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Two Tory party vice-chairs quit over Chequers Brexit plan – politics live Two Tory party vice-chairs quit over Chequers Brexit plan – politics live
(35 minutes later)
Next up for a question is Merkel, who is asked if Germany might be willing to be flexible to help May out over Brexit talks. The German chancellor gives a distinctly blank answer, saying she is looking forwards to more discussions in a spirit of cooperation and friendship.
Morawiecki is then asked about Poland’s views on Brexit. He says it is important to secure the rights of Polish nationals in the UK, and that overall more work is needed. Poland wants to keep a “very friendly” relationship with the UK, he says.
And that’s it - the press conference is over. It’s probably fair to say we didn’t really learn much from it.
Next up is Sky News, who ask again about Trump, and about Johnson’s comments in his resignation letter that May has raised a “white flag” over Brexit.
May insists the UK can still sign trade deals with nations such as the US. On the Chequers plan, she ignores the question about Johnson and says the proposal “absolutely keeps faith with the vote of the British people”.
In brief: she’d rather talk about anything else than Trump and her former foreign secretary.
Q&A time - firstly Jason Groves from the Daily Mail asks about Donald Trump’s claim that the UK is “in turmoil”, and his praise for Boris Johnson.
May - who gives something of a grimace during the question - dead bats the issue, saying she is looking forwards to seeing the US president and talking about trade and other issues.
Angela Merkel is now speaking at the summit, and is praising the work of the event. We then hear from the Polish prime minister, Mateusz Morawiecki. He talks about the importance of battling corruption and organised crime in the Western Balkans.
Theresa May is speaking at a press conference at the end of the Western Balkans summit in London – where Boris Johnson had been due to appear yesterday if he had not resigned. She assures guests the UK will not withdraw from the region after Brexit.
Many people will not have heard of Maria Caulfield or Ben Bradley, or the roles they filled. Both were made (unpaid) party vice chairs only in January, and both immediately saw some controversy.Many people will not have heard of Maria Caulfield or Ben Bradley, or the roles they filled. Both were made (unpaid) party vice chairs only in January, and both immediately saw some controversy.
Caulfield, the MP for Lewes since 2017, saw criticism over her role as s vice chair for women because of her views on abortion.Caulfield, the MP for Lewes since 2017, saw criticism over her role as s vice chair for women because of her views on abortion.
Bradley, elected in Mansfield last year – and is a remainer –faced criticism after comments emerged showing he had once suggested that unemployed people should opt for free vasectomies rather than continuing to have children they could not afford to support.Bradley, elected in Mansfield last year – and is a remainer –faced criticism after comments emerged showing he had once suggested that unemployed people should opt for free vasectomies rather than continuing to have children they could not afford to support.
In a blogpost, Bradley claimed that the country would be soon “drowning in a vast sea of unemployed wasters” if workless families had four or five children while others limited themselves to one or two.In a blogpost, Bradley claimed that the country would be soon “drowning in a vast sea of unemployed wasters” if workless families had four or five children while others limited themselves to one or two.
A month later, Bradley was forced to apologise to Jeremy Corbyn and make a donation to charity over a tweet making claiming the Labour leader “sold British secrets to communist spies”.A month later, Bradley was forced to apologise to Jeremy Corbyn and make a donation to charity over a tweet making claiming the Labour leader “sold British secrets to communist spies”.
Here are the resignation letters from the two (now ex) Tory party vice chairs, via Henry Zeffman of the Times.Here are the resignation letters from the two (now ex) Tory party vice chairs, via Henry Zeffman of the Times.
Bradley's resignation letter: pic.twitter.com/zeGRRr0nqOBradley's resignation letter: pic.twitter.com/zeGRRr0nqO
Caulfield's resignation letter: pic.twitter.com/YoNRTX3AIgCaulfield's resignation letter: pic.twitter.com/YoNRTX3AIg
The Downing Street response to Donald Trump’s comments earlier (see 1.27pm):The Downing Street response to Donald Trump’s comments earlier (see 1.27pm):
Number 10 said it was “positive” that US president Donald Trump had praised former foreign secretary Boris Johnson.Number 10 said it was “positive” that US president Donald Trump had praised former foreign secretary Boris Johnson.
