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Dominic Raab becomes new Brexit secretary after David Davis resigns – politics live Dominic Raab becomes new Brexit secretary after David Davis resigns – politics live
(35 minutes later)
Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Conservative chair of the pro-Brexit European Research Group who seems to appear on TV roughly every ten minutes today, has spoken to BBC News and has a couple of extra things to say. Firstly, he has praised Dominic Raab’s appointment – but only if he has some power:
Dominic is very able. But the key is – who will be doing these negotiations? Will it continue to be 10 Downing Street or will it be done by Dominic?
Secondly, Rees-Mogg claimed May would be able to get a hard Brexit-friendly Canada-style deal through the Commons, as Tory MPs would support it if the only other option was a no-deal departure. “So the parliamentary arithmetic is much more on the prime minister’s side than some commentators seem to think,” he said.
On Friday Woody Johnson, the US ambassador to the UK, said that a free trade deal with the UK was a priority for the US. The pro-Brexit Daily Express event splashed on the news. The UK-US trade deal is totemic of some Brexiters; to them, it represents the bright economic future the UK will have when it leaves the EU.
EXPRESS: Trump ready to offer UK zero tariff deal #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/Kq6M3G1Rdi
But now the trade deal is in doubt. In an interview with Anna Foster on BBC Radio 5 Live, Johnson was asked about the status of the proposed deal in the light of what was agreed at Chequers. He replied:
I think that there was a briefing that came out, as I understand it. It was very short, a couple of pages. This is a lot more complicated than a couple of pages. I would say that the bilateral agreement, whether we have one or not, is totally up in the air at this point.
On the Daily Politics Andrea Leadsom, the Brexiter leader of the Commons, and the runner up behind Theresa May in the Conservative leadership contest, said that the UK will not offer EU nationals preferential access to the UK after Brexit. EU nationals would be in the same category as workers from a country like India, she suggested.
Freedom of movement will end and there will be no special favours for EU citizens over anybody else with whom you might have visa reciprocity. So, for example, with India we have some special visa arrangements for high-skilled jobs and so on ...
When asked specifically if EU nationals would get any preferential treatment, Leadsom said no.
But this is quite different from Theresa May was saying on Saturday. In an interview with the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg, May specifically did not rule out giving preferential treatment to EU nationals. She signalled that this was an option, and said that the government would decide later.
In Brussels it is assumed that any deal giving the UK half-decent access to the single market would have to involve EU nationals getting preferential access to the UK (and certainly a better deal than workers from a country like India, where there are regular complaints about UK visa policies being too restrictive.)
And the three-page government document (pdf) summarising May’s Brexit policy released on Friday night clearly implied that EU nationals would not be treated like all other non-UK nationals after Brexit. It said the government plan would:
include a mobility framework so that UK and EU citizens can continue to travel to each other’s territories, and apply for study and work – similar to what the UK may offer other close trading partners in the future.
And here is Theresa May’s response to Steve Baker’s resignation letter. (See 12.05pm.)And here is Theresa May’s response to Steve Baker’s resignation letter. (See 12.05pm.)
In it, May suggests that Baker could return to the government in the future. “I know that you have much left to contribute in the future,” May writes.In it, May suggests that Baker could return to the government in the future. “I know that you have much left to contribute in the future,” May writes.
Number 10 has released the resignation letter from Steve Baker, the Brexit minister.Number 10 has released the resignation letter from Steve Baker, the Brexit minister.
It is noticeably less critical than David Davis’s letter. (See 8.10am.)It is noticeably less critical than David Davis’s letter. (See 8.10am.)
The Ukip leader Gerard Batten has written an open letter saying Theresa May should resign, my colleague Peter Walker reports.The Ukip leader Gerard Batten has written an open letter saying Theresa May should resign, my colleague Peter Walker reports.
