal, but in any case as we know she mucked up the election – we do not know whether or not this was intentional on her part – and so lost even that small majority.

    Immediately after that election, twenty two months ago now, there were calls for her to strike some sort of compromise with Labour over negotiating objectives to ensure there would be enough votes to get a withdrawal agreement approved by MPs:

    “‘Drop hard Brexit plans’, leading Tory and Labour MPs tell May”

    “May’s loss of authority means she might have to compromise on her negotiating stance with the EU”

    Instead she is having to start to do that now, more than a week after we were supposed to have left the EU and only days before the next date for our withdrawal, and with the naked threat that she may stop us leaving altogether if recalcitrant Tory and DUP MPs continue with their opposition to her will.

  96. RichardM
    April 8, 2019

    Brexit Ministers know just leaving with no no-deal would be an economic and social disaster and the end of the Union. To admit it though would be admitting they have misled voters.

    1. Peter D Gardner
      April 9, 2019

      It seems to have escaped your notice that one of those Brexit ministers has just written an article in The Telegraph explaining the UK is very well prepared for an exit on WTO terms. And many others have convincingly refuted Project Fear’s economic warnings.

  97. Antoinetta III
    April 8, 2019

    Where is Henry VIII now that we need him? A frog-marching to the Tower of London for a brief visit to the headsman and his axe is in order!

    Antoinetta III

  98. Ian Pennell
    April 8, 2019

    Dear Sir John Redwood.

    I wholeheartedly agree with you, Sir. Britain should just leave the European Union on WTO terms on Friday. That way this country saves ÂŁ39 billion (plus annual EU contributions), Britain is free to do trade deals with the Commonwealth, the USA and China and free from all regulations and laws emanating from Brussels. That’s what 17.4 million folk voted for in June 2016.

    But you Sir, and I both know that Britain will not leave on WTO terms on Friday 12th April. Theresa May has asked Mr Juncker and Mr Barnier for another Delay to Britain leaving the EU. The Yvette Cooper Bill to Stop “No Deal” will be ratified today in the House of Lords and will be given Royal Assent by the end of today- that makes it illegal for Theresa May to refuse to ask Brussels for a (probably long) extension asked for by MP’s. And just in case a WTO Brexit still looks possible, Labour MP Rebecca Long Bailey has let it be known that “Labour would push through a Bill to Revoke Article 50 if a No Deal Brexit looks likely later this week” (and given the Remainer Majority in Parliament whose to say that that wont win- after all Yvette Cooper’s Bill is almost there).

    Theresa May has been weak and incompetent. She has allowed the forces of Remain to mobilise to destroy Brexit and now she is capitulating to Jeremy Corbyn and his demands for a “Customs Union” Non-Brexit. The only hope of saving Brexit is to remove Theresa May from office- FAST, getting a Brexiteer Strong Leader in charge, fighting an Election on a WTO “No Deal” very popular Tax-cutting programme: That is the best chance of returning a pro-Brexit Parliament committed to Britain and delivering on the result of the 2016 Referendum ASAP.

    Ian Pennell

  99. Chris
    April 8, 2019
  100. Alan Joyce
    April 8, 2019

    Dear Mr. Redwood,

    It’s pretty dreadful isn’t it? Theresa May sat on a sofa invading our TV screens on a Sunday afternoon. Her Remainer Cabinet colleagues, Hammond, Rudd, Hunt, Javid, Clark, Lidington, Gove and others clinging desperately to their ministerial trappings for they know if she goes so might they. Her Leaver Cabinet colleagues hoping something will happen to make it turn out alright but without having the courage to do anything about it themselves.

    Conservative Party members ripping up their membership cards. Party activists refusing to canvass. Donors withholding cash. Voters vowing they will never vote Conservative again. Local Party Chairmen and Associations in despair. Democracy and the constitution trashed. And still it goes on.

    When is someone, somewhere going to say enough is enough?

