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PMQs: Corbyn calls on May to 'come up with a plan' for Brexit – Politics live PMQs: Corbyn calls on May to 'come up with a plan' for Brexit – Politics live
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Afternoon summary
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Libby BrooksLibby Brooks
Michael Russell, the Scottish government’s Brexit minister, has been updating Holyrood this afternoon on his work, including further detail from Monday’s meeting of the devolved leaders at Downing Street. It would be fair to say that the mood remains bullish, with Russell telling MSPs that the talks had “made it clearer than ever that there is at present no coherent UK plan”.Michael Russell, the Scottish government’s Brexit minister, has been updating Holyrood this afternoon on his work, including further detail from Monday’s meeting of the devolved leaders at Downing Street. It would be fair to say that the mood remains bullish, with Russell telling MSPs that the talks had “made it clearer than ever that there is at present no coherent UK plan”.
He went on:He went on:
But there has to be a Scottish plan, and ideally that should be one that is good for the UK too. Alongside our efforts to influence the United Kingdom to adopt a soft Brexit with continued membership of the single market the Scottish Government will bring forward our own detailed proposals to protect Scotland’s interests by the end of this year.But there has to be a Scottish plan, and ideally that should be one that is good for the UK too. Alongside our efforts to influence the United Kingdom to adopt a soft Brexit with continued membership of the single market the Scottish Government will bring forward our own detailed proposals to protect Scotland’s interests by the end of this year.
Russell said that a key part of these proposals would be setting out ways in which Scotland can remain in the single market, even if the rest of the UK leaves.Russell said that a key part of these proposals would be setting out ways in which Scotland can remain in the single market, even if the rest of the UK leaves.
He also reported that, on a visit to Brussels last week, he had met Guy Verhofstadt, part of the European Parliament’s Brexit negotiating team, who – much to the Scottish government’s delight - is previously on record saying: “If Scotland decides to leave the UK, to be an independent state, and they decide to be part of the EU, I think there is no big obstacle to do that.”He also reported that, on a visit to Brussels last week, he had met Guy Verhofstadt, part of the European Parliament’s Brexit negotiating team, who – much to the Scottish government’s delight - is previously on record saying: “If Scotland decides to leave the UK, to be an independent state, and they decide to be part of the EU, I think there is no big obstacle to do that.”
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The difficulties in concluding an EU-Canada trade deal show the importance of Britain reaching an agreement over its future relationship with the EU before it leaves the bloc, international trade secretary Liam Fox has said.The difficulties in concluding an EU-Canada trade deal show the importance of Britain reaching an agreement over its future relationship with the EU before it leaves the bloc, international trade secretary Liam Fox has said.
Reuters reports that Fox told the Commons European scrutiny committee that the seven years it has taken to reach the CETA deal and the delays in signing it after it was rejected by a Belgian regional authority showed the difficulty of doing a deal with such a large number of partners.Reuters reports that Fox told the Commons European scrutiny committee that the seven years it has taken to reach the CETA deal and the delays in signing it after it was rejected by a Belgian regional authority showed the difficulty of doing a deal with such a large number of partners.
Article 50 of the EU’s Lisbon Treaty allows for an initial two year period of divorce talks before Britain leaves the bloc. Any agreement reached in that time would not be subject to the same level of vetos as a free trade agreement (FTA), he said.Article 50 of the EU’s Lisbon Treaty allows for an initial two year period of divorce talks before Britain leaves the bloc. Any agreement reached in that time would not be subject to the same level of vetos as a free trade agreement (FTA), he said.
That sort of procedure would only be undertaken were we to leave the European Union after our Article 50 period without any agreement whatsoever and were looking to seek a new FTA from outside.That sort of procedure would only be undertaken were we to leave the European Union after our Article 50 period without any agreement whatsoever and were looking to seek a new FTA from outside.