Ukip leader Gerard Batten is to deliver this letter to Theresa May at 12.30pm, demanding she resign over her Brexit policy. In truth, I don't think this is going to be among her key challenges today. pic.twitter.com/M1lvgSIPkuUkip leader Gerard Batten is to deliver this letter to Theresa May at 12.30pm, demanding she resign over her Brexit policy. In truth, I don't think this is going to be among her key challenges today. pic.twitter.com/M1lvgSIPku
Margaritis Schinas, the European commission’s chief spokesman, told journalists at his morning briefing this morning that the resignation of David Davis would not affect the Brexit talks.Margaritis Schinas, the European commission’s chief spokesman, told journalists at his morning briefing this morning that the resignation of David Davis would not affect the Brexit talks.
Asked if it was a problem, he replied: “Not for us. We are here to work.”Asked if it was a problem, he replied: “Not for us. We are here to work.”
As the Press Association reports, Schinas said the commission did “not have a specific comment” about the resignation and refused to be drawn when asked to pay tribute to the outgoing cabinet minister.As the Press Association reports, Schinas said the commission did “not have a specific comment” about the resignation and refused to be drawn when asked to pay tribute to the outgoing cabinet minister.
He said the commission was “available 24/7”, including over the summer, to discuss Brexit. He added:He said the commission was “available 24/7”, including over the summer, to discuss Brexit. He added:
In this house it is very clear that our position has always been very cool. We avoided positioning the commission in terms of psychological elements - concern, enthusiasm, disappointment and so on. We are here to do a job.In this house it is very clear that our position has always been very cool. We avoided positioning the commission in terms of psychological elements - concern, enthusiasm, disappointment and so on. We are here to do a job.
No 10 is in full, “Everything is completely normal” mode today, with any suggestions of future turmoil dismissed. Asked if Theresa May had spoken to Boris Johnson in the last 24 hours, the PM’s spokesman said: “Not that I am aware of.”No 10 is in full, “Everything is completely normal” mode today, with any suggestions of future turmoil dismissed. Asked if Theresa May had spoken to Boris Johnson in the last 24 hours, the PM’s spokesman said: “Not that I am aware of.”
On cabinet unity, the line was:On cabinet unity, the line was:
The government agreed to the position on Friday. The prime minister looks forward to working with Dominic Raab on delivering Brexit... We’ve set out our position and it’s is now the EU’s turn to move.The government agreed to the position on Friday. The prime minister looks forward to working with Dominic Raab on delivering Brexit... We’ve set out our position and it’s is now the EU’s turn to move.
There was, however, no answer on whether May might have to give way some more in response to EU demands. The only response to such queries was: “That’s our position.”There was, however, no answer on whether May might have to give way some more in response to EU demands. The only response to such queries was: “That’s our position.”
Some Tory Brexiters are telling journalist they don’t think Dominic Raab should have accepted David Davis’s job.Some Tory Brexiters are telling journalist they don’t think Dominic Raab should have accepted David Davis’s job.
This is from Sky’s Beth Rigby.This is from Sky’s Beth Rigby.
Senior Brexiteer on Raab: “If I was him I’m not sure I would have accepted. Clear from David Davis the position doesn’t give any power” What was his demand in return? That Robbins steps back? If not, his position as weak as DD’s. It’s a poisoned chaliceSenior Brexiteer on Raab: “If I was him I’m not sure I would have accepted. Clear from David Davis the position doesn’t give any power” What was his demand in return? That Robbins steps back? If not, his position as weak as DD’s. It’s a poisoned chalice
And this is from the FT’s Laura Hughes.And this is from the FT’s Laura Hughes.
One Eurosceptic MP says they wish Dominic Raab had been "part of a mass resignation", rather than accepting a promotion. MP adds: "I'm disappointed, for ministers to say they are not happy and then stand by Theresa May and her policies is pretty pathetic."One Eurosceptic MP says they wish Dominic Raab had been "part of a mass resignation", rather than accepting a promotion. MP adds: "I'm disappointed, for ministers to say they are not happy and then stand by Theresa May and her policies is pretty pathetic."
