But this was not meant as a joke, and it had consequences that were not in the least amusing. It was also, although rather less roundly, criticised by Theresa May at prime minister’s questions, who said the government was “listening carefully”. Some of its impacts are obvious: on Wednesday, Labour was fighting to preserve workers’ rights and environmental protections that derive from EU law. One of the mutineers, Ken Clarke, challenged ministers who insist there is no intention to water them down to say so in the legislation. However the Daily Telegraph portrays them, it is the MPs who insist on scrutiny that are defending democracy.

Source: The Guardian November 15, 2017 19:41 UTC