I agree, but sadly, his appearance is his primary consideration, i.e. his Westminster view of how t'northern voters in t'lost constituencies should view him as 'strong' on law and 'supportive' of a brexit/trade deal. In other words, Johnson is driving the agenda and Starmer is in campaign mode as well. Any idea of being honest and principled has vanished. Pity being named after a Labour icon doesn't impart any similarities.

I agree, but abstaining would be the right middle ground IMO. It'd show that Labour isn't rejecting the deal, however they are putting full onus on the Tories to own it. By voting in favour, every time Starmer criticises anything about it going forwards, Boris will just reply with "Well, you backed the deal"...

Why Boris blinked: