Heads They Win, Tails We Lose

The prime Minister concluded her Lancaster House speech, now of merely academic interest, thus:

“so that when future generations look back at this time, they will judge us not only by the decision that we made, but by what we made of that decision.”

Quite so, and with all the hubris of the time now a distant memory and the establishment congratulating themselves on thwarting the people, again, we should reflect on what remains of Brexit aspiration.  Actually, less than nothing for, as John Redwood points out, all we have done is surrender our Article 50 right to leave the EU (and we still pay them £39 Billion for the privilege).  A few token resignations will not prevent Mrs May from shoring up her fragile position.  She will win the vote of no confidence, when it comes, and, even if the margin is a single vote, she will forge ahead with her “deal.”  Some commentators even think she will succeed in forcing it through Parliament by threatening her opponents with watering it down still further in order to recruit more allies to see it through.  In other words, take this now or see any semblance of separation disappear in smoke.

Meantime, No 10 seems to be bulldozing their self-righteous path as though nothing has happened with Mrs May promising a Boycott-like innings.  Before she gets carried away with this metaphor, however, she should bear in mind that, despite his professional accomplishments and previous Chairmanship, Geoffrey was rejected by the members in his bid to re-join the Committee of Yorkshire Country Cricket Club a couple of years back.  A new Minister for Brexit has been appointed despite Fraser Nelson observing that he could not think of anyone with sufficient lack of integrity to take the job.  Party Chairmen are being consulted directly and, apparently, MPs are being urged to consult their constituents.  I shall not be holding my breath in Selby & Ainsty where Nigel Adams has not favoured me with a communication on the subject since he was appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Wales Office and Assistant Government Whip.  Over the road, in Elmet & Rothwell, Alec Shelbrooke was seen on TV last night backing the PM and, apparently, singing the hymm sheet helpfully provided by the clergyman's daughter for various Vicars of Bray.  It seems many MPs will be taking the opportunity of the weekend break to park principle in favour of pragmatism and maintaining their position on the greasy pole.  That said, I must acknowledge the gallant and principled stance of some members, paticularly in the northern borders of my native county, Northumberland.

Remember, they are all in it together and you and I have no chance, even having won a referendum.  To take your mind off it, why not go and see the new film Wildlife?  An absorbing narrative, beautifully photographed and splendidly portrayed by a terrific cast including Carey Mulligan, will provide an artistic diversion from the undignified events in Westminster.