It’s in the interests quite clearly following this (CETA) experience for all concerned to minimise any sort of economic trade and political disruption to ensure that’s done with the minimum of fuss.It’s in the interests quite clearly following this (CETA) experience for all concerned to minimise any sort of economic trade and political disruption to ensure that’s done with the minimum of fuss.
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Staying with the Richmond Park byelection, the Lib Dem leader, Tim Farron, has said it represents an an opportunity to “send a message” to Theresa May over her “hard Brexit” strategy and change the direction of the country, the Press Association reports.Staying with the Richmond Park byelection, the Lib Dem leader, Tim Farron, has said it represents an an opportunity to “send a message” to Theresa May over her “hard Brexit” strategy and change the direction of the country, the Press Association reports.
Speaking on Richmond Green, directly below the Heathrow flight path, Farron pitched his party as the “only clear, electable alternative” to Goldsmith.Speaking on Richmond Green, directly below the Heathrow flight path, Farron pitched his party as the “only clear, electable alternative” to Goldsmith.
On the face of it the Lib Dems have a mountain to climb. Goldsmith held the south-west London constituency with an increased majority of more than 23,000 in last year’s general election and his stand on Heathrow is likely to be highly popular locally.On the face of it the Lib Dems have a mountain to climb. Goldsmith held the south-west London constituency with an increased majority of more than 23,000 in last year’s general election and his stand on Heathrow is likely to be highly popular locally.
But, heartened by a strong performance in David Cameron’s former constituency of Witney last week, Farron said his party were determined to take the fight to Goldsmith.But, heartened by a strong performance in David Cameron’s former constituency of Witney last week, Farron said his party were determined to take the fight to Goldsmith.
He said:He said:
We start here as second favourites, there’s no two ways about it, there’s a big mountain to climb, but it’s one we’re determined to have a good crack at.We start here as second favourites, there’s no two ways about it, there’s a big mountain to climb, but it’s one we’re determined to have a good crack at.
The ability for people of Richmond Park to really change the way our country heads is over Brexit - are we going to leave the EU or are we going to leave the single market, risking jobs and livelihoods in this part of London?The ability for people of Richmond Park to really change the way our country heads is over Brexit - are we going to leave the EU or are we going to leave the single market, risking jobs and livelihoods in this part of London?
If you want to stop Theresa May taking us down this extreme path that no-one voted for, then a vote for the Liberal Democrats will send a powerful message and could literally change the direction of our country.”If you want to stop Theresa May taking us down this extreme path that no-one voted for, then a vote for the Liberal Democrats will send a powerful message and could literally change the direction of our country.”
Farron suggested he would not be moving to parachute a big name in to contest the seat, saying it was a matter for the local party.Farron suggested he would not be moving to parachute a big name in to contest the seat, saying it was a matter for the local party.
He said:He said:
The reason why the announcement was made this week is because we now have a Conservative Government without the Liberal Democrats stopping them, so the Liberal Democrats are the only people who have stopped the third runway so far.The reason why the announcement was made this week is because we now have a Conservative Government without the Liberal Democrats stopping them, so the Liberal Democrats are the only people who have stopped the third runway so far.
It’s a confusing choice in some sense, because (Goldsmith), who says he’s opposed to Heathrow, is being supported by a party which is making the Heathrow expansion happen.It’s a confusing choice in some sense, because (Goldsmith), who says he’s opposed to Heathrow, is being supported by a party which is making the Heathrow expansion happen.
To vote for Zac Goldsmith is basically to give succour to a Tory government that is expanding Heathrow.To vote for Zac Goldsmith is basically to give succour to a Tory government that is expanding Heathrow.
Activists are set to pour the Richmond Park constituency in a bid to capitalise on their success in last week’s by-election.Activists are set to pour the Richmond Park constituency in a bid to capitalise on their success in last week’s by-election.
The Conservative majority in former prime minister Mr Cameron’s old seat was slashed from 25,000 to 5,700 with a 19% swing, while the Lib Dems came second despite having finished a distant fourth in 2015.The Conservative majority in former prime minister Mr Cameron’s old seat was slashed from 25,000 to 5,700 with a 19% swing, while the Lib Dems came second despite having finished a distant fourth in 2015.
