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Brexit triggers Labour crisis: Gloria De Piero and Ian Murray latest to quit – live Brexit triggers Labour crisis: Gloria De Piero and Ian Murray latest to quit – live
(35 minutes later)
12.58pm BST
12:58
Philip Oltermann
What is the German government’s view of the Article 50 question? In an interview with Deutschlandfunk radio aired on Sunday, Angela Merkel’s chief of staff said he expected the formal mechanism for Britain’s departure from the European Union to be triggered “within weeks or months” rather than days.
Asked if he thought Article 50 would be triggered at Tuesday’s summit in Brussels, as European Parliament Martin Schulz has asked for, chancellor chief Peter Altmaier said:
I don’t have any indication that this will happen, but I rather think that the application will take place in the coming weeks or months, possibly even after the new government has been formed.
Proposed with a scenario where Britain’s exit could end up a reverse mirror image of Turkey’s accession to the EU, a process seemingly forever postponed, the former environment minister and European Commission official who is seen as one of Merkel’s closest allies said:
My starting point is that Great Britain has made a clear decision. I assume that there will be a formation of a new government which will organise itself and in time make its application. We should wait for this to happen with calm. We should make clear that all remaining European states will pull together.
Altmaier’s interview appears to mirror the sentiment behind chancellor Merkel’s statement on Friday, in which she seemed to deliberately downplay the drama of the moment, repeatedly appealing for “calm and level-headedness”.
But the German government’s stance on this is by no means unanimous. Foreign minister Steinmeier on Saturday emphatically urged Cameron not to waste any time in starting the departure process, and with the Social Democrats gearing up for the general election next year, any public clashes with Merkel will be relished by her coalition partners.
12.55pm BST
12:55
Vernon Coaker, the shadow Northern Ireland secretary, has said he is considering his position. He said:
All of us are going to have to consider the positions that we hold and the best way forward for our party. Clearly we are all going to have to reflect on what that should be, whether we stay or whether we go. That’s a decision I will have to make along with all of my colleagues.
12.51pm BST
12:51
Lilian Greenwood resigns from shadow cabinet
Lilian Greenwood, the shadow transport secretary, has resigned, Sky reports.
Lilian Greenwood has resigned as Shadow Transport Secretary.... #Labour
12.47pm BST
12:47
The Labour MP Wes Streeting has just told BBC News that Jeremy Corbyn should resign. He said that Corbyn had many redeeming features, but “being an effective leader of the opposition is not one of them”. He said that he was disappointed by Corbyn’s performance during the EU referendum, but that that was not the only problem. Corbyn cannot land blows on the Tories, Streeting said. He said a particularly good example came when Corbyn delivered a Commons statement after the resignation of Iain Duncan Smith and virtually ignored that.
Streeting said that Corbyn was good at speaking to the faithful and to the converted, but that he could not win people over to Labour or provide “clear, strong leadership”.
He said Labour party members were turning against Corbyn.
And he urged any Labour members who were unsure to watch the half-hour Vice News fly-on-the-wall documentary about Corbyn. He said he would defy anyone to watch that and conclude that Corbyn was running a “credible, competent team ... ready to take on the mantle of government”.
Updated
at 12.50pm BST
12.37pm BST
12:37
Farron says Lib Dems will go into next election opposing EU withdrawal
Tim Farron, the Lib Dem leader, has just told BBC News that the Lib Dems will go into the next election saying the UK should remain in the EU, or rejoin. He says that he accepts the result of the referendum, but that politicians should continue to fight for what they believe in.
He also said that what was dubbed “Project Fear’ in the referendum campaign could now be seen as “Project Colossal Understatement” in the light of what happened to the pound and the stock market on Friday.
Farron’s comment raises the prospect that the Lib Dems could be the only main party going into the next election firmly committed to rejecting EU withdrawal. Labour is also a strongly pro-European party, but we don’t know what its manifesto stance on this would be. Hilary Benn, the former shadow foreign secretary, said this morning (see 9.52am) that he thought the party would have to respect the result of the referendum.
UPDATE: Here is my colleague Patrick Wintour on what Labour could say about the EU in its election manifesto.
A UK Labour policy could be pro-EU but give British people 2nd referendum once final terms of Brexit are known. Bojo's original policy.
Updated
at 12.46pm BST
12.26pm BST
12:26
Severin Carrell
Although Nicola Sturgeon is suggesting the Scottish parliament could stop the UK withdrawing from the EU (see 12.10pm), Prof Adam Tomkins, now a Scottish Tory MSP and also a leading expert on UK constitutional law, has tweeted immediately to say this is not so.
Apart from the inherent political contradiction of Sturgeon insisting that Westminster cannot deny or thwart the will of the Scottish people over a second independence referendum, Tomkins says that Holyrood’s legislative consent powers do not override Westminster’s will.
