How can backbenchers take back control of Brexit? The latest plan is by Dominic Grieve who would (according to leaks) amend it to the Prime Minister’s new mystery Brexit plan which is being put to a vote on 29 January. As you might expect from Grieve, a QC, it’s well put-together. It identifies a weak point in Britain’s constitutional architecture, and proposes to take a shot. If he hits his target, it might not just take down Brexit but a whole lot more besides.
His amendment does not advocate for a particular policy, only against no deal. The Commons gave parliament permission for no-deal when it endorsed Article 50, so Grieve seeks to rescind that permission. He also aims to secure additional power for use in the future. In this case: control over time in the Commons.
For centuries under the Westminster system, power has rested in majorities. Only a government with a majority can govern, and government means ability to control the parliamentary timetable.
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