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Theresa May would fight any no-confidence vote, says No 10 – politics live Theresa May would fight any no-confidence vote, says No 10 – politics live
(35 minutes later)
The former deputy prime minister, Michael Heseltine, tells BBC News he believes Theresa May would win a Tory leadership contest if she invited one now because there is no one suitable to replace her.
There is no point in changing the singer unless you change the song.
May herself appears to have warned her MPs about the dangers of a damaging leadership battle:
Theresa May told Tory MPs that if they rebel against her they will end up with Jeremy Corbyn as prime minister.
We are now starting to get some noises from the meeting of the Tory backbench group, the 1922 Committee. They suggest the prime minister still had some support in the room following claims this afternoon enough backbenchers had abandoned her to force a confidence vote.
Of course, that was true of Chequers on Friday evening.
I’m told Philip Davies told 1922 Committee that May orchestrated a “Remain coup” on Friday
Brandon Lewis emerges to tell us there is huge positivity for the PM at the #1922Committee and brexiteer Geoffrey Clinton Brown says Brexiteers aren’t United in criticism - he welcomes chequers as it will lead to control of our own laws for first time in 40 years
Outside 1922 meeting Jacob Rees Mogg says it’s “a matter of grave concern” that Downing St has been briefing Labour members. He hints that if the PM tried to get Chequers through on Lab votes the Tory party would split. “But it would be a split from the top.”
Prominent remainer : ‘there will be no leadership challenge now ‘ after #1922Committee
Here’s the full text of Boris Johnson’s resignation letter to the prime minister, Theresa May:
Dear Theresa
It is more than two years since the British people voted to leave the European Union on an unambiguous and categorical promise that if the did so they would be taking back control of their democracy.
They were told that they would be able to manage their own immigration policy, repatriate the sums of UK cash currently spent by the EU, and, above all, that they would be able to pass laws independently and in the interests of the people of this country.
Brexit should be about opportunity and hope. It should be a chance to do things differently, to be more nimble and dynamic, and to maximise the particular advantages of the UK as an open, outward-looking global economy.
That dream is dying, suffocated by needless self-doubt.
We have postponed crucial decisions – including the preparations for no deal, as I argued in my letter to you of last November – with the result that we appear to be heading for a semi-Brexit, with large parts of the economy still locked in the EU system, but with no UK control over that system.
It now seems that the opening bid of our negotiations involves accepting that we are not actually going to be able to make our own laws. Indeed we seem to have gone backwards since the last Chequers meeting in February, when I described my frustrations, as Mayor of London, in trying to protect cyclists from juggernauts. We had wanted to lower the cabin windows to improve visibility; and even though such designs were already on the market, and even though there had been a horrific spate of deaths, mainly female cyclists, we were told that we had to wait for the EU to legislate on the matter.
So, at the previous Chequers session we thrashed out an elaborate procedure for divergence from EU rules. But even now that seems to have been taken off the table and there is in fact no easy UK right of initiative. Yet if Brexit is to mean anything, it must surely give ministers and parliament the chance to do things differently to protect the public. If a country cannot pass a law to save the lives of female cyclists – when that proposal is supported at every level of UK government – then I don’t see how that country can truly be called independent.
Conversely, the British government has spent decades arguing against this or that EU directive, on the grounds that it was too burdensome or ill-thought out. We are now in the ludicrous position of asserting that we must accept huge amounts of precisely such EU law, without changing it an iota, because it is essential for our economic health – and when we no longer have the ability to influence these laws as they are made.
In that respect we are truly headed for the status of colony – and many will struggle to see the economic or political advantages of that particular arrangement.
It is also clear that by surrendering control over our rulebook for goods and agrifoods (and much else besides) we will make it much more difficult to do free trade deals. And then there is the further impediment of having to argue for an impractical and undeliverable customs arrangement unlike any other in existence.
What is even more disturbing is that this is our opening bid. This is already how we see the end state for the UK – before the other side has made its counter-offer. It is as though we are sending our vanguard into battle with the white flags fluttering above them. Indeed, I was concerned, looking at Friday’s document, that there might be further concessions on immigration, or that we might end up effectively paying for access to the single market.
