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Cox trying to put a brave face on it in the Commons right now parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/c2…
Asked if it is still govt policy to seek reopening of withdrawal agreement. "It is govt policy to change the necessary elements in the backstop which will cause me to change my advice." So that's a no then.
Cox smartly makes a gag about 'Cox's codpiece', to deflect attention from the answer. Much mirth. But ultimately his dodge is an admission that May's policy since the Brady amendment has effectively collapsed.
Mark Francois to Cox: "He will end up examining his own codpiece in front of the House of Commons."
Pitiful language. But the point is fair. Cox is not leading negotiations and then will come back to tell Commons about the legality of it.
Cox replies: "I shall judge entirely impartially. There are many many lawyers eminently capable of deciding if I got that judgement right or wrong."
Bob Neil clearly irritated by the Francois innuendo. "The attorney's powers of alliteration have not dimmed since we first appeared in court together, and neither have his independence, rigour and respect for his constitutional position. It shoud never be questioned."
Labour's Nick Thomas-Symonds asks about the 'Star Chamber' of lunatic eurosceptic Tory lawyers, who'll first look at his deal, if he gets on. Why no other parties? Cox dodges.
Cox: "I'm not appearing before of any Star Chamber. The Star Chamber I'm appearing in front of is this House."
But then: "And any Star Chamber, I'm not going to be appearing in front of them. Although they are composed of exceptionally distinguished people - but any member of this House can come and see me if they like."
Cox is good. Really good. Funny, despite-yourself-charismatic, smart. But the reality is he effectively is appearing in front of a Star Chamber.
The reason lunatic eurosceptic lawyers are the test of the deal is because they are the type of mind this form of Brexit has been designed to placate. Sure, other MPs can come visit. But it's the eurosceptic lunatics who have the govt on a leash.