The Lib Dems held Richmond Park until 2010. It is one of their biggest local parties with 800 members, and it enjoys support in neighbouring seats as well.The Lib Dems held Richmond Park until 2010. It is one of their biggest local parties with 800 members, and it enjoys support in neighbouring seats as well.
The constituency voted 69% for Remain in the referendum while Goldsmith was among the leading Conservatives campaigning for Leave.The constituency voted 69% for Remain in the referendum while Goldsmith was among the leading Conservatives campaigning for Leave.
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Compass has joined Labour MPs Clive Lewis, Lisa Nandy and Jonathan Reynolds in calling for the party not to put forward a candidate to run against Zac Goldsmith in the forthcoming Richmond Park byelection.Compass has joined Labour MPs Clive Lewis, Lisa Nandy and Jonathan Reynolds in calling for the party not to put forward a candidate to run against Zac Goldsmith in the forthcoming Richmond Park byelection.
The soft left pressure group said in a statement:The soft left pressure group said in a statement:
The Richmond Park by-election is a huge progressive opportunity. Zac Goldsmith ran a racially divisive campaign for the London mayoralty, and was staunchly in favour of the Leave side in this year’s referendum. Now, his decision to trigger this latest contest – in which he is the de facto Tory candidate – offers a chance to reject the politics of division, reduce the Tories’ already slender majority, oppose “hard” Brexit in a seat that was overwhelming remain – and show what can happen when progressive parties work together, not against each other.The Richmond Park by-election is a huge progressive opportunity. Zac Goldsmith ran a racially divisive campaign for the London mayoralty, and was staunchly in favour of the Leave side in this year’s referendum. Now, his decision to trigger this latest contest – in which he is the de facto Tory candidate – offers a chance to reject the politics of division, reduce the Tories’ already slender majority, oppose “hard” Brexit in a seat that was overwhelming remain – and show what can happen when progressive parties work together, not against each other.
This is why we are calling on the progressive parties to get round the table and agree which has the maximum chance of defeating the Tories. The Lib Dems held the seat until 2010 when they got 43% of the vote – and the result of the Witney by-election suggests they could win in Richmond Park if other progressive parties agree not to run competing candidates that simply wastes votes and let the Tories in.This is why we are calling on the progressive parties to get round the table and agree which has the maximum chance of defeating the Tories. The Lib Dems held the seat until 2010 when they got 43% of the vote – and the result of the Witney by-election suggests they could win in Richmond Park if other progressive parties agree not to run competing candidates that simply wastes votes and let the Tories in.
It calls on the Lib Dems to select a pro-European anti-third runway candidate and says there should be reciprocal alliances in future to prevent Tory candidates getting in.It calls on the Lib Dems to select a pro-European anti-third runway candidate and says there should be reciprocal alliances in future to prevent Tory candidates getting in.
The statement concludes:The statement concludes:
There is a precedent. Such an alliance worked in Tatton in 1997 when the progressive parties put the national interest before party interest and stood down to defeat the Tories. It is such a moment once more.There is a precedent. Such an alliance worked in Tatton in 1997 when the progressive parties put the national interest before party interest and stood down to defeat the Tories. It is such a moment once more.
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Much to the annoyance of many commentators watching PMQs, Jeremy Corbyn did not bring up Theresa’s secret speech to Goldman Sachs warning of the dangers of Brexit. Here, the Guardian’s home affairs editor, Alan Travis, explains why what she said is important:Much to the annoyance of many commentators watching PMQs, Jeremy Corbyn did not bring up Theresa’s secret speech to Goldman Sachs warning of the dangers of Brexit. Here, the Guardian’s home affairs editor, Alan Travis, explains why what she said is important:
It clearly shows that in private she was prepared to articulate a much stronger attachment to staying in the European Union than the lukewarm public support she gave to the remain campaign in the one major public speech she made during the campaign.It clearly shows that in private she was prepared to articulate a much stronger attachment to staying in the European Union than the lukewarm public support she gave to the remain campaign in the one major public speech she made during the campaign.