On Friday I acknowledged that my side of the argument were too few to prevail, and congratulated you on at least reaching a cabinet decision on the way forward. As I said then, the government now has a song to sing. The trouble is that I have practised the words over the weekend and find that they stick in the throat. We must have collective responsibility. Since I cannot in all conscience champion these proposals, I have sadly concluded that I must go.
I am proud to have served as foreign secretary in your government. As I step down, I would like first to thank the patient officers of the Metropolitan police who have looked after me and my family, at times in demanding circumstances. I am proud too of the extraordinary men and women of our diplomatic service. Over the last few months they have shown how many friends this country has around the world, as 28 governments expelled Russian spies in an unprecedented protest at the attempted assassination of the Skripals. They have organised a highly successful Commonwealth summit and secured record international support for this government’s campaign for 12 years of quality education for every girl, and much more besides. As I leave office, the [Foreign and Commonwealth Office] now has the largest and by far the most effective diplomatic network of any country in Europe - a continent which we will never leave.
Boris Johnson
In his letter, Johnson refers to the various promises that were made by the leave campaigners, among whom he was prominent, saying:
It is more than two years since the British people voted to leave the European Union on an unambiguous and categorical promise that if the did so they would be taking back control of their democracy.
They were told that they would be able to manage their own immigration policy, repatriate the sums of UK cash currently spent by the EU, and, above all, that they would be able to pass laws independently and in the interests of the people of this country.
The former foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, has told the prime minister the UK is “headed for the status of colony” under the approach the cabinet adopted at Chequers on Friday. In his resignation letter to Theresa May, he added that the Brexit “dream is dying”.The former foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, has told the prime minister the UK is “headed for the status of colony” under the approach the cabinet adopted at Chequers on Friday. In his resignation letter to Theresa May, he added that the Brexit “dream is dying”.
Describing May’s position, which he – along with the rest of the cabinet – initially backed, as just an opening offer that would be watered down yet further during negotiations, Johnson wrote:Describing May’s position, which he – along with the rest of the cabinet – initially backed, as just an opening offer that would be watered down yet further during negotiations, Johnson wrote:
It is as though we are sending our vanguard into battle with the white flags fluttering above them.It is as though we are sending our vanguard into battle with the white flags fluttering above them.
He told the prime minister he believed the UK was “heading for a semi-Brexit”.He told the prime minister he believed the UK was “heading for a semi-Brexit”.
Bernard Jenkin, the Conservative Brexiter, has said Boris Johnson “acted on principle” when he resigned from the cabinet, the FT’s Laura Hughes reports.Bernard Jenkin, the Conservative Brexiter, has said Boris Johnson “acted on principle” when he resigned from the cabinet, the FT’s Laura Hughes reports.
Bernard Jenkin tells the FT #BorisJohnson “has acted on principle.”Bernard Jenkin tells the FT #BorisJohnson “has acted on principle.”
That is not the way many people would characterise Johnson’s behaviour. As a reminder, this is what Tim Shipman said about Johnson’s conduct at the Friday cabinet meeting at Chequers in the Sunday Times (paywall) yesterday.That is not the way many people would characterise Johnson’s behaviour. As a reminder, this is what Tim Shipman said about Johnson’s conduct at the Friday cabinet meeting at Chequers in the Sunday Times (paywall) yesterday.
Boris Johnson was joking but his frustration was self-evident. The foreign secretary was blunt about Theresa May’s new plan for Brexit. “It’s a big turd,” he pronounced to the cabinet. It was the morning session of the prime minister’s Friday summit at Chequers aimed at thrashing out a negotiating position for a trade deal with Brussels.Boris Johnson was joking but his frustration was self-evident. The foreign secretary was blunt about Theresa May’s new plan for Brexit. “It’s a big turd,” he pronounced to the cabinet. It was the morning session of the prime minister’s Friday summit at Chequers aimed at thrashing out a negotiating position for a trade deal with Brussels.
