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Ken Clarke on fine form. And surprisingly (disappointingly) unscruffy.
"Parliament can produce legislation to reform previous legislation. Idea being put forward by sec of state that govt can't possibly contemplate amending withdrawal bill is one of the most preposterous propositions I've ever heard anybody put before this House."
On the ERG: "We have a kind of party-within-a-party. Bit like Momentum really. Got their leader. Got their chief whip. They;re hardened right-wingers. And the govt has set off in pursuit of these bizarre negotiating tactics."
"Some of them seem positively to want to leave with no deal because any agreement with foreigners from the continent is a threat to our sovereignty."
"We will get nowhere until we have some idea of what can command a majority here." Incredible that this is in any way a controversial thing to say.
"I think there is a majority in favour of a customs union. I don't know if there is a majority in favour of a referendum. I am certain there is an overwhelming majority flatly against leaving with no deal to take place."
Clarke is like an echo of a previous time, when we conducted ourselves in a moderate and thoughtful way. It's not about whether you agree with him or not.
It's that he exercises independent judgement - against Brexit, against a People's Vote, for customs union membership, prepared to support May's deal.
He is vigorously unhysterical and non-tribal. So while you listen to him you noticeably relaxed. And then he stops and the loons get up and starting barking out their ceaseless shitbuckets. And we're back to horrible normality.
This is majestic from Ken Clarke. 