There is also a reason to believe that the Goldman Sachs speech was much closer to her own personal views because they reflect the fact that May’s entire career before going into politics was at the Bank of England and as a European lobbyist for the financial service industry...There is also a reason to believe that the Goldman Sachs speech was much closer to her own personal views because they reflect the fact that May’s entire career before going into politics was at the Bank of England and as a European lobbyist for the financial service industry...
Carefully calculated shifts in language have led some to conclude she is now set on the path to hard Brexit. But her private Goldman Sachs speech just five months ago makes clear that she personally believes a future out of the single market means a business exodus from Britain.Carefully calculated shifts in language have led some to conclude she is now set on the path to hard Brexit. But her private Goldman Sachs speech just five months ago makes clear that she personally believes a future out of the single market means a business exodus from Britain.
Perhaps she should spell out her views about hard Brexit to the British people rather than giving American bankers the inside track.Perhaps she should spell out her views about hard Brexit to the British people rather than giving American bankers the inside track.
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Amnesty International UK has backed Jeremy Corbyn’s stance on Saudi Arabia. During PMQs the Labour leader urged Theresa May to stop selling arms to the kingdom because of its attacks in Yemen.Amnesty International UK has backed Jeremy Corbyn’s stance on Saudi Arabia. During PMQs the Labour leader urged Theresa May to stop selling arms to the kingdom because of its attacks in Yemen.
Amnesty International UK’s arms control director Oliver Sprague said:Amnesty International UK’s arms control director Oliver Sprague said:
Week in week out we’ve documented the Saudi Arabia-led coalition’s appalling attacks on homes, hospitals and funeral halls in Yemen, and week in week out the Government has ducked the need to stop selling weapons to Saudi Arabia.Week in week out we’ve documented the Saudi Arabia-led coalition’s appalling attacks on homes, hospitals and funeral halls in Yemen, and week in week out the Government has ducked the need to stop selling weapons to Saudi Arabia.
It’s simply not good enough.It’s simply not good enough.
Instead of retreating into vague remarks about ‘issues being investigated’, Theresa May should order an immediate halt to all further arms sales to Saudi Arabia, as well as a full inquiry into what part British weaponry may have played in fuelling the terrible conflict in Yemen.Instead of retreating into vague remarks about ‘issues being investigated’, Theresa May should order an immediate halt to all further arms sales to Saudi Arabia, as well as a full inquiry into what part British weaponry may have played in fuelling the terrible conflict in Yemen.
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Brexit was apparently about taking back control but the devolved governments don’t know the plan, businesses don’t know the plan, Parliament doesn’t know the plan.Brexit was apparently about taking back control but the devolved governments don’t know the plan, businesses don’t know the plan, Parliament doesn’t know the plan.
He also poked fun at the prime minister for her frequent use of the phrase: “Brexit means Brexit”. In response the prime minister said:He also poked fun at the prime minister for her frequent use of the phrase: “Brexit means Brexit”. In response the prime minister said:
Brexit means Brexit, that means we’re coming out of the European Union.Brexit means Brexit, that means we’re coming out of the European Union.
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PMQs - Verdict from the Twitter commentariatPMQs - Verdict from the Twitter commentariat
Corbyn may have got laughs by quoting Baldrick but there was largely frustration among political journalists and commentators that he did not press her on the Guardian story about her pre-referendum comments at Goldman Sachs warning of the economic consequences of Brexit.Corbyn may have got laughs by quoting Baldrick but there was largely frustration among political journalists and commentators that he did not press her on the Guardian story about her pre-referendum comments at Goldman Sachs warning of the economic consequences of Brexit.
