The prime minister’s flailing Brexit threats have bumped up against the simple need for scrutiny

Editorial: Like dealing with a toddler in a tantrum, MPs should let Mr Johnson bawl as much as he likes, and get on with their job

There he goes again. Faced with parliamentary resistance to his blatant attempt to bounce MPs into approving his Brexit deal, virtually sight unseen, the prime minister threatens to speak to 27 heads of government in the EU, in an open attempt to subvert the law that required him to seek an Article 50 extension.

Perhaps, as has been hinted before, he may in due course threaten a general election. In the past he has threatened a no-deal Brexit if he does not get his way, and he has hinted at that again. He has “paused” his bill – so he is now taking his ball home if he’s not allowed to win the game. These are the standard tactics of the bully, and unworthy of the office he holds. Nor will the ploy work.