Jacob Rees-Mogg, head of hard Brexit backbench contingent, has said David Davis’s resignation will buoy feelings among Tory MPs who hope to object to the Chequers plan. He told Sky News:Jacob Rees-Mogg, head of hard Brexit backbench contingent, has said David Davis’s resignation will buoy feelings among Tory MPs who hope to object to the Chequers plan. He told Sky News:
What he has done is crucially important. If David Davis was going along with what was agreed at Chequers it was quite hard for Brexiteers like me to point out what seemed to be its obvious failings, because if it was supported by the people most directly involved, surely they knew more than we did and there must be something in it that I had missed. It’s now quite clear that this is not the case.What he has done is crucially important. If David Davis was going along with what was agreed at Chequers it was quite hard for Brexiteers like me to point out what seemed to be its obvious failings, because if it was supported by the people most directly involved, surely they knew more than we did and there must be something in it that I had missed. It’s now quite clear that this is not the case.
Rees-Mogg was scathing about May’s position, saying:Rees-Mogg was scathing about May’s position, saying:
The problem with Chequers is it’s not a U-turn, it’s a handbrake turn … Chequers is not really leaving the European Union ... She has advanced backwards. She has advanced not to have Brexit.The problem with Chequers is it’s not a U-turn, it’s a handbrake turn … Chequers is not really leaving the European Union ... She has advanced backwards. She has advanced not to have Brexit.
Rees-Mogg also indicated he felt May had broken her word: “What you are saying is that the prime minister is inconsistent with her promises, and that’s a very bad position for a political party to be in.”Rees-Mogg also indicated he felt May had broken her word: “What you are saying is that the prime minister is inconsistent with her promises, and that’s a very bad position for a political party to be in.”
Saying he wanted a Canada-style trade deal, Rees-Mogg said May might now be reliant on Labour votes to get her plan through the Commons:Saying he wanted a Canada-style trade deal, Rees-Mogg said May might now be reliant on Labour votes to get her plan through the Commons:
It’s fascinating that the prime minister’s chief of staff is going to brief Labour members, because I think that if the prime minister wants to get Chequers through she will be dependent on socialist votes. That’s always possible. It’s very, very difficult territory for somebody to run a government on the back of opposition support.It’s fascinating that the prime minister’s chief of staff is going to brief Labour members, because I think that if the prime minister wants to get Chequers through she will be dependent on socialist votes. That’s always possible. It’s very, very difficult territory for somebody to run a government on the back of opposition support.
Asked if he would go for the Tory leadership if May was ousted, Rees-Mogg gave something of a classic non-denial. He said:Asked if he would go for the Tory leadership if May was ousted, Rees-Mogg gave something of a classic non-denial. He said:
My sole ambition is that we get Brexit. It is not about me personally – that is a complete distraction.My sole ambition is that we get Brexit. It is not about me personally – that is a complete distraction.
Pressed on it, he said only: “There isn’t a vacancy.”Pressed on it, he said only: “There isn’t a vacancy.”
On the Daily Politics Steve Baker, the former Brexit minister, said he was “absolutely furious” about the hostile briefing coming out of Number 10 that was aimed at Brexiters on Friday morning. He said it was “childish nonsense”.On the Daily Politics Steve Baker, the former Brexit minister, said he was “absolutely furious” about the hostile briefing coming out of Number 10 that was aimed at Brexiters on Friday morning. He said it was “childish nonsense”.
Asked who was responsible, Baker said he did not want to name name.Asked who was responsible, Baker said he did not want to name name.
Baker was referring to the ‘We’ve got the number for a taxi firm if they want to quit’ briefing that was around on Friday morning. The best account was in Jack Blanchard’s London Playbook briefing.Baker was referring to the ‘We’ve got the number for a taxi firm if they want to quit’ briefing that was around on Friday morning. The best account was in Jack Blanchard’s London Playbook briefing.
