Thread by @lewis_goodall

Only the Prime Minister's third appearance at the dispatch box. An appearance he never wanted to make.

Boris Johnson: "We need to find a way forward..."

Cries from Opposition: "Resign!"

Boris Johnson: "I was told Brussels would never accept alternative arrangements to the backstop."

That is not true. Brussels has always said that if the government could come up with something as good it would never be needed. That's why it's quite literally called "a backstop".

Boris Johnson is puncturing one fantasy quite correctly. He will not- he cannot- oversee another referendum. If pro=PV MPs want that they are going to have to replace him, one way or another. Like Johnson, they cannot have their cake and eat it too.

Boris Johnson says he prorogued in exactly the same way as his predecessors.

Again, completely untrue. As Lady Hale remarked "this was not a normal prorogation." It's length and character was completely out of the ordinary.

He's struggling here. Rattling through it.

Johnson goading Corbyn: "Does he even want to be Prime Minister any more?"

Johnson: "They have until the House rises today to table a motion of no confidence in the government and we can have that vote tomorrow?"

That was pretty bad from the PM. No taking account of his actions, nor apology to the Queen or to Parliament. Moreover, no sense of strategy or where he's going beyond goading the Opposition to hold a no conf motion, which might as well be illuminated with a massive TRAP sign.

Corbyn: "The government has failed to silence our democracy*."

*Anyone for a card vote?

Corbyn doesn't often do forensic very well but this isn't bad. All the right questions.

Corbyn: "It's very simple. If he wants an election, get an extension."

Johnson: "We will of course obey the law and come out of the EU on October 31st."

So EITHER

We come out with a deal

Or

Johnson has a way to get around the Benn Act

No mention from PM about one line bill to set election date. So presumably that's dead.

Blackford adverts to strategic differences in rebel alliance. He says there should be a Vote of No Confidence as soon as possible so Opposition can "install interim leader" and "take back control."

Hillary Benn says PM has “no mandate and no majority.”

Tbf to him, he is rather keen to get both...