From ITV’s Chris Ship:From ITV’s Chris Ship:
I have question: Leaked tapes to @guardian show you said firms only in UK to access EU? Do you think we should stay members of single marketI have question: Leaked tapes to @guardian show you said firms only in UK to access EU? Do you think we should stay members of single market
From the Mirror’s Kevin Maguire:From the Mirror’s Kevin Maguire:
Corbyn missed open goal to destroy May after she warned Goldman Sachs that Brexit would be disaster. She won #PMQs by defaultCorbyn missed open goal to destroy May after she warned Goldman Sachs that Brexit would be disaster. She won #PMQs by default
From the Sun’s Tom Newton DunnFrom the Sun’s Tom Newton Dunn
Never has Corbyn had a more open goal after Theresa's Brexit tape. Yet 6 times he still slices the ball into Row Z. Outstanding. #PMQsNever has Corbyn had a more open goal after Theresa's Brexit tape. Yet 6 times he still slices the ball into Row Z. Outstanding. #PMQs
From Matt Chorley, editor of the Times’s Red BoxFrom Matt Chorley, editor of the Times’s Red Box
Why didn't Corbyn use all six questions to read out what May told Goldman Sachs were the risks of Brexit? #PMQsWhy didn't Corbyn use all six questions to read out what May told Goldman Sachs were the risks of Brexit? #PMQs
From the Spectator’s James Forsyth:From the Spectator’s James Forsyth:
Odd that Corbyn didn't ask May how many other private speeches she has given to banks in recent years? Would have been potent populismOdd that Corbyn didn't ask May how many other private speeches she has given to banks in recent years? Would have been potent populism
The Mirror thinks differently:The Mirror thinks differently:
Snap verdict on #PMQs: Jeremy Corbyn shows his cunninghttps://t.co/HRAArEdR8J pic.twitter.com/uk5gX1w90bSnap verdict on #PMQs: Jeremy Corbyn shows his cunninghttps://t.co/HRAArEdR8J pic.twitter.com/uk5gX1w90b
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Here is a fuller account of Corbyn’s attack on May during PMQs accusing her of lacking a Brexit plan:Here is a fuller account of Corbyn’s attack on May during PMQs accusing her of lacking a Brexit plan:
On Monday, you told the House, ‘We have a plan which is not to set out at every stage of the negotiations the details’.On Monday, you told the House, ‘We have a plan which is not to set out at every stage of the negotiations the details’.
I’ve been thinking about this for a couple of days. I think when you’re searching for the real meaning and the importance behind the prime minister’s statement, you have to consult the great philosophers.I’ve been thinking about this for a couple of days. I think when you’re searching for the real meaning and the importance behind the prime minister’s statement, you have to consult the great philosophers.
The only one I could come up with is Baldrick, who says, ‘Our cunning plan is to have no plan’.The only one I could come up with is Baldrick, who says, ‘Our cunning plan is to have no plan’.
Brexit was apparently about taking back control but the devolved governments don’t know the plan, businesses don’t know the plan, Parliament doesn’t know the plan. When will the prime minister abandon this shambolic Tory Brexit and develop a plan that delivers for the whole country?”Brexit was apparently about taking back control but the devolved governments don’t know the plan, businesses don’t know the plan, Parliament doesn’t know the plan. When will the prime minister abandon this shambolic Tory Brexit and develop a plan that delivers for the whole country?”
Earlier he joked that he feared May would say “Brexit means Brexit” again.Earlier he joked that he feared May would say “Brexit means Brexit” again.
May replied:May replied:
You try to poke fun at the phrase ‘Brexit means Brexit’ but the whole point is this - it’s this government that’s listening to the voice of the British people.You try to poke fun at the phrase ‘Brexit means Brexit’ but the whole point is this - it’s this government that’s listening to the voice of the British people.
Brexit means Brexit, that means we’re coming out of the European Union.Brexit means Brexit, that means we’re coming out of the European Union.
What you try to be doing is frustrating the will of the British people by saying that Brexit means something completely different.What you try to be doing is frustrating the will of the British people by saying that Brexit means something completely different.
