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Five Brexit facts you need to know today



Morning,



Theresa May travels to Brussels today to deploy the diplomatic charm and grace we have come to expect from our Prime Minister.



Her statement last night saw a PM who claims to sing with the choir of the virtuous descend into the political gutter.



The dishonesty was breathtaking.



A Prime Minister who had refused to give the Commons a vote on Brexit, tried to deny MPs economic data and legal advice and who twice pulled key votes had the cheek to blame Parliament for delaying the whole process.



The Oxford-educated vicar’s daughter, former councillor, party chair and Home Secretary then tried to cast herself as the country’s most unlikely populist by declaring in the battle between the people and the Parliament of which she is a member she was on the side of the former.

(Image: Daily Mirror)





This sub-Trumpian language was as politically inept as it was dangerous.



Just days before a key vote that will decide her and this country’s future she decided the best way of securing victory was to attack the electorate.



Before the PM’s statement the MP Lisa Nandy had signed an amendment that opened the door for her and several other Labour MPs to back the withdrawal agreement.



A few hours later the Wigan MP told ITV’s Peston: “There’s absolutely no chance she is going to win over MPs in sufficient numbers after that statement.



“It was an attack on liberal democracy itself. I will not support a government that takes such a reckless, dangerous approach.”

Conservative MPs were also appalled at the PM’s language.



Sam Gyimah tweeted: “Resorting to the ‘blame game’ as the PM is doing is a low blow.



“Democracy loses when a PM who has set herself against the HoC then blames MPs for doing their job.



“Distracts from Art 50 extension, all part of her strategy to run down the clock and rule out other options. Toxic.”

(Image: Conservative Party Handout/PA)





Others pointed out that her comments were deeply irresponsible at a time when MPs are being advised to share taxis home because of the risk they could be attacked.



Jeremy Hunt this morning tried to excuse the PM’s ill-judged comments by saying she is under “extraordinary pressure.”



That is no doubt true but there will be few in Parliament who have much sympathy for a PM who speaks so divisively then tells MPs it is time to compromise.

Mrs May needed the support of Labour MPs to have any chance of winning her meaningful vote next week at the third attempt.



Having alienated figures such as Ms Nandy the prospect of victory is fast receding.



Other MPs resented being put in the invidious position of having to sign on the dotted line because they regard the alternatives - no deal or revoking Brexit - as far worse.



Any agreement secured in such circumstances can only have a toxic legacy which bodes ill for a Prime Minister trying to secure support for the Withdrawal Agreement Bill.



This could matter if EU leaders today insist, as is their right, to reject Mrs May’s call for an extension to June 30 in favour of a shorter delay to May 22.



In the optimistic scenario her deal did pass through Parliament there may not be enough time to get the necessary legislation through both Houses.



Today's agenda:



Theresa May is in Brussels for EU summit. Jeremy Corbyn is also in Brussels for talks with EU leaders (assuming he doesn't walk out).



9.30am - Chris Grayling takes Transport questions



10.30am - Andrea Leadsom gives her regular update on House of Commons business.



11.00am - Labour’s local election launch in Stoke.



12.00pm (approx) - general Commons debate on autism.



What I am reading:



Fintan O’Toole asks if England is ready to govern post Brexit