  101. Lester Beedell
    April 8, 2019

    I have been a loyal member of the Conservative party since I was old enough to vote, have always considered it to be my duty to vote and in the past been an activist, canvassing and leafleting, Leigh Rd in Wimborne!
    I can’t find the words that accurately describe my feelings, it’s sufficient to say that I’m a paid up member of the Brexit Party.
    I feel that I’m having a nightmare, what can we do to rid us of May?

  102. hardlymatters
    April 8, 2019

    Yes ‘just leave’ and thats what the remaining 27 are starting to say as well

    With the PM going over again Wednesday she will get her answer
    – No extension allowed
    – Ratify the WA or Leave 12th..the only other option being is to revoke A50 and the EU rules are clear about that

  103. Mark
    April 8, 2019

    I have a one word instruction for the PM

    Leave.

  104. Dave Clemo
    April 8, 2019

    When will the Remainers wake up to the truth that what is proposed isn’t the Remain that they thought they were voting for?
    It’s not just the 17.4 million Leave voters that have been betrayed. All those remainers will be betrayed as well.

    Sir John, I am interested to know exactly where the 10,000 ‘trained officers’ are coming from. I note a small reference to talks with the Army. Will we have troops masquerading as police officers dishing out beatings to anyone who dares to protest?

  105. Original Richard
    April 8, 2019

    The only way to remove Mrs. May as PM is for Parliament to vote for a GE.

  106. Andy
    April 8, 2019

    Remain MPs act like spoilt brats !

  107. MickN
    April 8, 2019

    I see May is going to see Micron to persuade him not to veto her extension request. That will be French fishing rights in British waters set in perpetuity then !!

  108. Gandalf1
    April 8, 2019

    Sir John
    As a member of the Privy Council, could you confirm that HMQ is being properly briefed on the PM’s actions and the events in the HOC.

  109. Tony Sharp
    April 8, 2019

    Sir john,
    Mrs May is destroying her own Government and Party – she ignores the majority of Party members, the majority of Tory MPs and even her own Cabinet to LeavEU now on WTO Terms with No Agreement YET she follows slavishly mere ‘indicative votes’ to RemaIN EU and/ or delay Brexit for as long as possible.
    You now have every right to destroy her – the only mechanism for this is to Abstain on a Commons Vote of No Confidence and see if the Payroll MPs have the stomach to follow this Serial Loser in a GE in which they face annihilation or to take the wiser course and tell her to GO NOW!

  110. Ian
    April 8, 2019

    Just for Gods sake

    Get the hell out, or give us an election, most will vote for Fararge, to the hopefully extent that nothing representing the three main parties will exist.
    This is a dissgrace thatshould Be payed by those who are the Remainers where ever they are.
    Sadly Treason it seems is now just ignored, I suppose weareall far too highly educated to even think about a rope for Treachery.

    Then everyone of those found wanting , adrift of the Manifesto, 20 years minimum, full term no remission .

    We have to have our Constitution written down, no matter who you are, treachery will attract severe consequences, which will be acted apon.

    Otherwise you will have this dissgracefull behaviour for evermore.

    We use be able to trust a Manifesto, otherwise we will remain as we are today.
    There must be a deterrent.

  111. am
    April 8, 2019

    surely that tm is in a minority gov kept in power by the dup yet brings forward a wa that they could not accept proves the wa was just a wrecking wa. it was designed to wreck Brexit. it proves bare faced deceit.

  112. MPC
    April 8, 2019

    I don’t understand why so many contributors here demand ‘May must go’. She is in post until at least December and possibly after that, and shows no sign whatsoever of resigning or succumbing to pressure to resign.

    Surely her aim is now clear. Either a) arrive at an agreement with Corbyn that the WA, with an even more explicit commitment to permanent customs union, is acceptable. The Speaker then takes little persuasion that this forms a proposal sufficiently different in kind to warrant a further parliamentary vote and it’s voted through. Or b) a general permanent customs union commitment (plus EU ‘workers’ rights and environmental laws) is agreed with Corbyn, the WA is parked and the PM seeks a further extension to Article 50 giving the EU opportunity to require damaging concessions at least as bad as the WA from the UK. The EC also then quickly comes up with something which prevents newly elected UK MEPs from having as much say as other Member State MEPs on the ground that the UK is not a full member state anymore. This further delay effectively paves the way for Remainer MPs increasingly to be able to argue as time goes by that the 2016 referendum is no longer a valid mandate to leave the EU.

