Thread by @uk_domain_names

If this is true, it's a whole new chapter to the Brexit pantomime of the absurd. Also proof positive that the Government has abandoned even the pretense of playing by the conventions of Parliament.

MPs take note: Theresa May *will* sabotage your amendments if humanly possible.

https://twitter.com/BBCNormanS/status/1107902285328334849

https://twitter.com/danbloom1/status/1107910221710663681?s=21

This could backfire extraordinarily badly. Some MPs, already minded to vote against MV3 because the prospect of a long extension is tantalisingly close, may be outraged by this naked attempt to subvert the centuries-old functioning of Parliament, hardening resolve against MV3.

So what could be driving this frenzied desperation on Theresa May's part? It's likely a toxic cocktail of factors:
- A long delay will split the Tories and be a huge vote loser.
- Funders are already deserting the party. Exodus is likely to accelerate if Brexit isn't delivered.

- She knows there is no chance of staying PM for more than a few days or weeks longer unless she beats all the odds and shows her strength by ramming MV3 through.
- A delay means month after month after month of the ERG and the DUP riding the Government like their pet donkey.

- Demographics. It's controversial to bring up, but the cycle of life is reducing the Leave pool and minting fresh Remainers. Already out of step with the country, she risks falling further and further out of sync with the national mood.

- European elections: hugely embarrassing and controversial to have to hold these, since the Tory base will be incensed. Raises the prospect of far right MEP grouping growing, pro-EU moderate faction too, with the Tories nowhere in sight.

- Investigations: a long delay allows time for the various criminal investigations into Leave to run their course, so there's much potential for new spanners-in-works to emerge.
That's just off the top of my head. I'm sure you can add your own examples too.