“I think it’s a positive for the UK that the former foreign secretary had a good relationship with the president,” May’s spokesman said. “It’s important for the special relationship, to have a strong relationship at political level. I know Jeremy Hunt is looking forward to forging his own relationships with his US counterparts.”“I think it’s a positive for the UK that the former foreign secretary had a good relationship with the president,” May’s spokesman said. “It’s important for the special relationship, to have a strong relationship at political level. I know Jeremy Hunt is looking forward to forging his own relationships with his US counterparts.”
Asked if it was embarrassing that the president considered the UK to be in “turmoil”, the spokesman said: “The PM is looking forward to showing the president the UK and is confident he will leave with a very positive impression.”Asked if it was embarrassing that the president considered the UK to be in “turmoil”, the spokesman said: “The PM is looking forward to showing the president the UK and is confident he will leave with a very positive impression.”
Trump also said he anticipated his meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin would be his easiest meeting. “I received that as being humorous,” May’s spokesman said.Trump also said he anticipated his meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin would be his easiest meeting. “I received that as being humorous,” May’s spokesman said.
It’s not cabinet ministers going, but this is more bad news for Theresa May.It’s not cabinet ministers going, but this is more bad news for Theresa May.
Two of Tory vice chairs, Ben Bradley and Maria Caulfield, are quitting in protest at Chequers planTwo of Tory vice chairs, Ben Bradley and Maria Caulfield, are quitting in protest at Chequers plan
Theresa May spent some of her day at the ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the RAF. Here’s some photos of the 100-aircraft flypast over London, the culmination of the events.Theresa May spent some of her day at the ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the RAF. Here’s some photos of the 100-aircraft flypast over London, the culmination of the events.
Earlier, (see 11.01am) Sajid Javid and the Home Office’s head civil servant were put under pressure by the home affairs committee about publishing a report into the advice given to Amber Rudd over immigration removal targets before she resigned for getting her facts wrong on the issue.Earlier, (see 11.01am) Sajid Javid and the Home Office’s head civil servant were put under pressure by the home affairs committee about publishing a report into the advice given to Amber Rudd over immigration removal targets before she resigned for getting her facts wrong on the issue.
It seems someone else also believes the report should be made public – Rudd herself. She has clearly read the news story on the issue by my colleague Jessica Elgot.It seems someone else also believes the report should be made public – Rudd herself. She has clearly read the news story on the issue by my colleague Jessica Elgot.
Quite right, it should be published @CommonsHomeAffs https://t.co/oBaljDuOgpQuite right, it should be published @CommonsHomeAffs https://t.co/oBaljDuOgp
Theresa May has released a statement in tribute to Lord Carrington, who has died aged 99 (see 12.36pm):Theresa May has released a statement in tribute to Lord Carrington, who has died aged 99 (see 12.36pm):
The death of Peter Carrington at the age of 99 marks the end of an era and the loss of a statesman who was respected globally for his remarkable lifetime of public service.The death of Peter Carrington at the age of 99 marks the end of an era and the loss of a statesman who was respected globally for his remarkable lifetime of public service.
There can be few people who have served our country for as long, and with such dedication, as Lord Carrington did – from his gallantry as a tank commander in the Second World War, for which he was awarded the Military Cross, to his service in government under two monarchs and six prime ministers, dating back to Winston Churchill.There can be few people who have served our country for as long, and with such dedication, as Lord Carrington did – from his gallantry as a tank commander in the Second World War, for which he was awarded the Military Cross, to his service in government under two monarchs and six prime ministers, dating back to Winston Churchill.
