Robert Peston Robert Peston

Prepare for Brexit history to be made tonight

Brexit history and constitutional history may be made at 10 tonight.

Because the number of Tory rebels is holding firm at around 20.

And that means Sir Oliver Letwin’s motion under Standing Order 24, which would have the effect of handing control of business in the Commons to backbenchers tomorrow, could well pass by around five votes.

Which in turn means that the Bill to ask EU leaders to delay Brexit until January 31, would almost certainly become law by Sunday night.

And that is why Boris Johnson would tomorrow try to force a general election – because he has said he will never ask the EU to delay Brexit beyond October 31.

But if all of that happens, there will be bumps on the road. And indeed the wheels may yet come off the bus driven by those wanting to stop a no-deal Brexit.

Robert Peston
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Robert Peston
Robert Peston is Political Editor of ITV News and host of the weekly political discussion show Peston. His articles originally appeared on his ITV News blog.

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