The question for wavering MPs: do they really trust Boris Johnson?

Boris Johnson is still pursuing today’s vote as a decisive moment for the Brexit deal, rather than the start of yet another delay, with the Letwin amendment meaning the real meaningful vote could be moved to Tuesday. His opponents are speaking in a similar vein, framing the choice facing those MPs yet to make up their minds as being one concerning how trustworthy the Prime Minister is.

Perhaps the most powerful argument against trusting Johnson came from DUP Westminster leader Nigel Dodds, who told the Chamber that: ‘It was once said that no British prime minister could ever agree to such terms and indeed those who sought the leadership of the Tory party said so at our conference’. This has been joyfully picked up by Labour MPs who are trying to lean on their colleagues not to back the bill. Sir Keir Starmer told the Commons that those who are considering putting their trust in Johnson should reflect on Dodds’ point, adding: ‘I ask how anybody can trust any promise he is now making.’