Lord Pannick QC, the lawyer who led the successful Supreme Court challenge against Boris Johnson's suspension of Parliament, helped draft the amendment that derailed the Prime Minister's Brexit deal vote on Saturday, according to senior Tories. The amendment, proposed by former Conservative minister Sir Oliver Letwin, passed by 322 to 306, withholding approval of the deal until implementing legislation is passed.
The move forced the Prime Minister to seek a Brexit extension from the EU, a step he had vowed not to take. Ten former Tory rebels, including Philip Hammond, David Gauke, and Amber Rudd, backed the amendment. Government insiders accused Sir Oliver of colluding with Lord Pannick, who has been a leading figure in anti-Brexit legal challenges.
Lord Pannick confirmed he provided legal advice on the amendment's drafting but denied contacting Sir Oliver from Downing Street or on Friday. He said he was not involved in any current Brexit legislation and defended his right to assist. A senior Tory source described the amendment as 'Pannick's amendment,' calling Sir Oliver 'the useful idiot.'
The vote sparked fury among Cabinet ministers, with Trade Secretary Liz Truss tweeting her frustration. Rebel Labour MP Caroline Flint accused Remainers of a 'panic measure' to thwart the deal. Despite the setback, the vote indicated Mr Johnson may have the numbers to pass his deal in a straight vote, with 306 voting with the government, including all 283 serving Conservative MPs.
