Thread by @GuyOpperman

Thread on #GeneralElection + the business of #Parliament. Last night @HouseofCommons passed the #QueensSpeech 310 v 294 + earlier this week we had a x party majority (329v299) in favour of 2nd reading of the new Brexit bill 1/

That we need a #GeneralElection is not, in reality, disputed by any MP. But decision is not in the #PMs power. If #Parliament does not agree an election under Fixed Term Parliament Act (needs 2/3 of all MPs actually to vote for this) then no election possible 2/

Hence why #Labour votes decide if a general election happens. The PM proposal is that if the offered 3 days of Brexit debate is not enough (rejected by oppo this week) then @HouseofCommons would have all available days until November 6 (including weekends /late sittings etc) 3/

Reality is that @HouseofCommons has debated Brexit for 500 hrs + those who wish to seek a vote on 2nd Ref / Customs Union / etc etc could have put such a motion to Parliament in 3 days, + 100% between now + Nov 6. I will leave it to you to decide motives for more delay. 4/

I v much believe there remains a significant x party majority in @HouseofCommons in favour of the new Brexit deal agreed with the EU27. There is debate to be had + pure objectors to the policy (Libs, SNP, some Labour) will have their votes 5/