Would a written constitution have prevented this quagmire of Brexit?

IIt was still likely that May would spoil the Brexit. But I thought the fault would be Theresa, not Erskine. The latter may – apparently unrelated to Philip May, the prime minister's husband – was propelled onto the Brexit scene by his summoning by President John Bercow on Monday.

Anyone who has worked at Westminster over the years, whether he is a deputy, political badistant or journalist, is aware of the existence of Erskine May. This is Parliament's rule book, often cited but rarely read. This is not surprising, as it costs around £ 350 and has only been released online this year.

It is regularly updated by the parliamentary clerks, the priesthood of procedure and the guardians of the written saint ….