Second thoughts

There will be none if Theresa May, who looks likely to be our next prime minister, has her way. But I do like this post, flagged up by Maria Pretzler.

Mrs May does not acknowledge that the referendum decision is of dubious validity, given that it was obtained by lies about the EU and promises, some of which have already turned to dust even before negotiations to leave have started. But another referendum, which would inevitably also be flawed, is not the answer. Tim Farron has already asserted that the Liberal Democrat manifesto for the next general election will major on a reversal of the decision to leave the EU. However, this bold declaration means nothing unless there is a general election before Article 50 is invoked. "Remainers" in the Commons cannot wait until there is a new leader for the Conservatives because that leader will almost certainly on appointment as prime minister send the letter to the European Council from which there is no going back.

Mark Pack explains how dissolution of parliament can be achieved under current legislation. One would have thought that it was in the interests of both sides of the EU debate to elect a new House - Remainers for the reason above, and Leavers because they will want a favourable Commons when it comes to voting on the terms of leaving the EU. The trouble is that clearly the disunited Labour party will not want to commit electoral suicide by supporting a dissolution.