What a long day! It began with an early morning run and ended at about midnight, as the House concluded the first day's debate on the EU Withdrawal Bill, which will trigger Article 50. After the morning's routine, I entered the Chamber for the start of the debate at about 1220. Business Questions soon ended, after which a colleague put forward a 10 Minute Rule Motion, which was challenged by Philip Davies. He did not push his opposition to a vote, so we soon moved smoothly on to main debate of the day. Brexit Secretary David Davis opened the batting with a relatively short speech. Struggling with a cold and fading voice, the delivery was a little croaky, poor man. Shadow spokesman Sir Keir Starmer gave a sensible and balanced reply, making it clear that Labour politicians were very divided on this issue. My colleague Ken Clarke then spoke for 22 minutes, again reminded us that he was a europhile and that our current path was the road to disaster. At least that was my interpretation of his speech. I admire and respect Ken, but events have moved on now, although I quite appreciate he's still in shock post the referendum. More than 90 MPs had put in to speak and my turn came at about 2340. The Speaker had told me at the beginning of the debate when I put in to speak that it would be a miracle if I was called. Well, miracles clearly do happen! My speech is on the website. I remained in the Chamber for most of the debate and enjoyed some very good contributions from both sides of the House. They were certainly passionate. When I was absent from the Chamber, I joined many colleagues at two private meetings with ministers. At the first Education Secretary Justine Greening explained her thinking about the new proposed funding formula, which is currently being consulted on and is causing quite a bit of disquiet. At the second, also well attended, meeting, we listened to local government secretary Sajid Javid talking about local government funding. Again, there were many concerns. These meetings unfortunately meant that I missed the eloquent speech by my friend and colleague Jacob Rees-Mogg, who is so eloquent. After a long day, we were finally allowed to go home just after midnight. Another day and vote tomorrow.