Lots of nonsense on here about Holyrood having power to block or veto Brexit. It has no such power.
Holyrood has the power to show or to withhold its consent. But withholding consent is not the same as blocking.
12.22pm BST12.22pm BST
12:2212:22
Ian Murray is now speaking to BBC News. He says Diane Abbott is wrong about the shadow cabinet resignations being planned months ago. He says his final decision to resign was prompted by the sacking of Hilary Benn. Ian Murray is now speaking to BBC News. He says Diane Abbott is wrong about the shadow cabinet resignations being planned months ago. (See 10.23am.) He says his final decision to resign was prompted by the sacking of Hilary Benn.
He says he likes Corbyn, and finds him principled and funny, but thinks he is not suited to lead the party into an election.He says he likes Corbyn, and finds him principled and funny, but thinks he is not suited to lead the party into an election.
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at 12.35pm BST
12.19pm BST12.19pm BST
12:1912:19
Libby BrooksLibby Brooks
Ian Murray, the shadow Scottish secretary, was also on the Sunday Politics Scotland. He said Labour could not recover with Jeremy Corbyn in charge.Ian Murray, the shadow Scottish secretary, was also on the Sunday Politics Scotland. He said Labour could not recover with Jeremy Corbyn in charge.
The Labour party needs to stop talking to itself. I don’t think at this moment in time [Corbyn] can be prime minister.The Labour party needs to stop talking to itself. I don’t think at this moment in time [Corbyn] can be prime minister.
12.12pm BST12.12pm BST
12:1212:12
The Labour MPs Stephen Kinnock and Tristram Hunt have both told Sky News this morning that Jeremy Corbyn should resign. Kinnock said the party needed a “hard-headed negotiator” to take charge in the light of the challenges thrown up by the referendum result. And Hunt said that if Corbyn was having to resort to sacking someone like Hilary Benn in the middle of the night he could find himself unable to find people to fill all his frontbench posts.The Labour MPs Stephen Kinnock and Tristram Hunt have both told Sky News this morning that Jeremy Corbyn should resign. Kinnock said the party needed a “hard-headed negotiator” to take charge in the light of the challenges thrown up by the referendum result. And Hunt said that if Corbyn was having to resort to sacking someone like Hilary Benn in the middle of the night he could find himself unable to find people to fill all his frontbench posts.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.16pm BSTat 12.16pm BST
12.10pm BST12.10pm BST
12:1012:10
Sturgeon says Scotland could try to block UK withdrawal from the EUSturgeon says Scotland could try to block UK withdrawal from the EU
Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, has told the BBC that the Scottish parliament could try to block the UK leaving the EU.Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, has told the BBC that the Scottish parliament could try to block the UK leaving the EU.
It would do this by withholding “legislative consent”. Some UK laws require the consent of the Scottish parliament and it is arguable that a bill to take the UK out of the EU would come into this category. Sturgeon said:It would do this by withholding “legislative consent”. Some UK laws require the consent of the Scottish parliament and it is arguable that a bill to take the UK out of the EU would come into this category. Sturgeon said:
The issue you are talking about is would there have to be a legislative consent motion or motions for the legislation that extricates the UK from the European Union?The issue you are talking about is would there have to be a legislative consent motion or motions for the legislation that extricates the UK from the European Union?
Looking at it from a logical perspective, I find it hard to believe that there wouldn’t be that requirement - I suspect that the UK government will take a very different view on that and we’ll have to see where that discussion ends up.Looking at it from a logical perspective, I find it hard to believe that there wouldn’t be that requirement - I suspect that the UK government will take a very different view on that and we’ll have to see where that discussion ends up.
And she told the Sunday Politics Scotland that that vetoing withdrawal would be an option, because it would be in Scotland’s interests.And she told the Sunday Politics Scotland that that vetoing withdrawal would be an option, because it would be in Scotland’s interests.
If the Scottish parliament was judging this on the basis of what’s right for Scotland then the option of saying look we’re not to vote for something that’s against Scotland’s interest, of course that’s got to be on the table.If the Scottish parliament was judging this on the basis of what’s right for Scotland then the option of saying look we’re not to vote for something that’s against Scotland’s interest, of course that’s got to be on the table.
Earlier the SNP MP Pete Wishart pointed out that the House of Lords European Union committee suggested that withdrawal from the EU would require Scottish legislative consent.Earlier the SNP MP Pete Wishart pointed out that the House of Lords European Union committee suggested that withdrawal from the EU would require Scottish legislative consent.