    Under this sort of scenario we’d need a Government that can effectively manage decline, including huge migrant quotas, a declining City of London and a declining tax base as the wealthy exit the UK and an increasing number of firms relocate to other EU Member States and elsewhere. The government would also have to manage the intolerable pressure this will put on public services as they are currently structured and funded, and probable rise in far right groups and civil unrest.

  113. robert lewy
    April 8, 2019

    Adopting Mayspeak, instead of Leaving the EU :

    we should suspend our Membership of the EU pending the outcome of a period of transition trading on WTO terms during which a comprehensive Trade Deal can be negotiated.

    It sounds much more user-friendly than brandishing “No Deal”.

  114. William Long
    April 8, 2019

    ‘Right honourable lady’ seems more and more of a contradiction in terms when applied to Mrs May. She remained in power (just) on the back of the manifesto you refer to and it baffles belief as to why she does not honour it.
    It begins to look as if a lengthy delay may be the best solution, if WTO is ruled out by the House of Lords, so long as the Conservative party does what it should by consigning its present leader to oblivion and electing a replacement who wants to leave the EU and has sufficient belief in the Conservative vision and ability to promote it, to win a General Election.
    I realise that is asking a lot, but there is certainly a vaccuum waiting to be filled.

  115. Rhoddas
    April 8, 2019

    Sir John, I do agree with you, JUST LEAVE.

    So what is the crime of subversion we now see?
    Subversion. … Subversion (Latin subvertere: overthrow) refers to a process by which the values and principles of a system in place are contradicted or reversed, in an attempt to transform the established social order and its structures of power, authority, hierarchy, and social norms.

    We held a legal vote to Leave the EU construct.
    What we see now in the actions of Parliament and news reporting in almost all the National Press is thus wholly subversive. What we don’t see is the police/CPS prosecuting ….

    The conspiracy theory is now a grossly shocking reality!

    So JUST LEAVE or we have to have EU elections and then a GE, drain the swamp, enter the Brexit party, restart the whole process, remainers, well ignominy will be their epitaph

  116. Lorna
    April 8, 2019

    It is truly reprehensible that the PM will not accept the justifiable conclusions of the majority that the WA is not Brexit
    Mays attempts to bully the MPs into agreeing her disastrous Agreement are truly alarming
    This type of action has no place in our democracy

  117. Helen Taylor
    April 8, 2019

    Please vote against it John
    There are lots of people out there who are behind you all the way
    This is not what we voted for or was promised
    Stick to your principles and don’t be blackmailed or bullied.
    That’s how we got into this mess in the 1st place

  118. robert lewy
    April 8, 2019

    The opportunity to settle the outcome of Brexit in a GE may still come about
    as a result of extensions to Article 50 or as a result of a no confidence motion in May’s government.

    It is also reasonable to expect that if the MayCor – BIN presents us with a horrific outcome that the electorate will want to express their views emphatically at the next GE.

    In other words, anything apart from a Brexit in accordance with the expectations of the 17.4 million will mean that the battle may have been lost but there is still a war to be won.

    The new Brexit party simply MUST be the vehicle to carry the hopes and expectations of 17.4 million ( adjusted of course for deaths and births since the referendum).
    To maximise the probability of success this party

    * must be the sole party advocating a Brexit outome. This will require other Leave Parties to
    be subsumed into this party.
    * have as its sole objective a faithful departure from the EU and eliminating all legal
    administrative links and financial commitments.
    * should be disbanded on successful attainment of its objective: formal departure from the
    EU
    * should not necessarily attain control of government by achieving a majority in Parliament
    but at least a sufficient proportion of seats in Parliament to ensure that the no other party
    can form a government without their participation in coalition
    * Since the majority of seats in Parliament were Leave voting constituencies it is not
    necessary to contest all seats.

