It was a late-night showdown in the Commons yesterday evening. The terrain? Labour’s Border, Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill. But while the legislation was passed – by Pyongyang-style majorities – on the back of Labour votes, a row has now broken out over whether the Tories or Reform were more effective in their opposition. Nigel Farage took to X to say that:
Without Reform MPs there would have been no vote on Labour’s useless immigration bill tonight. The Tories did not intend to oppose it until we forced a vote in the House of Commons. Reform UK are the real opposition.
This then prompted a counterargument by Conservative MPs, with the likes of Ben Obese-Jecty arguing that ‘All five Reform MPs voted for the Conservatives’ reasoned amendment on Labour’s Immigration bill last night, including Nigel.’ Yet Reform counter by noting that they forced a vote on the overall piece of legislation – with James McMurdock and Lee Anderson serving as the tellers. A party source told Mr S:
If it wasn’t for Reform UK MPs forcing a vote on the Bill’s Second Reading by putting up our own tellers, there would not have been one as the Conservative party were happy to vote only on their amendment and abstain the bill.
The Tories stress that their own reasoned amendment would have killed the bill if passed. One source claims:
Farage is peddling yet more fake news. Not only was there a vote on the Conservatives’ reasoned amendment which would have killed Labour’s Border Surrender Bill had it passed, but he and his four colleagues voted for that amendment. This was despite none of them bothering to speak in 5 hours of debate on the Bill. As ever with Farage he’s all spin and no substance.
Who’s the real opposition? Steerpike is happy to let readers be the judge of this one…
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