He was a much loved and widely respected member of the House of Lords for nearly eight decades, and served with great honour and integrity in government as foreign secretary, defence secretary, leader of the House of Lords, chairman of the Conservative party and much more besides.He was a much loved and widely respected member of the House of Lords for nearly eight decades, and served with great honour and integrity in government as foreign secretary, defence secretary, leader of the House of Lords, chairman of the Conservative party and much more besides.
These were qualities that he also brought to bear as a highly esteemed secretary general of Nato – and, in the week of the Nato Summit, I know that my fellow leaders will join me in offering our gratitude for his lifetime of service and our deepest condolences to his family.These were qualities that he also brought to bear as a highly esteemed secretary general of Nato – and, in the week of the Nato Summit, I know that my fellow leaders will join me in offering our gratitude for his lifetime of service and our deepest condolences to his family.
All is not harmony on the much-talked about WhatsApp group for the ERG, the caucus for Brexit-minded Tory MPs, according to Alex Wickham of the Guido Fawkes website.All is not harmony on the much-talked about WhatsApp group for the ERG, the caucus for Brexit-minded Tory MPs, according to Alex Wickham of the Guido Fawkes website.
Laurence Robertson accused Brexiteer colleagues who support the PM's deal of being "sycophants and careerists" - his tone not going down well with those on the other side of the argument https://t.co/ZAgi4DOM7q pic.twitter.com/2vaPXgIs0JLaurence Robertson accused Brexiteer colleagues who support the PM's deal of being "sycophants and careerists" - his tone not going down well with those on the other side of the argument https://t.co/ZAgi4DOM7q pic.twitter.com/2vaPXgIs0J
Philip Davies accused Tory MPs in safe seats who back the deal of "not giving a stuff" about colleagues in Leave-voting marginals https://t.co/ZAgi4DOM7q pic.twitter.com/3OWc1RLdnaPhilip Davies accused Tory MPs in safe seats who back the deal of "not giving a stuff" about colleagues in Leave-voting marginals https://t.co/ZAgi4DOM7q pic.twitter.com/3OWc1RLdna
Philip Davies also accused Downing Street of telling "lies" https://t.co/ZAgi4DOM7q pic.twitter.com/ZVELFrli70Philip Davies also accused Downing Street of telling "lies" https://t.co/ZAgi4DOM7q pic.twitter.com/ZVELFrli70
Michel Barnier has declared that as much as 80% of the Brexit deal has been agreed, in a change of narrative that suggests that a full agreement can be sealed soon.Michel Barnier has declared that as much as 80% of the Brexit deal has been agreed, in a change of narrative that suggests that a full agreement can be sealed soon.
Speaking in New York, Barnier said he was looking forward to a “constructive conversation” with the UK after the white paper on Brexit is published on Thursday.Speaking in New York, Barnier said he was looking forward to a “constructive conversation” with the UK after the white paper on Brexit is published on Thursday.
“After 12 months of negotiations we have agreed on 80% of the negotiations,” Barnier said, adding that he was determined to reach agreement on the remaining 20% by October or November“After 12 months of negotiations we have agreed on 80% of the negotiations,” Barnier said, adding that he was determined to reach agreement on the remaining 20% by October or November
Less than a week after he declared that the EU would willing to compromise if Theresa May changed softened her right lines, Barnier suggested that although there were challenges ahead they were far from insurmountable.Less than a week after he declared that the EU would willing to compromise if Theresa May changed softened her right lines, Barnier suggested that although there were challenges ahead they were far from insurmountable.
Speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations, Barnier said he welcomed “that the UK is discussing the future relationship, taking positions... and avoiding a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland”.Speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations, Barnier said he welcomed “that the UK is discussing the future relationship, taking positions... and avoiding a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland”.
Anticipating the latest round of negotiations starting next Monday, he said: “We need clarity for these negotiations to move forward for the time is very short.”Anticipating the latest round of negotiations starting next Monday, he said: “We need clarity for these negotiations to move forward for the time is very short.”