    With this political background there should be the objective for the new Brexit party to aim for 25 per cent of the seats in Parliament this would provide the following possible outcome:

    Conservative 30 per cent
    Labour 32 per cent
    (New Brexit Party 25 per cent
    DUP)

    SNP/Lib Dem 8 per cent
    Other 5 per cent

    I am assuming that the DUP would vote with the new Brexit Party during
    this new transition period so it would not be necessary for them to formally join the new Brexit party.

    The above outcome would be sufficient to give the new Brexit party the power to achieve
    compelling influence in any coalition government. a CON/LAB coalition seems beyond the bounds of reason even in these strange times.

  119. Blinkered
    April 8, 2019

    You want to leave but you want a deal. However you already have a deal, a good deal with benefits that you apparently don’t want. So that means you want a deal without benefits or a deal without strings attached, but there is no such thing..seems you don’t know what you want, except you want a deal as equal partners with them but that is completely out of the question, they have already said that any deal with them cannot be as good as the deal we already have, otherwise Italy Hungary and some others would all go ape looking for their own deals…so to leave with no deal is just that..it means no special FTA or other arrangement..as you say ‘ just leave’ stupid stupid

  120. mary
    April 8, 2019

    Instead of Brexiteers wringing their hands in despair, they must get rid of the fanatical dangerous May NOW. I like the suggestion that Brexiteer MP’s should bring down this government by resigning, forming their own party and holding the line till 12April?
    It must be done. Otherwise Britain will be sold into sefdom and paying for the privilege. If I were an MP I wouldn’t like to be around when people wake up properly to this fact.
    Do it, Brexiteer MPs.

  121. KMILLS
    April 8, 2019

    There is also a letter penned by Mark Francois to the Chairman of the 1922 Committee on the Brexit Central website which is well worth a read.

  122. KZB
    April 8, 2019

    After watching Martin Lewis money programme I am told that in the event of no deal, after Friday the following will happen:
    EHIC card no longer valid
    Roaming charges re-introduced (except EE phones)
    Car/lorry insurance in EU no longer valid
    Food prices up 10%
    Car prices up 10% lorries up 22%
    Medical supplies delayed

    So are we being a bit cavalier about no deal? These are issues that affect ordinary people. Like was said on Question Time last week, this shouldn’t be some kind of game of chicken, gambling with these real issues ?

    1. Edward2
      April 9, 2019

      Well I’ve already had a letter from my mobile phone company saying they will not be reintroducing roaming charges and a letter from my car insurers saying they will continue to provide me cover in the EU and issue covering documents without extra charge.
      There have been statements about carrying on EHIC type benefits for both EU and UK travellers.
      Food prices will reduce if we have zero tariffs.
      We will profit from car tariff charges as we import far more than we export, unless we agree zero tariffs on car import export trading.
      Why will European drug companies delay delivery?
      It has already been proposed that quality approvals currently in force be accepted and rolled over.
      Martin is a pro remain enthusiast and his list is a bit of the usual Project Fear.

      1. KZB
        April 9, 2019

        There might have been “statements” about the EHIC continuing but where is the certainty? The legal position seems to be EHIC stops on Friday night.

        The CEO of a major supermarket (suspect Sainsbury’s ?) said food will go up 10%. We don’t have zero tariffs on all foods. Beef in particular will have tariffs.

        The UK gov. may well benefit from tariffs on car imports but we the people won’t. It’s another tax.

        Why is the NHS spending money on stockpiling drugs?

        It may well have “been proposed” that quality approvals be rolled over but where is the legal proof? As far as anyone knows this finish on Friday night.

        1. Edward2
          April 10, 2019

          Wrong on first point, both the EU and UK have issued statements assuring people there will not be changes.
          You do trust the word of the EU KZB surely?

