It was interesting that Theresa May chose to absent herself from the House when the crucial vote today was declared, and that it was Angela Leadsom who announced to the members that the government would obey their instructions, and publish the full advice tomorrow.

Even more interesting was the legal opinion today indicating that the European Court of Justice is likely to rule that the UK government can just cancel its withdrawal from the EU if it chooses. A clear Parliamentary vote to reject May's deal, stated by the EU to be its last word, together with a firm decision that No Deal is totally unacceptable would logically mean that the only option in town should be to do precisely that.

If it were seen as essential to hold a referendum, the predicted ruling would simplify matters. It would remove from the table arguments about whether the EU might make demands on the UK in return for cancelling withdrawal.