The previous two days have been a little grim as I dealt with the consequences of my dear Mum's passing last Friday morning. It's extraordinary how much needs doing following a death, and it certainly keeps the mind active and occupied, which is no bad thing. Anyway, back in the Commons today for yet another debate on the EU withdrawal bill. Even before it began, there were rumours that the Government would capitulate - again - in face of some unhelpful amendments, signed by MPs across the House. They involved taking no-deal off the table or extending Article 50, neither of which would help the Brexit process. Cabinet and other ministers had threatened to resign unless no deal was removed and, frankly, they should resign and go now. Of course they won't - the extra money! Integrity, I do not think so. What was even odder was that, as the day progressed, we learnt that a junior minister had been sacked for tabling an amendment that the Government backed. This while Cabinet ministers have attacked the PM and remained in post. PMQs was nothing special and I often wonder just how big a goal does Corbyn need to score? The EU debate started following a UQ on the conflict between Pakistan and India, which is serious. I was grateful to the Speaker for calling me quite early in the debate, which was shortened by very long speeches by all three Front Bench spokesmen, especially ours. Intentional? Surely not. My speech is on the website, so I will not elaborate further. Votes came at 1900 and the two threatened amendments were dropped. For once the Government was not defeated.