"It would be in all of our interests if I didn’t name the particular individual who I would hold accountable. We all know who it is.” @SteveBakerHW on briefings against him #bbcdp pic.twitter.com/3hKSTDpnR4"It would be in all of our interests if I didn’t name the particular individual who I would hold accountable. We all know who it is.” @SteveBakerHW on briefings against him #bbcdp pic.twitter.com/3hKSTDpnR4
The leaders of Ireland and Austria have welcomed Theresa May’s new Brexit plan as a step forward but said many questions remained to be answered in the negotiations ahead.
The Austrian chancellor, Sebastian Kurz, is currently on the old Dublin-Belfast border crossing to hear about cross-border co-operation. Speaking on arrival in Dublin he said that it was positive that Britain had now presented its position after May secured cabinet agreement on Friday but that there were still many open questions.
The taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, said negotiators could be more optimistic than they were a week ago but reiterated the EU’s position that the UK could not cherry pick parts of the single market with a “goods only” approach. He said:
We continue to have some concerns about the workability of the UK’s customs proposals. The position from the EU, and a position I support, is that you are either in the single market or you’re not.
These are from ITV’s Robert Peston.
See below on what Davis was offered to stop him quitting, from source close to ⁦@DavidDavisMP⁩. Response from Downing St official: “I know nothing about that” pic.twitter.com/kvXoOyGFlr
Steve Baker, who resigned as David Davis’s depuy at the Brexit department, is on the Daily Politics now. He says he quit because he thinks Theresa May’s Brexit plan will not give parliament enough freedom to reject EU laws.
Asked why he did not know in advance that this is what May was proposing, Baker said that Number 10 had changed its plans at the last minute. He said the Brexit department had been assuming that different plans would go into the white paper. He said:
We’ve all been blindsided by this policy.
But he also says he is not backing a challenge to Theresa May. He says his message to Tory MPs is: “Don’t put in letters [to the chair of the 1922 committee.]
The departure of David Davis would not have a big impact on Brexit negotiations, EU sources said. But the EU will be worried that his resignation means Theresa May’s hard-won Chequers compromise could fall apart, because it suggests the UK’s internal negotiations are not finished.
Responding to the news, one senior EU diplomat said it meant “no big change” because Davis “wasn’t really present recently”, as Olly Robbins, the prime minister’s Europe advisor, had been doing the negotiations. The domestic implications for Theresa May are still unclear, the source said, adding “I hope she has a good plan”.
The former Brexit secretary had only attended four hours of talks since the start of the year, and at one point went three months without meeting the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier in Brussels.
But another source downplayed the resignation, saying diplomats were awaiting the full-version of the plan, in a Brexit white paper expected on Thursday. “It is important that the meeting in Chequers has taken place and the cabinet has defined its position.”
The Conservative Brexiter Andrew Bridgen told BBC Radio 5 Live that, if Theresa May did not change her Brexit policy, he would back a no confidence motion in her. He said:
I hope we are going to have a U turn by the prime minister today, otherwise she’s going to be in serious trouble ...
I have no confidence in that policy. If that is maintained by the prime minister as her policy, then I would have no confidence in the prime minister. I think there’s a large number of my colleagues will have that same view.
Asked if that meant 48 Tories (15% of the parliamentary party) would back a no confidence vote (the number who need to write to the chair of the Conservative 1922 committee asking for a no confidence vote for one to go ahead), Bridgen replied: “Very possibly”.
On currency markets, the pound has shrugged off David Davis’ resignation following a brief dip. It has hit a three-week high, trading nearly 0.4% higher against the dollar at $1.3336, and has been steady against the euro.
Chris Scicluna at Daiwa Capital Markets said: “Sterling remains broadly stable this morning, and firmer than it was ahead of the Cabinet agreement last Friday.”