In what was described by one minister present as “a six-minute moan”, Johnson complained that May’s customs plan — in which the UK will collect tariffs on behalf of the European Union — and which the foreign secretary had thought was dead, had instead “emerged zombie-like from the coffin”.In what was described by one minister present as “a six-minute moan”, Johnson complained that May’s customs plan — in which the UK will collect tariffs on behalf of the European Union — and which the foreign secretary had thought was dead, had instead “emerged zombie-like from the coffin”.
He warned May and her spin doctors that plans to accept EU rules on the sales of goods going forward would leave Britain a “vassal state”. It was a clear failure to fulfil the referendum pledge to “take back control of our laws”.He warned May and her spin doctors that plans to accept EU rules on the sales of goods going forward would leave Britain a “vassal state”. It was a clear failure to fulfil the referendum pledge to “take back control of our laws”.
Anyone defending the proposal “will be polishing a turd” if they wished to sell the deal to the public and the party, he said, pointing out that he had recently watched similar activities on a trip to Whipsnade zoo. “I see there are some expert turd polishers here,” he added ...Anyone defending the proposal “will be polishing a turd” if they wished to sell the deal to the public and the party, he said, pointing out that he had recently watched similar activities on a trip to Whipsnade zoo. “I see there are some expert turd polishers here,” he added ...
Yet by the time dinner of cured Scottish salmon and Oxfordshire beef fillet was served, the Brexiteers were cowed. Davis gave a speech explaining how the blueprint could be sold to the EU. Johnson, now a cheerleader, said they must all help to sell the deal ...Yet by the time dinner of cured Scottish salmon and Oxfordshire beef fillet was served, the Brexiteers were cowed. Davis gave a speech explaining how the blueprint could be sold to the EU. Johnson, now a cheerleader, said they must all help to sell the deal ...
This weekend Johnson’s allies said he had stayed because he fears that if he left the cabinet there would be further concessions and it would make life easier for senior figures in the EU.This weekend Johnson’s allies said he had stayed because he fears that if he left the cabinet there would be further concessions and it would make life easier for senior figures in the EU.
“The only people who would benefit from Boris leaving the cabinet would be [Michel] Barnier, [Angela] Merkel and [Martin] Selmayr,” a friend said.“The only people who would benefit from Boris leaving the cabinet would be [Michel] Barnier, [Angela] Merkel and [Martin] Selmayr,” a friend said.
That’s all from me for today.That’s all from me for today.
My colleague Kevin Rawlinson is taking over now.My colleague Kevin Rawlinson is taking over now.
Sir Alan Duncan, the Foreign Office minister, has paid this tribute to his former boss.Sir Alan Duncan, the Foreign Office minister, has paid this tribute to his former boss.
I had two amazing years in the foreign office working with Boris Johnson. He was and remains a larger than life figure, one of politics’ great characters. He was probably the best known foreign secretary before he became foreign secretary and I am sure he will contribute massively still to British politics and I think we should just really say to him thank you for playing your part in public life in the way you have.I had two amazing years in the foreign office working with Boris Johnson. He was and remains a larger than life figure, one of politics’ great characters. He was probably the best known foreign secretary before he became foreign secretary and I am sure he will contribute massively still to British politics and I think we should just really say to him thank you for playing your part in public life in the way you have.
A lot of what he did in the foreign office was not seen by people outside. He was a supremely strong character in diplomatic lobbying and persuasion. I really enjoyed working for him, and I count him as a friend.A lot of what he did in the foreign office was not seen by people outside. He was a supremely strong character in diplomatic lobbying and persuasion. I really enjoyed working for him, and I count him as a friend.
The table-bangers are out in force for the prime minister, the BBC’s Iain Watson and Ross Hawkins report.The table-bangers are out in force for the prime minister, the BBC’s Iain Watson and Ross Hawkins report.