          Food could go up short term then cheaper suppliers will move in and compete.

          Cars are made here in the UK so purchasers will modify their choices and buy UK made vehicles.
          Or importers will modify their prices to compete.

          Any sensible business will mitigate risk.You would be one of the first to complain if they did not prepare on a just in case basis.

          Legal proof you need now…when will you remainers ever accept anything your beloved EU says?
          I’m shocked at your lack of confidence in their public statements.

  123. Castyourvotespls
    April 8, 2019

    I beg you, each and every one, NOT to follow the example set by Newport by-election but to go out and vote whenever you can.
    Sir John, most obliged for your clear-cut thought. Any referendum should only be about leave options, i.e. based on the referendum result rather than undoing it.
    As for MPs, I fail to comprehend how so many could be in denial and renege.
    And how could the PM ignore a cabinet decision. Collective responsibility?
    Complete and utter shamples apart from ERG who tried to oust her and were on song with the Malthouse compromise.

  124. Fred H
    April 8, 2019

    So what is the way out? We have a PM who is not wanted by any of the parties, probably by very few of the UK electorate. When did a PM tell such bare-faced lies, prevaricate, and sell the UK down the river? Other countries assasinate, depose, hold a coup, or rather more acceptably vote No Confidence. It would seem that is all we have left, in order to salvage the ship before it sinks, which it most surely will in the days, months or years ahead. Ignore the Whip Sir John, your electorate is with you.

  125. Dauber
    April 8, 2019

    Online Harm Statement today in Parliament
    Few MPs stick to one point of genuine concerns of certain platforms being used to encourage suicide.
    They branched out as they can’t help doing.

    One asked in a holistic manner
    Q:”Why would they hide their true identity if they were doing nothing wrong?
    A(1): Because there are doing nothing wrong.
    as far as most are concerned
    but know there are people in The House who have power and abuse it and adjudge they are doing something wrong
    A(2) Because that is what an actor does (VERY important)
    A(3) Because most young are shy, afraid of peer group mockery at their photo and in saying anything about anything.
    A(4) Because they can finally say what they wish to people they would otherwise fear because of their status and tell them just what they think in words dependent on their vocabulary, education, intelligence, and writing ability: therefore many swear words from many people
    A(5) Because MPs and journalists and celebs violate the laws and rules of the social media which stipulates eg each Twitter account must have a balance of Followed and Followers and the account Holder MUST interact individually with each and everyone of his Followers personally. Normal users of Twitter are suspended and their Followers are deleted for violating the rules. In this way suspended people can use another acting-name to make them stars.
    Q:Finally one MP stated MP though should have made a question “MPs are abused on Twitter”
    A: Get off Twitter. Stop abusing the medium!Stop abusing the terms and conditions of running a Twitter Account. Behave yourself!

    1. Dauber
      April 8, 2019

      ME: Except JR, all rational MPs, celebs, journalists who quite rightly believe and know the EU is a foreign power which cannot be trusted. Also, more of ME, those of us who know or believe Shakespeare must have been some form of God.

  126. Steve
    April 8, 2019

    JR

    Yes, the obvious way to end the deadlock is to just walk away from the root cause – EU membership.

    You say:
    “As there are no votes on those two days in the current business and nothing to do on Friday why the 3 line whip?”

    I’d certainly like to know too !

    One of the problems with Theresa May is that she is very sneaky and very sly. Her style is to swan off without approval and concoct all sorts of treasonous mischief behind the nation’s back.

    No one who voted Conservative should find themselves perpetually wondering where the PM is and what she’s been up to that we might not approve of.

    This is why, and as I have said before – expect some dirty trick at the eleventh hour.

    “Oh well it’s too late I’ve done it anyway” – expect it.

  127. Original Richard
    April 8, 2019

    The reason Mrs. May does want a long extension and thus for the UK to take part in the EU MEP elections is not because it would be an embarrassment for the UK/Conservative Party to do so but because the newly elected members of the EP, and very likely the new EU bureaucrats, will be more Eurosceptic and thus will be better disposed towards the UK.

