VOTE LEAVES PRIME MINISTER A LAME DUCK

SO in practice, what does this all mean?

Theresa May has lost a Brexit vote in the Commons for the first time. That is probably the most important point.

The amendment to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill giving MPs a “meaningful vote” won’t stop Brexit going ahead – but could reshape the deal Ministers bring back from the EU talks.

As with everything to do with Brexit, that in itself is disputed.

Ministers say the vote would still come down to a take-it-or-leave-it acceptance of the Brexit deal or crashing out of the EU with no agreement. Opposition MPs say last night’s amendment means Ministers can only implement the Brexit withdrawal deal “subject to the prior enactment of a statute by Parliament”.

In other words, approving the final terms of withdrawal. For them, a statute means a Bill, which could be changed.

Whereas the resolution Ministers prefer would simply involve a yes/no vote on approving the withdrawal deal.

That is hideously legalistic but the key point is the first one – Theresa May has lost her fragile majority. Her authoriity takes another dent and no politician in Europe or the UK will be sure she can deliver on what she promises from now on.

Once that happens, and rebels get a taste for rebelling, the slide out of power begins.