Dear supporter,

Tomorrow we march again to demand a Final Say on Brexit, working once again with the People’s Vote campaign, and the timing could not be more vital.

In parliament, MPs will gather in the morning to debate a deal, brought back unexpectedly from Brussels by Boris Johnson yesterday.

They will have had just 48 hours or so to examine the consequences of the changes that have been made. This will be the first time since the Falklands war that a special Saturday sitting of parliament will have taken place. And if you believe the mood music coming from No 10, this is a do or die, now or never moment in British history.

There is another choice.

Does such a pressure-cooker environment lead to sound, responsible decision-making on an issue that will set the nation’s course for decades to come? Is this what people had in mind when we were all reassured that Brexit would end with a “meaningful” vote? Or is this a cliff-edge created to suit an agenda? 

There will be amendments. One of these (the Letwin Amendment) would have the effect of making an extension inevitable. This would give time for the hysteria to subside and – who knows – some semblance of reason might return to Westminster.

There is talk of a different amendment (the possible Kyle-Wilson Amendment) which could – if MPs get the chance to vote on it – give backing to the Brexit deal so long as there is a confirmatory referendum. This would give you the Final Say.

And even if Boris Johnson’s deal simply wins the backing of a majority of MPs, it would still have to pass through the House of Lords, a long process that could yet see a referendum introduced.

Confused? Well, it is confusing. Having spoken to the politics team here at The Independent, plus MPs and campaigners, I can say with absolute certainty that no one – no politician, journalist, lobbyist or campaigner – knows exactly what the outcome will be.

But this much is clear: your opinion still counts. The power of the people still counts. Click here for the details of how to join us. Come with us on to the streets of Westminster while the MPs debate and vote just feet away.

They will be able to hear us.

Let’s make sure they listen.

Christian Broughton

Editor
The Independent