PM walks in to the 22 to loud banging of tablesPM walks in to the 22 to loud banging of tables
Pm enters 1922 to raucous banging of tables. Says to journalists - with a smile - wonder what you’re doing herePm enters 1922 to raucous banging of tables. Says to journalists - with a smile - wonder what you’re doing here
All things considered, May seemed surprisingly confident. She did not say anything especially new or revealing about the Chequers plan, and Labour MPs were very critical, suggesting that its shelf life may turn out to be very limited. (The EU will not accept it without changes anyway but, even if they were to, Brexiter opposition means May would need opposition support to get it through the Commons - which on the basis of what is being said today, she does not have.)All things considered, May seemed surprisingly confident. She did not say anything especially new or revealing about the Chequers plan, and Labour MPs were very critical, suggesting that its shelf life may turn out to be very limited. (The EU will not accept it without changes anyway but, even if they were to, Brexiter opposition means May would need opposition support to get it through the Commons - which on the basis of what is being said today, she does not have.)
Tory Brexiters were more critical of May’s plan than they have been of anything she has said or done in the past. But the complaints were coming from the “usual suspects”, and they attacked her plan, not her leadership. And we did not seen mainstream, middle-of-the-road Tory heavyweights - swing voters, so to speak - denouncing her. She won’t be chalking up this afternoon as a triumph, but it could have been a lot worse.Tory Brexiters were more critical of May’s plan than they have been of anything she has said or done in the past. But the complaints were coming from the “usual suspects”, and they attacked her plan, not her leadership. And we did not seen mainstream, middle-of-the-road Tory heavyweights - swing voters, so to speak - denouncing her. She won’t be chalking up this afternoon as a triumph, but it could have been a lot worse.
She is now addressing the 1922 committee. That is a private meeting, and so the dynamics of that will be different. Some MPs feel that it is disloyal to criticise in public, but feel less inhibited about doing so in private. But at 1922 meetings loyalists can drown out their opponents (literally - these are the meetings where they bang the desks enthusiastically), and presumably May’s supporters are trying to orchestrate that sort of reception for her tonight.She is now addressing the 1922 committee. That is a private meeting, and so the dynamics of that will be different. Some MPs feel that it is disloyal to criticise in public, but feel less inhibited about doing so in private. But at 1922 meetings loyalists can drown out their opponents (literally - these are the meetings where they bang the desks enthusiastically), and presumably May’s supporters are trying to orchestrate that sort of reception for her tonight.
Sir Peter Bottomley, a Conservative, tells May she has the “overwhelming support” of her party and MPs in the Commons.Sir Peter Bottomley, a Conservative, tells May she has the “overwhelming support” of her party and MPs in the Commons.
May welcomes what he says.May welcomes what he says.
And that’s the end of May’s statement. John Bercow says 95 backbenchers asked questions.And that’s the end of May’s statement. John Bercow says 95 backbenchers asked questions.
Theresa May is almost certainly not planning to appoint Jacob Rees-Mogg as foreign secretary. But if she were to try, he would say no, ITV’s Carl Dinnen reports.Theresa May is almost certainly not planning to appoint Jacob Rees-Mogg as foreign secretary. But if she were to try, he would say no, ITV’s Carl Dinnen reports.
NEW Jacob Rees Mogg tells me he would certainly not accept the post of Foreign Secretary on the basis of having to defend the Chequers deal.NEW Jacob Rees Mogg tells me he would certainly not accept the post of Foreign Secretary on the basis of having to defend the Chequers deal.
Conor Burns, who was Boris Johnson’s parliamentary private secretary, has told Radio 4’s PM programme that there could be more ministerial resignations, the Independent’s Ashley Cowburn reports.Conor Burns, who was Boris Johnson’s parliamentary private secretary, has told Radio 4’s PM programme that there could be more ministerial resignations, the Independent’s Ashley Cowburn reports.
Boris Johnson's PPS Conor Burns tells Radio 4 it's "certainly possible" more resignations will follow the foreign secretary.Boris Johnson's PPS Conor Burns tells Radio 4 it's "certainly possible" more resignations will follow the foreign secretary.
ITV’s Robert Peston reckons Sir Graham Brady hasn’t (yet?) received the 48 letters that would trigger a confidence vote.ITV’s Robert Peston reckons Sir Graham Brady hasn’t (yet?) received the 48 letters that would trigger a confidence vote.