Joshua Mahony, market analyst at online trading firm IG, said:
Brexit concerns are back at the top of the agenda, following last week’s meeting at Chequers, culminating in yesterday’s resignation from David Davis. While markets should be worried by the added uncertainty of losing the Brexit secretary just eight months before the UK leaves the EU, there is a feeling that the UK is moving towards a business-friendly softer Brexit. The BCC has voiced its concerns over the impact of a potential rate rise, with companies clearly in limbo ahead of an uncertain Brexit. However, while companies and individuals may not too keen on a Bank of England rate rise, markets are clearly warming to the idea, with sterling-dollar rising to a three-week high, amid a wider dollar selloff.
Markets are currently pricing in an 80% chance of a BoE rate rise in less than a months’ time, yet with the UK GDP figure due out tomorrow morning, we could see some sterling volatility to come this week.
Here are some snap thoughts on Dominic Raab’s appointment as Brexit secretary.
1 - Dominic Raab is a prominent Brexiter, and so Theresa May is continuing with the principle that has generally governed her emergency cabinet reshuffles of “like-for-like” replacement of remainers and leavers. (In that respect, the UK increasingly resembles one of those foreign states where posts in government are divided up amongst religious sects.) Raab played a leading role in the Vote Leave campaign. But he is generally seen as one of the more pragmatic and cerebral Brexiters, and not a hardline ideologue.
2 - The Raab appointment could be seen as a snub to Michael Gove. Gove would have been the obvious Brexiter to replace David Davis, and Gove might have been seen as someone who could win around some of the hardline, European Research Group Tories. But May sacked Gove from the cabinet when she became PM and, although she brought him back, she probably does not fully trust him. And she is wise not to; he has designs on her job.
3 - This move shows May is serious about about bringing new talent into the cabinet. Raab was disappointed not to get a cabinet job at the last reshuffle (some Conservative-supporting journalists had been briefed that he was a dead-cert for a cabinet job). At the end of last week Number 10 included Raab among a list of names of ministers who they said might replace anyone who chose to resign. The briefing was intended to tell cabinet Brexiters that they were expendable, and could be easily replaced. But it was also a means of encouraging junior ministers to stay loyal.
4 - This could be a sign that Theresa May is open to extending the Brexit transition. Number 10 has repeatedly ruled it out. But in Brussels it is widely assumed that the transition will have to be extended, and in an interview with Nick Robinson for his Political Thinking podcast at the end of last week, Raab accepted that implementing Brexit might have to take “more time”.
Leavers should be prepared for a bridge to Brexit that is “rocky” & “takes more time” says @DominicRaab. What matters is that the “end state” is good. Political Thinking podcast out now. Subscribe on iTunes: https://t.co/clySpQhhRo / 🎧 Download here... https://t.co/FOX2k3M4Na pic.twitter.com/aU2Gjg3B8E
(The interview is well worth listening to. For anyone who assumers that Brexiters are anti-immigrant, Raab points out that he is the son of a Czech refugee and he is married to a Brazilian. Raab worked as Davis’s chief of staff at one point. But he also worked for Dominic Grieve, the one of the Conservative party’s leading remainers.)
5 - Yet again, housing policy has taken a back seat. Housing is supposed to be one of the government’s priorities. But Raab was in the job for just six months, and his replacement will be the eighth housing minister since 2010. This is from the Times’ Tom Knowles.
So... whoever his replacement for housing is will be the 17th housing minister since 1997 and the 8th since 2010 https://t.co/IUsG8C0FF3
And this is from the Home Builders Federation’s David O’Leary.
And another! #ukhousing pic.twitter.com/zHSy0s8S40
Dominic Raab, the housing minister, is the new Brexit secretary, Number 10 has announced.
Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Conservative backbencher and chair of the pro-Brexit European Research Group, has just told Sky news that the fact that No 10 is briefing Labour MPs on Theresa May’s Brexit policy (see 9.29am) suggests that May thinks she will have to rely on “socialist votes” to get her plan through parliament.
This is from the Sun’s Brussels correspondent Nick Gutteridge.
EU diplomat jokes DD delayed his resignation because he didn't want to take a taxi back from Chequers. Then brutally adds: 'We're already used to negotiating with Olly Robbins, so this resignation doesn't really affect the negotiations.' Ouch 🔥