Westminster Bridge was as quiet as I’ve ever seen it. It was crossable without having to hop from the pavement onto the road to avoid a selfie stick to the face from an enthusiastic tourist.
It almost feels ghost-like by London standards. But when you step inside the Houses of Parliament, the atmosphere is buzzing as the UK prepares for war.
This is not the buzz of excited unity, though. There are real divisions within Westminster with many of them coming internally for parties.
We all know about Labour’s problems but the Conservatives are not all singing from the same hymn sheet.
John Baron’s rebellion within the Foreign Affairs Committee may not have massively surprised many of those in the corridors of power but it was highly significant.
One, because it revealed the panic within Tory ranks as reports circulated of whips dishing out foul mouthed tirades to MPs planning to vote against Government policy.
Two, because it meant the powerful committee concluded the case for war has not been made. This severely undermines the arguments being used to persuade politicians to back the bombings.
Here is genuine cross party opposition to air strikes. It is not saying nothing should be done, indeed the committee’s report showed sympathy to the idea of further military action.
It demands the Prime Minister answers key questions before we go in all guns blazing. It seems David Cameron has not matched expectations.
Late on Wednesday, many MPs will vote with their conscience, not with their party. Whether you agree with them or not, at least it is principled.