For what it's worth, I am pretty sure crucial 48 letters from Tory MPs calling for a vote of confidence in @theresa_may's leadership have NOT been received by @Graham__Brady, chair of 1922 Tory backbench committee. And there won't be any announcement of a confidence vote tonightFor what it's worth, I am pretty sure crucial 48 letters from Tory MPs calling for a vote of confidence in @theresa_may's leadership have NOT been received by @Graham__Brady, chair of 1922 Tory backbench committee. And there won't be any announcement of a confidence vote tonight
The Conservative Brexiter Nigel Evans asks if there is anything in the Chequers plan that could inhibit a trade deal with the US.The Conservative Brexiter Nigel Evans asks if there is anything in the Chequers plan that could inhibit a trade deal with the US.
May says, in any trade deal, the UK must decide what standards it wants to comply with.May says, in any trade deal, the UK must decide what standards it wants to comply with.
In the Commons Labour’s Kevin Brennan asked May about the Kuenssberg 48 letters tweet. May did not respond directly, and just said she was getting on with her job.In the Commons Labour’s Kevin Brennan asked May about the Kuenssberg 48 letters tweet. May did not respond directly, and just said she was getting on with her job.
There are rumours that 48 Tory MPs have now signed letters asking for a no-confidence vote on Theresa May, the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg reports.There are rumours that 48 Tory MPs have now signed letters asking for a no-confidence vote on Theresa May, the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg reports.
Whispers Tory MP s have reached the magic number of the 48 letters required to force a confidence vote - no way of knowing yet if true - meeting at 5.30Whispers Tory MP s have reached the magic number of the 48 letters required to force a confidence vote - no way of knowing yet if true - meeting at 5.30
The only person who knows for sure will be Sir Graham Brady, the chair of the 1922 Committee.The only person who knows for sure will be Sir Graham Brady, the chair of the 1922 Committee.
This procedure was last used when Tory MPs triggered a no-confidence vote against Iain Duncan Smith in 2003. Duncan Smith lost.This procedure was last used when Tory MPs triggered a no-confidence vote against Iain Duncan Smith in 2003. Duncan Smith lost.
If Brady has got the 48 letters, you would expect him to announce a contest quite quickly, but not necessarily immediately. He never discusses exactly how the process works, but one issue might be the need to check that people who submitted letters some time ago still want a contest.If Brady has got the 48 letters, you would expect him to announce a contest quite quickly, but not necessarily immediately. He never discusses exactly how the process works, but one issue might be the need to check that people who submitted letters some time ago still want a contest.
The Yorkshire Post’s Arj Singh says he has been told the 1922 Committee is not yet organising a confidence vote.The Yorkshire Post’s Arj Singh says he has been told the 1922 Committee is not yet organising a confidence vote.
1922 Committee not yet organising a confidence vote, which they have to do once the 48 letters threshold is reached. It can take "one or two days" to put in place.1922 Committee not yet organising a confidence vote, which they have to do once the 48 letters threshold is reached. It can take "one or two days" to put in place.
But it is possible that there could be a link between Boris Johnson resigning and some letters going in – either because some Tories did not want to trigger a vote until they knew Johnson was available, or because Johnson was holding off resigning until he knew sufficient letters had been submitted.But it is possible that there could be a link between Boris Johnson resigning and some letters going in – either because some Tories did not want to trigger a vote until they knew Johnson was available, or because Johnson was holding off resigning until he knew sufficient letters had been submitted.
In the Commons Labour’s Stephen Kinnock says May’s customs plan would be a bureaucratic nightmare. He says remaining in the EEA (European Economic Area) would be much simpler. Why doesn’t May just choose that option?In the Commons Labour’s Stephen Kinnock says May’s customs plan would be a bureaucratic nightmare. He says remaining in the EEA (European Economic Area) would be much simpler. Why doesn’t May just choose that option?
May says Kinnock has forgotten that the Commons voted overwhelmingly against staying in the EEA.May says Kinnock has forgotten that the Commons voted overwhelmingly against staying in the EEA.