Debate continues to rage in Conservative party...>

UK: Debate continues to rage in Conservative party as whether to hold an early

general election before Christmas, or try to pass Withdrawal Agreement Bill then

go to the polls. 

- Political Cabinet meeting (sans civil servants) to iron out whether to table

motion under fixed term parliaments act (FTPA) to hold early GE. Moderate

one-nation Conservatives in Cabinet believed to oppose early GE, want Brexit

done before the vote, whereas more hardline Brexiteers believed to be pushing

for an earlier vote so that they can pass Withdrawal Agreement Bill without

amendments (should Conservatives win a majority).

- PM could address the Commons after Queen's Speech vote this evening (around

1700BST, 1800CEST, 1200EDT) to table early election motion on Monday.

- With 2/3 of MPs support needed to trigger GE under FTPA. Even if all

Conservatives, 19 independent Conservatives, 10 DUP support it would require

around 119 of 245 Labour MPs to vote for early GE to trigger one (assuming other

opposition parties vote against).