Asked to comment upon whether the upheaval in Theresa May’s cabinet might put a deal in jeopardy, Barnier said he did not “want to make any comment on domestic and national policy in the UK”Asked to comment upon whether the upheaval in Theresa May’s cabinet might put a deal in jeopardy, Barnier said he did not “want to make any comment on domestic and national policy in the UK”
He added: “But as EU negotiator I will negotiate only with the British government… so our next negotiations will be Next Monday with the British delegation appointed by Mrs May.”He added: “But as EU negotiator I will negotiate only with the British government… so our next negotiations will be Next Monday with the British delegation appointed by Mrs May.”
Labour is to keep up the pressure on Esther McVey after the work and pensions secretary (partly) apologised for giving the Commons some incorrect information about a report into universal credit.
The opposition has tabled a motion of censure for Wednesday which calls for McVey to be “sanctioned” for her failings over UC, using the term associated with benefits being withheld. This would, if passed, call for McVey to lose four weeks’ pay – though of course the power of MPs to enforce this is pretty doubtful.
Scotland’s justice secretary Humza Yousaf has called for “further clarity” around Donald Trump’s plans to visit Scotland this weekend, as he urged those wanting to protest against the US President’s visit to do so safely and peacefully.
After being briefed this morning by Police Scotland on the £5m security operation attending this weekend’s visit, Yousaf said: “It is clear that President Trump’s visit will have significant operational implications for Police Scotland...Further clarity around President Trump’s plans whilst visiting Scotland would greatly aid the planning that is being taken forward by our police and wider partners.”
Trump is expected to spend Saturday and Sunday at his luxury resort in Turnberry, on the west coast, although Police Scotland told the Guardian that they had yet to have this confirmed. He will avoid mass protests planned in Glasgow and Edinburgh, but will perhaps see the Trump baby balloon which organisers hope to transport from London to fly outside the resort’s four-mile perimeter.
Yousaf added that he understood that Scots would want to protests agains the visit: “We understand that many people feel very strongly about President Trump and his administration’s policies, and will want to express that this weekend when he is in the country.”
“That is why there are a number of organised protest locations across the country this weekend and I would urge people who want to exercise their right to demonstrate in those locations, to do so in a safe and peaceful manner.”
Trump will not meet Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, who has been highly critical of his policies, while he stays in the country.
Donald Trump might praise Boris Johnson as a friend – and the former foreign secretary did suggest last month Trump could do a better job of Brexit negotiations than Theresa May – but it was not always thus.
In 2015, when Johnson was still mayor of London and Trump was seeking the Republican nomination, he responded robustly to Trump’s claim parts of the UK capital were so overrun by Islamist radicalisation that they were no-go areas for police. Let’s remind ourselves of Johnson’s response:
Donald Trump’s ill-informed comments are complete and utter nonsense. As a city where more than 300 languages are spoken, London has a proud history of tolerance and diversity and to suggest there are areas where police officers cannot go because of radicalisation is simply ridiculous.
I would welcome the opportunity to show Mr Trump first hand some of the excellent work our police officers do every day in local neighbourhoods throughout our city.
Crime has been falling steadily in both London and New York - and the only reason I wouldn’t go to some parts of New York is the real risk of meeting Donald Trump.
Donald Trump has shown his visit this week to the Nato summit and the UK is likely to be a diplomatic minefield. Speaking to the US media at the White House before getting onto Marine One, his official helicopter, en route to Europe, he has said Britain is in “turmoil” and predicted his meeting with Vladimir Putin next week, after the UK could be his “easiest” engagement.
He also praised Boris Johnson as “a friend of mine” – without any similarly supportive words for Theresa May. He also said he might hope to speak to Johnson in the UK on Thursday or Friday. Here’s what he said:
The UK, that’s a situation that’s been going on for a long time. I have Nato, I have the UK, which is in somewhat turmoil, and I have Putin. Frankly, Putin may be the easiest of them all, who would think? Who would think? But the UK certainly - they certainly have a lot of things going on.
