So, the Commons has voted.<\/p>\n
It would seem that it has rejected No Deal, because one non-binding amendment that suggested this was passed.<\/p>\n
But it has rejected May's Deal.<\/p>\n
And it has rejected creating the time to find a better deal.<\/p>\n
And it has rejected staying.<\/p>\n
So the Commons has voted, yet again, for wishful thinking and nothing concrete of benefit to anyone.<\/p>\n
What can I see happening now?<\/p>\n
First, there is no chance of a People's Vote: if the Commons cannot vote to extend Article 50 they could not get the majority required for a second vote. I call that option dead.<\/p>\n
For the record, so too is staying: I do not think there is anything like a majority for that.<\/p>\n
So there are only two known options.<\/p>\n
One is the EU's deal, which was once called May's deal, but can't be any more as she has apparently abandoned it.<\/p>\n
And the other is No Deal.<\/p>\n
I think that's what's left. And I can't see changes to either.<\/p>\n
So, what would you do? Vote No Deal? Or the EU's deal?<\/p>\n
I am beginning to think that I would vote for the EU's deal? Why? Because it leaves us in the EU. And it leaves everything open to negotiation thereafter.<\/p>\n
It pains me to say it, because this deal is profoundly unattractive. But it is better than No Deal.<\/p>\n
The only good thing is that May has now rejected it. Which means that she will never be able to claim it as a win.<\/p>\n
But that's mighty small consolation.<\/p>\n
I'll sleep on this, but that's my view right now.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"