The day of the Lords arrives

Lords reform makes its way into the Commons today, but it’s hardly a relief for the whips that after weeks of threats from the rebel camp, the legislation is finally being debated. With tales circulating the House that there are 110 Tory MPs prepared to defy the whip on the programme motion, this could be the first time the Government is defeated on its legislative programme.

The BBC’s Norman Smith tweeted this morning that the rebels were being told to vote against second reading rather than the programme motion if they were unhappy with the legislation. But even if, as Paul Goodman argues, not every rebel on that list of 110 actually sticks to the commitment they’ve given to the rebel whips, Labour only need 50 Conservative MPs to join them in voting down the programme motion. It’s unlikely the Government will be able to coax 60 MPs to change their mind before tomorrow afternoon’s vote.