In response to a question which was inaudible above the sound of the helicopter, the US president said:
Boris Johnson is a friend of mine, he’s been very, very nice to me, very supportive. And I maybe will speak to him when I get over there. I like Boris Johnson, I’ve a;ways liked him.
The much-awaited Brexit white paper will be published on Thursday, No 10 has confirmed at the post-cabinet lunchtime briefing. There had been suggestions yesterday it might be delayed until next week.
There was no discussion of Boris Johnson’s resignation statement at cabinet, Theresa May’s spokesman said. May expressed thanks for the work of Johnson and David Davies before ministers talked about Brexit ahead of the white paper, a discussion led by the new minister Dominic Raab.
The spokesman said there was further discussion of planning for a no-deal Brexit, but would not supply any details.
Cabinet members also agreed on a message of support to the England team ahead of the World Cup semi final on Wednesday night, although rather than send a message, this was noted in the cabinet papers.
Lord Peter Carrington, the Conservative foreign secretary under Margaret Thatcher, who famously resigned after Argentina invaded the Falklands, died yesterday aged 99, it has been announced.
A hereditary peer, he was the last surviving member of Winston Churchill’s postwar 1951-55 government, and was later secretary general of Nato.
He is perhaps most remembered for resigning as foreign secretary as he believed she should take responsibility for the surprise Argentine invasion, even though there was no suggestion he had been negligent.
Very sorry to learn of the death of my constituent Lord Carrington, former Defence and Foreign Secretary & last surviving member of Churchill's post-war govt. His career was given to public service. My deep sympathy to his family. 1/2
More disquiet on May’s Chequers plan from another leaver who also left the cabinet – although Priti Patel did not go of her own accord. Speaking on BBC2’s Daily Politics, the former international development secretary said she could understand Boris Johnson’s worries:
I can see exactly why there’s not just frustration but concern over our ability to go out there in the world , be the buccaneers, grasp free trade opportunities.
Patel said that while there was more detail to come, she feared such a plan would not see the UK becoming “independent in the way we have spoken about being independent”.
Who is the new attorney general, Geoffrey Cox? Our legal affairs correspondent, Owen Bowcott, explains:
The swiftest promotion in the latest reshuffle advances the Conservative backbencher Geoffrey Cox QC to the front line cabinet role of attorney general. A highly successful barrister, his outside earnings in 2014 were £820,867 - making him one of parliament’s highest earners.
He resigned from Westminster’s standards committee after failing to declare part of his income within the required time limit. Three years ago his claim for 49p for a bottle of milk was rejected by the Commons authorities; Cox said the claim was a mistake by staff after hospitality rules changed.
The MP for Torridge and West Devon, aged 58, studied law at Cambridge university and was first elected to parliament in 2005. He founded, and now heads, Thomas More chambers where he specialises in commercial, fraud, defamation and human rights cases.
Cox has appeared in many high profile claims in the court of appeal, supreme court and Privy Counci as well as in financial cases in the Cayman Islands. He has represented the millionaire businessman Nicholas Van Hoogstraten and a British soldier accused of war crimes in Iraq. He successfully defended the Sun’s deputy editor who faced charges in 2015 of making payments to public officials for stories.
Cox campaigned for a leave vote in the EU referendum. In Who’s Who, his listed interests include “political history and enjoying rural life” .
Donald Trump is up and looking forward to the NATO summit, which starts on Thursday.
NATO countries must pay MORE, the United States must pay LESS. Very Unfair!
A fairly long section of Javid’s appearance at the home affairs committee has involved Yvette Cooper seeking to get an answer on whether post-Brexit immigration arrangements will mean anyone seeking work in the UK from the EU will need some form of visa. Javid says more details will come in the government’s imminent white paper, adding:
It will necessitate a series of changes in a number of categories, and depending what that category is – visitors, businesspeople, scientists– there will be differences. But what they will all share is that there will be no right to freedom of movement.
Asked to clarify, Javid says there will be “some process involved”, whether or not that involves a visa.