The chronology of votes tomorrow is very important.
Selected amendments are voted on first. If a selected amendment passes, the Commons then votes on a main motion *as amended* rather than the original motion. (1/x)
Selected amendments are voted on first. If a selected amendment passes, the Commons then votes on a main motion *as amended* rather than the original motion. (1/x)
If a majority of MPs vote for, say, the Letwin amendment, it does not follow that MPs would then vote *the same way* on the main motion *as amended* immediately thereafter. (2/x)
If those who support the deal but oppose a delay are given the choice between the deal with a delay or simply rejecting the deal, it follows that they might have voted *against* the Letwin amendment but *for* the main motion as amended. (3/x)
Similarly, if those who oppose the deal are asked to vote on the Letwin amendment first, they might vote for it. But *then*, if presented with the same choice on the motion *as amended*, they might vote *against* that motion. (4/x)
If Letwin amendment is adopted as the resolution it's an outcome meaning *legal* rejection of the deal for the purposes of the Benn Act and the Meaningful Vote, but *might* be taken politically as an indication that a majority exists for passing a Withdrawal Agreement Bill (5/x)