    So the real leavers in Parliament need to make sure that the WA is not signed before these EU personnel changes take place.

    1. Original Richard
      April 8, 2019

      Sorry, I meant to write :

      The reason Mrs. May does NOT want a long extension…

      1. Original Richard
        April 8, 2019

        On the other hand the talk of extensions could all be a subterfuge for Mrs. May’s final Brexit betrayal.

        She will be asking this week Mrs. Merkel and Mr. Macron to refuse any further extension so that by Friday the HoC will have to vote for either leaving with “no deal” or revoking Article 50.

        The HoC will vote for the latter and her job will be done and she can resign – to be the only promise she ever kept in this saga.

        But a high risk strategy…

        1. Original Richard
          April 8, 2019

          On the other hand again… Mr. Macron is an extreme integrationist looking to complete the EUSSR with its own army plus :

          A European agency for “the protection of democracies”
          A European minimum wage
          A revamping of the EU’s passport-free Schengen zone
          A common border police
          A European asylum office
          A European council of internal security.
          A defence and security treaty to increase defence spending and put in place an operational mutual defence clause
          A European Security Council

          So I could imagine that Mr. Macron is not keen for a Eurosceptic UK to revoke Article 50 and be a hindrance to his plans and thus may even be willing to assist the UK in leaving
.

  128. Steve Reay
    April 8, 2019

    What does John Redwood have to say about the E.U statement saying if we leave without a deal they will not talk about a trade deal unless the backstop,citizens rights and the 39 billion is sorted first.

  129. Simon Coleman
    April 8, 2019

    Your sacrosanct manifesto didn’t win the support of the electorate. That’s why it’s not being implemented. You say you believe in a parliamentary democracy – well why not accept the way it work?

    1. Edward2
      April 9, 2019

      Because the manifesto lays out the policies of the political parties and that is the basis we vote for a particular party.
      The Conservatives are the government and form a majority.
      The central issue in both Labour and Conservative manifestos was the EU and leaving the EU.
      If the government cannot get its main manifesto promise through Parliament then it should call an election.

      1. Simon Coleman
        April 9, 2019

        …but as long as it doesn’t call an election, then the manifesto remains one without proper support, and can’t be implemented without the help of other parties.

        1. Edward2
          April 10, 2019

          That comment has no logic Simon
          They have support from the DUP
          If they didn’t your favourite comrade Corbyn would be in power.

  130. Steve Pitts
    April 8, 2019

    It looks like if nothing is agreed the EU and May will agree a Brexit baby, in other words a 9 month delay to the end of the year. That is terrible but at least that gives a chance of a different Prime Minister by then but also of another referendum or cancelling Brexit. I mean it’s always tomorrow but as we know tomorrow never comes.

  131. Andrew S
    April 8, 2019

    Can you see now why tory eurosceptics are totally ineffectual in the london parliament ? You should indeed just leave. Our democracy has been stolen by these EU run cabals tories and labour. British parliamentary procedure whose reputation was built up over 100 years or more, now destroyed, run over at any remoaner mp whim. Bills hastily stitched together in an evening. Deals done but sworn enemies, tory and marxist corbyn/mcdonnell/mccluskey.
    Makes me sick. We the people need to reclaim british soveriegn government for ourselves and throw out the betrayors. Re-electing the current brexit traitors is no cure.

  132. Typical UK Judge
    April 8, 2019

    I hear “But…..” as the answer. Well it was perfectly cooked

  133. An idea...
    April 8, 2019

    It is clearly making it up as it goes along, and failing to tell the MPs

    >
    I think they are just waiting for their orders and what their new strategy is from the EU.

  134. Freeborn John
    April 8, 2019

    Watching the proceedings tonight omnibus BBC Parliament I wish all of you Brexiteers fortitude. Do not doubt for a moment that the country is behind you and that even if a 2nd referendum or the GE with a new brexiteer Tory leader were to be necessary we and you would prevail. The important thing is the ultimate victory and not the exact date upon which it occurs. So play the long game and keep your eye on the prize of restoring democratic self-government in perpetuity.

