THE UK Government scraped through a vote on changes to the Brexit Customs Bill last night – and they can thank Alistair Carmichael for helping them along.

Hardline Brexiteer amendments agreed by Theresa May passed with a majority of three, but it should have been even closer.

LibDem leader Vince Cable was absent from the vote, busy attending a "meeting", and in a perfect piece of symbolism, former leader Tim Farron was giving a talk on what it's like to be a liberal.

Now, Farron and Cable are blaming Carmichael for the embarrassment.

The duo are saying that they were "authorised to be absent", with the party chief whip responsible for that decision.

Carmichael is now offering his apologies: "Brexit is the most important issue in a generation. And as Liberal Democrats we have taken on the responsibility of stopping it. We’re the only Party united in this aim.

"Last night I messed up. The government squeaked home by just three votes in a key amendment. It should have been one.

"I was not expecting a close vote – up until 8pm Labour were planning to abstain which would have meant the vote would be lost by hundreds. In fact several Labour MPs voted with the government – which is why they won.

"By the time it became apparent that the vote was going to be close – it was too late to get two of our MPs back in time to vote.

"I’m taking responsibility and redoubling my efforts to stop Brexit.

"Today is a new day. We will be debating the remaining stages of the Trade Bill - and we are going to hold the government's feet to the fire.

"Thank you for you for your continued support to our campaign to Exit from Brexit."

The two MPs could have pushed the vote right to the wire – a majority of one ... but, it's worth mentioning, a strange omission in Hansard indicates that there's a chance it could have been a tie.

Here's a thing. Hansard records a total of 305 MPs who voted for the govt's new clause 36 last night, but only 304 names are listed https://t.co/5MGo3fMknJ — Esther Webber (@estwebber) July 17, 2018

Either the tellers have miscounted, or the clerks missed recording a name.

The tellers figure is the correct one from a procedural point of view, as it's the one the House accepts and it will not be changed. The clerks' figure can be changed if a Member says that they were the missing 305th person in that lobby. — Matt Korris (@MattKorris) July 17, 2018

It doesn't matter now, with a majority of three for the government. But if Cable and Farron had voted, it would have made this matter a lot more important.

Perhaps the party should consider replacing their chief whip with one of those magic animals that predict World Cup scores – they'd probably be more reliable forecasters, and should have some free time now.

With enemies like Alistair Carmichael, the Prime Minister doesn't need friends.