Boris Johnson finally agreed to a debate with his Conservative Leadership opponent Jeremy Hunt.
This was shown on ITV yesterday evening and Chair Julia Etchingham did her best to keep order.
Questions were from the audience who were, or had been, or thought about being, a Conservative voter. Additional questions were put by the chair from public who had posted them on ITV's website.
It was difficult to hear much of the debate as both candidates interrupted each other.
There were some differences between them. Boris Johnson insisted that he would take the UK out of the EU on October 31st come what may but refused to support the British Ambassador whose leaked memos criticised Mr. Trump and his Administration, while Jeremy Hunt also said he would take the UK out of the EU but was less confident about the date but he said he was an accomplished negotiator. He said that an Ambassador's job was to be candid and honest about the government he was sent to observe and that the UK appointed the Ambassador & it was for the UK to decide to support or sack their appointed ambassador.
The final questioner asked what most impressed them about their opponent. Jeremy Hunt said that when you asked Boris Johnson a question, he would make you smile and then you'd forget the question! Boris Johnson said he admired Jeremy Hunt's ability to change his mind, pointing out that he had been a Remainer and now says he is a Brexiteers.
The debate took place after ballot papers had been sent out to Conservative members and a significant number had already been returned. I suppose we shall never know how many of those would have changed their minds after seeing the debate and there is still time for the rest to make their decisions.
Another interesting decision happened this week!
Following discussions with the Shadow cabinet and the NEC (National Executive Committee), Labour Leader, Jeremy Corbyn has decided that Labour will campaign for Remaining in the EU in any public vote that the new government permits after any new Brexit deal which they say they will achieve. It is still unclear whether Labour will still be a Remain party if a general election is called. Hopefully that will become clear.
I have written to Mr.Corbyn to thank him, the Shadow cabinet & the NEC for clarifying that Labour will campaign for Remain but pointing out the anomaly.
I continue to believe that the best deal is the one we have already by being a member of the EU, with the opportunity to work together for the best for all and none of the complications Brexit would cause to trade, availability of personnel, etc.
If you agree, whether you are a Labour member, Conservative member, Liberal Democrat member or Green member or someone who has no political affiliation but think that Remaining in the EU is the best option, please also write to Mr.Corbyn to encourage him to oppose Brexit in all circumstances.
He has two e-mails: jeremy.corbyn.mp@parliament.uk and leader@labour.org.uk.
Don't forget to keep spreading this petition: https://chn.ge/2xqqepA and persuade as many as you can to sign it too.
As before MPs emails are found at www.parliament.uk and the websites for anti-Brexit information are still valid.
The march I mentioned last time is the March for Change in London on Saturday 20th July, walking from Park Lane to Westminster.
It is being organised by the UK in Europe Campaign and the website is: www.marchforchange.uk
Thank you very much for all your support!