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Tony Robinson has responded on Twitter to being mentioned in PMQ (which has now finished):Tony Robinson has responded on Twitter to being mentioned in PMQ (which has now finished):
Baldrick means Baldrick #pmqsBaldrick means Baldrick #pmqs
And in response to May saying he used to be a Labour party member ...And in response to May saying he used to be a Labour party member ...
Haven't left, active member for 40 yrs. But if David Davis needs any help with Brexit Baldrick stands ready to serve https://t.co/yMXkKyEJgTHaven't left, active member for 40 yrs. But if David Davis needs any help with Brexit Baldrick stands ready to serve https://t.co/yMXkKyEJgT
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There is another question about mental health from a Labour MP, this time Luciana Berger who wants to know when there will be “real equality” for mental health.There is another question about mental health from a Labour MP, this time Luciana Berger who wants to know when there will be “real equality” for mental health.
May says the government is spending record amounts on mental health while acknowledging there is more to do.May says the government is spending record amounts on mental health while acknowledging there is more to do.
After Tory MP Helen Whately praises the PM for mentioning mental health on the steps of Number 10 when taking office, May points out the increasing number of people accessing mental health services and talking therapies since 2010.After Tory MP Helen Whately praises the PM for mentioning mental health on the steps of Number 10 when taking office, May points out the increasing number of people accessing mental health services and talking therapies since 2010.
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Plaid Cymru MP Hywel Williams asks whether Wales will get a good deal, soft Brexit, like the City of London, suggests the government is picking winners.Plaid Cymru MP Hywel Williams asks whether Wales will get a good deal, soft Brexit, like the City of London, suggests the government is picking winners.
The PM says she is committed to ensuring all parts of the UK get a good deal.The PM says she is committed to ensuring all parts of the UK get a good deal.
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Twickenham Tory MP Tania Mathis criticises the decision to give the green light to a third runway at Heathrow and asks how pollution limits can be complied with.Twickenham Tory MP Tania Mathis criticises the decision to give the green light to a third runway at Heathrow and asks how pollution limits can be complied with.
May says the evidence shows standards can be met.May says the evidence shows standards can be met.
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Conservative MP Jack Lopresti asks if there are plans to provide specialist medical facilities for Kurdish forces, Peshmerga, in Iraq.Conservative MP Jack Lopresti asks if there are plans to provide specialist medical facilities for Kurdish forces, Peshmerga, in Iraq.
May says there are not.May says there are not.
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Labour MP for Bolton South East, Yasmin Qureshi, asks about human rights abuses in Kashmir.Labour MP for Bolton South East, Yasmin Qureshi, asks about human rights abuses in Kashmir.
May says it is for India and Pakistan to sort out but the Foreign Secretary has heard her representations.May says it is for India and Pakistan to sort out but the Foreign Secretary has heard her representations.
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Alison McGovern, Labour MP for the Wirral, is angry because she believes Theresa May fobbed off her colleague Karl Turner on mental health referring to constituents waits for talking therapies.Alison McGovern, Labour MP for the Wirral, is angry because she believes Theresa May fobbed off her colleague Karl Turner on mental health referring to constituents waits for talking therapies.
Theresa May says she takes the issue vey seriously and looking into availability of and waiting times for talking therapies.Theresa May says she takes the issue vey seriously and looking into availability of and waiting times for talking therapies.
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Labour MP Jim Dowd asks whether the PM about putting mandatory health warnings on alcoholic products in light of this week’s concerning report about excessive consumption, which found women drinking as much as men.Labour MP Jim Dowd asks whether the PM about putting mandatory health warnings on alcoholic products in light of this week’s concerning report about excessive consumption, which found women drinking as much as men.
May says she helped develop the alcohol strategy with industry when Home Secretary.May says she helped develop the alcohol strategy with industry when Home Secretary.
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SDLP MP Alasdair McDonnell asks about the impact of Brexit on the Good Friday agreement.SDLP MP Alasdair McDonnell asks about the impact of Brexit on the Good Friday agreement.
The PM assures him it will have no impact.The PM assures him it will have no impact.