  135. rose
    April 8, 2019

    Yes, let’s just leave. another excellent speech from Sir John in the House tonight which captured the spirit of the country.

    1. Simon Coleman
      April 9, 2019

      You mean it captured the spirit of Wokingham.

  136. BR
    April 8, 2019

    Here’s a thought.

    If the ERG / pro-Brexit Tories were to publicly state that:

    1. We believe that we have a rogue PM who is a remainer so hell-bent on delivering a terrible treaty to bind us into the EU that she is ignoring all and every constitutional norm.

    2. Therefore if a treaty is signed by Mrs may before she leaves office,. we will immediately withdraw from that treaty, whatever laws may apply.

    We realise that unilaterally withdrawing from a treaty is not what this country would do under normal circumstances, however we believe that it is necessary for our country and there would be minimal damage to the other party to the treaty since:

    (a) The withdrawal would be almost immediate.
    (b) Therefore it would be akin to a ‘no deal’ / WTO Brexit that would be the alternative at or around the same time.
    (c) They have been notified of this intention prior to signing the treaty.

    At present the EU are playing their cards to engineer the best chance of the WA being signed. If it made clear to them that this country has no intention of honouring a deal struck with a PM who clearly never had any intention of delivering what this country voted for then these games may subside and we should be able to leave on WTO terms. Or…

    If they press on then we simply follow through with our stated intent as above. Any attempt at arbitration by the EU will suffer from the advance notification and sort life of any treaty. And these matres are more political than legal anyway – if we say that we are cancelling the treaty there is not much they can do. Our national credentials will not suffer from such an immediate revocation.

    Then you can tell May to go, since she is achieving nothing by handing on by her toenails.

  137. Peter Thompson
    April 8, 2019

    The chances now for Brexit are falling weekly . Another year of wrangling and delay will see Article 50 being revoked. The fanatics on both sides live in their own echo chambers but to be honest ordinary people are just fed up with it. As for any electoral back lash did people not see the result at Newport where a new Remain supporting MP was elected ?

    1. rose
      April 9, 2019

      There was a two and a half per cent swing away from her to the next candidate, and UKIP trebled their vote.

  138. Peter D Gardner
    April 9, 2019

    We hear many times that in a democracy we can sack the Government if we don’t like it but in the EU we can’t. Events are proving this wildly optimistic. the truth is that Mrs May can sit there in stony silence as delegation after delegation troop in to tell her to go, until Nov/Dec. And she is wily enough, given the power she holds, to make all sorts of very unpleasant threats to persuade party members of the wisdom of refraining from resisting her will. Her party cannot replace her short of putting something in her coffee.
    The poor sodding electorate cannot do anything at all until June 2022 unless the main parties deign to offer themselves for election, which neither are likely to do for fear of a landslide defeat.
    I read comments online saying thank Heavens we are in the EU so the grown ups in Brussels can over-rule our ghastly government.
    Mrs May should be expelled from the party.
    I sincerely hope that on Wednesday or Thursday the grown-ups in the European Council call time on Mrs May. They have deposed democratically elected leaders in Italy and Greece in the past for bad reasons. Can we plead with them to repeat the exercise with Mrs May for many good reasons, not least to uphold the EU values of democracy and freedom.
    How do we invoke the relevant articles of the Lisbon Treaty recently used against Viktor Orban?

  139. Andrew Taylor
    April 10, 2019

    What i struggle to understand is,in the absence of solid evidence, how leaving the EU is a sound strategy for the future of our country. It may very well be that we are better off, but why would we want to take that chance. This is not a business proposition with rewards versus risks. We already know exactly where we stand as a member for 40 years. We have good economics figures right now in terms of unemployment and growth.

    I would not be be prepared to bet our future on how successful Liam Fox is abroad in closing deals. I am sure he is doing a good job but why should we take the risk?

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