This is very interesting. The Scottish Parliament's 'consent is required'. pic.twitter.com/BiGjIC7HqNThis is very interesting. The Scottish Parliament's 'consent is required'. pic.twitter.com/BiGjIC7HqN
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.17pm BSTat 12.17pm BST
11.56am BST11.56am BST
11:5611:56
Momentum, the Labour group for Corbyn supporters, is encouraging people to use an ‘I’m with Corbyn’ twibbon.Momentum, the Labour group for Corbyn supporters, is encouraging people to use an ‘I’m with Corbyn’ twibbon.
Show your support for Jeremy with the 'I'm with Corbyn' twibbonhttps://t.co/N7vibiiAtDShow your support for Jeremy with the 'I'm with Corbyn' twibbonhttps://t.co/N7vibiiAtD
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.15pm BSTat 12.15pm BST
11.54am BST11.54am BST
11:5411:54
Peter WalkerPeter Walker
Conservative divisions over who should succeed David Cameron have broken into the open, with Philip Hammond warning Boris Johnson and other Brexit supporters they need to tell voters how they plan to reconcile “mutually incompatible” promises made during the referendum campaign.Conservative divisions over who should succeed David Cameron have broken into the open, with Philip Hammond warning Boris Johnson and other Brexit supporters they need to tell voters how they plan to reconcile “mutually incompatible” promises made during the referendum campaign.
While Jeremy Corbyn is facing a very open revolt from his shadow cabinet, tensions among Tories are thus far less obvious but appear set to increase as Johnson, Theresa May and a series of other likely candidates jostle for supremacy in the coming weeks.While Jeremy Corbyn is facing a very open revolt from his shadow cabinet, tensions among Tories are thus far less obvious but appear set to increase as Johnson, Theresa May and a series of other likely candidates jostle for supremacy in the coming weeks.
Also on Sunday, Iain Duncan Smith insisted that the next Conservative leader must come from the pro-leave camp, a condition which if met would exclude May, seen as the closest rival to Johnson.Also on Sunday, Iain Duncan Smith insisted that the next Conservative leader must come from the pro-leave camp, a condition which if met would exclude May, seen as the closest rival to Johnson.
Hammond, the foreign secretary, meanwhile held out the possibility of a new prime minister opting for the UK to remain within the EU’s free trade area, even if that meant allowing uncontrolled flows of people from the bloc.Hammond, the foreign secretary, meanwhile held out the possibility of a new prime minister opting for the UK to remain within the EU’s free trade area, even if that meant allowing uncontrolled flows of people from the bloc.
Hammond warned that Johnson had a potentially difficult task ahead. “The key leave campaigners made contradictory promises to the British people,” Hammond told ITV’s Peston show. “I’m sorry to say that but they did.” He added: “Boris is one of those.”Hammond warned that Johnson had a potentially difficult task ahead. “The key leave campaigners made contradictory promises to the British people,” Hammond told ITV’s Peston show. “I’m sorry to say that but they did.” He added: “Boris is one of those.”
Hammond continued:Hammond continued:
Now they will have to resolve that by explaining how they will balance the tradeoffs between the different things they promised which are mutually incompatible. That will be hugely disappointing to a lot of people in this country who voted leave. How that tradeoff is made is the key question now for the future prosperity of this country.Now they will have to resolve that by explaining how they will balance the tradeoffs between the different things they promised which are mutually incompatible. That will be hugely disappointing to a lot of people in this country who voted leave. How that tradeoff is made is the key question now for the future prosperity of this country.
11.50am BST11.50am BST
11:5011:50
McDonnell says if there is a Labour leadership contest it should take place quickly.McDonnell says if there is a Labour leadership contest it should take place quickly.
John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, has told BBC News that if there is a Labour leadership contest, it should not last as long as last year’s.John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, has told BBC News that if there is a Labour leadership contest, it should not last as long as last year’s.
He said he would like it to be over in two or three months, so that Jeremy Corbyn can return as leader in October, in time for a general election.He said he would like it to be over in two or three months, so that Jeremy Corbyn can return as leader in October, in time for a general election.
Asked about Corbyn’s decision to sack Hilary Benn, McDonnell said that Corbyn is one of the kindest people in politics but that he was “really disappointed and saddened” when he found out that Benn was involved in a plot against him. McDonnell said Corbyn rang Benn when he heard about this and Benn admitted it. Corbyn then had no choice but to sack him, McDonnell said.Asked about Corbyn’s decision to sack Hilary Benn, McDonnell said that Corbyn is one of the kindest people in politics but that he was “really disappointed and saddened” when he found out that Benn was involved in a plot against him. McDonnell said Corbyn rang Benn when he heard about this and Benn admitted it. Corbyn then had no choice but to sack him, McDonnell said.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.14pm BSTat 12.14pm BST
11.43am BST11.43am BST
11:4311:43
According to Sky News, Ian Murray, the shadow Scottish secretary and the only Labour MP in Scotland, has now resigned. We were tipping him to resign earlier.According to Sky News, Ian Murray, the shadow Scottish secretary and the only Labour MP in Scotland, has now resigned. We were tipping him to resign earlier.
