It has been yet another day of extraordinary events in Parliament, with calls for contempt findings against the government and Labour’s leadership agreeing to table a motion of no confidence in the government when Theresa May’s Brexit deal fails as is universally expected.
But one of the most extraordinary passages came when Labour MP Chris Williamson asked Attorney General Geoffrey Cox whether he was prepared to be expelled from the House – terminating his standing as an MP – for contempt of Parliament in order to keep his advice to Theresa May secret.
Cox – who seems to prefer the use of twenty words to using one – did not deny that this could be the case, instead merely expressing regret and his hope that it would not happen:
Williamson was in no doubt what he’d just witnessed:
No government minister has ever before been held in contempt of Parliament – but Cox is not the only one at risk, as he is certainly not unilaterally withholding information the government has been ordered by Parliament to provide and Theresa May is certainly involved, as well as most likely others.
The government has relied on the fact that it has never happened before, indulging in a series of demonstrations of cowardice and disdain for parliamentary rules since May lost her Commons majority because of the ‘Corbyn surge’ at the last general election.
But with six opposition parties including the DUP calling for a contempt judgment and Speaker John Bercow expected to return his preliminary findings on the contempt call as early as this evening, Theresa May and her accomplices look like they may have pushed their luck too far.
SKWAWKBOX comment:
A summary of Cox’s advice has been released and shows that May wants to tie the UK and Northern Ireland into a weak position they can only escape with the EU’s permission.
So how desperately damning must Cox’s full legal advice have been for him and others to be willing to risk expulsion to keep it from view?
And will the government even survive long enough for Labour’s motion of no confidence next week?
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Chris Williamson a model MP and a shining example to others. Without doubt, he should be deputy leader and then deputy PM.
From mouth to God’s ears. 🤞🙏
Wrong gender
I am fed up with counter productive identity politics, I just want the best person for the job. I really don’t care about their gender, security, race etc etc
bloody autocorrect – security >>> sexualty
Chukka Uppa take NOTE you fw this is a real Labour MP doing what you’re supposed to be doing not twating about on the Indy fawning for a 2nd referendum ! GTTO
Cox’s voice, sonorous and confident when he started speaking, became weak, ingratiating, almost tremulous as he waffled for time (eg. the ‘fact’ of his advice wasn’t in question) while wracking his brains for any answer that might get him out of trouble.
First Rudd now Cox must fall on his sword to protect Tsarina May. Not to mention those who lost their seats after her ego-trip election. The Tories must hate the PM, apart from Gove who’s head is jammed so far up her arse his family think she’s a new hat.
I suggest the possibility that May betrayed us even more than we know, that she colluded with the EU to enable the sting of the century against her own people. The Brexit deal is not bad by accident, incompetence, or early dementia. It’s MEANT to be like that. And the backstop WILL be used.
That should work Theresa, because we’re all stupid and believe all your lies. And I promise to look surprised when you suddenly acquire a chateau in France.
She & Con’s cabinet are guilty of Treachery & Treason. No ifs or buts.
Tom Brake (LD) summed up Monday’s theatrics quite well.
https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/5ed35e84-a80d-4e22-a69f-2be5ab920147?in=17:57:58
Meanwhile Tory Solicitor General says, “Never mind the law, stop playing politics.”
Unless in Toryland Solicitor General means Chief Pimp I believe a solicitor is required to put the law first.
Good news from the EU
The EU Advocate General has said that the UK can unilaterally revoke Article 50
Hi Steve, I replied on the other thread… “non-binding opinion” apparently (3 sources) – and AG’s opinion has only been ‘right’ 80% of the time.
Personally I wouldn’t bet the farm.
Sorry, should have been clearer – my concern is that the time frame during which revocation would be accepted isn’t mentioned and would likely be relevant.
Also concerned that the opportunity might be taken to withdraw or challenge whatever concessions UK has previously negotiated. UK will probably not be flavour of the month for a while.
Still favour remain though 🙂
If nothing else it certainly throws a spanner in the Brexit argument that we can’t revoke A50. For now I prefer to remain optimistic about the courts ruling.
After he’s gone can we continue to ask for the advice and take a few more with him? Perhaps even the real perpetrator…?
“We can check out, but we can never leave”.
According to the recommendation of the EU Advocate General the UK can unilaterally revoke A50. Let’s all hope the EU court follows it’s usual practice and endorses his opinion.
Wow we never heard about Chris Williamson’s sterling work on any news show last night…
What a surprise!