Thinking of voting against the government? Take the week off…

The Commons will vote on the European Arrest Warrant (EAW) on Monday.

The government still believes there could be up to 100 rebels. Much work is going on behind the scenes to cut that down.

The measure opting the UK back into some criminal justice measures, including the EAW, will pass because of support from Labour and the Lib Dems. But No.10 would dearly like to get the number of rebels down.

It doesn’t do much for the credibility of the Tory parliamentary party if a third of its entire number rebels. It looks bad and breeds more insurrection.

The Commons rises for a short recess on Tuesday next week, and the whips are inviting backbenchers considering voting against the EAW to consider making the whole week their own.

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