First, let me say I am pleased to see Hansard being quoted, rather than a newspaper's interpretation of what was said. So often we seem to rely on third hand accounts of things.

It is an interesting read. But Jacob is well aware that it is up to the person acting for a debate on how they want to have that debate: if they do not wish to hold a confidence vote they are under no obligation at all to go down that path.

It may be - and probably is - the case that the Opposition does not have confidence in the government. But unless they think they could win such a debate it is better tactically to take a different path. Since in this case the question is confidence in a single decision rather than overall, it is sensible to do so.