Sky sources: Shadow Secretary of Scotland Ian Murray resigns from Corbyn's shadow cabinet https://t.co/PifkqUBDja pic.twitter.com/AeNt920AApSky sources: Shadow Secretary of Scotland Ian Murray resigns from Corbyn's shadow cabinet https://t.co/PifkqUBDja pic.twitter.com/AeNt920AAp
11.39am BST11.39am BST
11:3911:39
Pat McFadden, who was sacked by Jeremy Corbyn as shadow Europe minister, is on Sky News saying Labour needs a new leader.Pat McFadden, who was sacked by Jeremy Corbyn as shadow Europe minister, is on Sky News saying Labour needs a new leader.
He says that for Labour the exam question changed on Thursday. When Corbyn was elected, people did not expect an election until 2020. Now it looks as if there could be one much earlier.He says that for Labour the exam question changed on Thursday. When Corbyn was elected, people did not expect an election until 2020. Now it looks as if there could be one much earlier.
He says the EU referendum campaign showed Corbyn’s inability to show leadership.He says the EU referendum campaign showed Corbyn’s inability to show leadership.
He says that, if the Tories were to win the next election easily, the country could end up with a one-party, rightwing Tory state.He says that, if the Tories were to win the next election easily, the country could end up with a one-party, rightwing Tory state.
11.35am BST11.35am BST
11:3511:35
Liam Fox says he is thinking of standing for the Conservative party leadershipLiam Fox says he is thinking of standing for the Conservative party leadership
Liam Fox, the Conservative former defence secretary, told the Sunday Politics that he was thinking of standing for the Conservative party leadership. Asked about this, he replied:Liam Fox, the Conservative former defence secretary, told the Sunday Politics that he was thinking of standing for the Conservative party leadership. Asked about this, he replied:
I have not decided yet. I am thinking about it, it would be dishonest to say otherwise. But I will make a decision once I have spoken to my colleagues in parliament.I have not decided yet. I am thinking about it, it would be dishonest to say otherwise. But I will make a decision once I have spoken to my colleagues in parliament.
11.33am BST11.33am BST
11:3311:33
Food prices are likely to go up as a short-term consequence of Britain’s vote to leave the EU, owing to the UK’s dependence on imports, according to the president of the National Farmers Union, my colleague Adam Vaughan reports.Food prices are likely to go up as a short-term consequence of Britain’s vote to leave the EU, owing to the UK’s dependence on imports, according to the president of the National Farmers Union, my colleague Adam Vaughan reports.
Related: UK food prices set to rise after Brexit voteRelated: UK food prices set to rise after Brexit vote
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.48am BSTat 11.48am BST
11.31am BST11.31am BST
11:3111:31
Emily Thornberry, the shadow defence secretary, has just told BBC News that now is not the time to having a leadership contest. She says she cannot understand why colleagues are challenging Jeremy Corbyn.Emily Thornberry, the shadow defence secretary, has just told BBC News that now is not the time to having a leadership contest. She says she cannot understand why colleagues are challenging Jeremy Corbyn.
Labour has to do the best it can for the country, she says.Labour has to do the best it can for the country, she says.
Half the country voted to leave the EU, she says. That is because they feel the system is not working for them.Half the country voted to leave the EU, she says. That is because they feel the system is not working for them.
She says the party turned in on itself after the Scottish referendum, and lost support. It must not do that again, she says.She says the party turned in on itself after the Scottish referendum, and lost support. It must not do that again, she says.
Q: But Corbyn is not very effective during the EU referendum.Q: But Corbyn is not very effective during the EU referendum.
Thornberry says she does not accept that. She says she thinks Corbyn’s voice was more honest during the referendum than David Cameron’s. Remain would have done better if Corbyn had been given more prominence.Thornberry says she does not accept that. She says she thinks Corbyn’s voice was more honest during the referendum than David Cameron’s. Remain would have done better if Corbyn had been given more prominence.
Q: But his position is untenable.Q: But his position is untenable.
Thornberry says she does not accept that. He has a lot of support in the country, she says.Thornberry says she does not accept that. He has a lot of support in the country, she says.
11.26am BST11.26am BST
11:2611:26
John McTernan, the former Tony Blair adviser who is on the far right of the Labour party, has just told BBC News that Jeremy Corbyn should go. Addressing the argument that Corbyn has a mandate from the members, he said: “He did not have any mandate to be utterly useless.”John McTernan, the former Tony Blair adviser who is on the far right of the Labour party, has just told BBC News that Jeremy Corbyn should go. Addressing the argument that Corbyn has a mandate from the members, he said: “He did not have any mandate to be utterly useless.”