,
17 tweets,
3 min read
Read on Twitter
Nigel Lawson in Lords says having had 45 years in Parliament he has “never seen such constitutional vandalism” as today’s Bill - this follows LibDem Lord Newby saying he has brought his toothbrush to stay all night to pass the Cooper-Letwin Bill.
Nigel Lawson warns peers that “substantial insurrectionary forces” may lose trust in Parliament if this is passed in reply to former Northern Rock Chairman Viscount Ridley saying “ramming this through in a day” is a “constitutional monstrosity”
Former diplomat Lord Hannay asking peers complaining about constitutional propriety, how they would categorise a Government being defeated by 230 votes in Commons then just carrying on and then another vote on same thing defeated by 180 votes and then carrying on? A little odd?
on every amendment oppo Lords waiting about 20 minutes- half hour to insist question now be put. Lord Speaker Fowler then says this is very rare procedure, are you sure? They say yes. Then there is a vote to have a vote, which wins by 150. Then actual vote which defeats amendment
This repeated for all amendments - and we’re only on the business motion. This will then reoccur for the actual substantive motions on the Bill too...
Meanwhile in the Commons the sitting is suspended because of substantial leak into the chamber - you can hear the water pouring into the chamber / the deputy speaker said “no photographs please” parliamentlive.tv/event/index/a0… 
Tory Lords far from united - Lord Lansley criticising the procedural amendments ....
Some laughter from peers when Baroness Noakes says they should “trust the PM” on seeking an extension...
Some laughter from peers when Baroness Noakes says they should “trust the PM” on seeking an extension...
Government Whips ready to go through to 630am to defeat the Bill...
But the number of votes for these amendments is starting to fall back to 70-80 as Lords start to express annoyance at tactics delaying debate on the actual Bill
NEW: government and Opposition sources acknowledge “peace talks” over Cooper-Letwin passage in Lords which could kick later stages into Monday. Acknowledgement that procedural tactics may have worked in delaying consideration of actual Bill.
Royal Assent still poss Monday tho.
Royal Assent still poss Monday tho.
If it did then get Royal Assent on Monday - then PM would have to return Tuesday and by law have to name an extension date she will ask for at EU Summit Wednesday.
Viscount Ridley deeply unhappy about one day fast-tracking of Bill through Lords - mildly amusing that Act that had to be passed in order to nationalise the bankrupt bank he chaired - Northern Rock - the Banking (Special Provisions) Act 2008 - was indeed fasttracked ...in one day
Lord Pannick, the lawyer who defeated the Government in the A50 Supreme Court case, concerned about impact of the Cooper Letwin Bill; tables amendment maintaining PMs prerogative power over extension date
Second Reading Lords debate now wrapping up - Lord Goldsmith for Labour noting Pannick criticism on royal prerogative. Lord Callanan for Government stressing Govt continued opposition and the “Unhealthy and constitutionally irregular precedent”.
Minister Lord Callanan said if the Bill passes the Government will obey the law in all circumstances...
*** Cooper-Letwin Bill Second Reading passes in the Lords (no division, on the nod) - lords adjourned - rest of the stages/amendment voted on Monday.
Yep - lord Rooker summing up, not happy about the language used in the debate, particularly after police warning:
