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Brexit deal: May in crunch meeting to decide fate of agreement – Politics live Brexit deal: May in crunch cabinet meeting to decide fate of agreement – Politics live
(35 minutes later)
The Daily Telegraph’s chief political correspondent Christopher Hope has tweeted that he’s heard two cabinet ministers will resign today.The Daily Telegraph’s chief political correspondent Christopher Hope has tweeted that he’s heard two cabinet ministers will resign today.
The pair: international development secretary Penny Mordaunt, and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Esther McVey.The pair: international development secretary Penny Mordaunt, and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Esther McVey.
Minister: "Two members of the Cabinet will resign today". Me: "Who?" Minister: "Penny Mordaunt and Esther McVey." #BrexitDealMinister: "Two members of the Cabinet will resign today". Me: "Who?" Minister: "Penny Mordaunt and Esther McVey." #BrexitDeal
This is putting the pound under a little pressure. Sterling has dipped back to $1.295 against the US dollar, having risen to $1.30 this morning.This is putting the pound under a little pressure. Sterling has dipped back to $1.295 against the US dollar, having risen to $1.30 this morning.
It seems that Downing Street is aware that the opinions being heard so far about Theresa May’s Brexit plans are currently mainly coming from the two opposite sides of the debate – the ERG and remainers.It seems that Downing Street is aware that the opinions being heard so far about Theresa May’s Brexit plans are currently mainly coming from the two opposite sides of the debate – the ERG and remainers.
Hence, I’m told, an order went out earlier today from the Conservative whips for moderate Tory MPs to start tweeting their supportive views. But as one centrist Tory said: “It’s not easy to opine on a deal when you haven’t even seen anything yet.”Hence, I’m told, an order went out earlier today from the Conservative whips for moderate Tory MPs to start tweeting their supportive views. But as one centrist Tory said: “It’s not easy to opine on a deal when you haven’t even seen anything yet.”
The MP’s view on initial reports of May’s plan is that it seems not entirely ideal, but is “better than all the other options”.The MP’s view on initial reports of May’s plan is that it seems not entirely ideal, but is “better than all the other options”.
Jeremy Corbyn’s spokesman has made clear Labour’s first priority, if the government’s Brexit deal fails to pass the Commons will be to press for its own, alternative plan.Jeremy Corbyn’s spokesman has made clear Labour’s first priority, if the government’s Brexit deal fails to pass the Commons will be to press for its own, alternative plan.
Speaking to journalists after prime minister’s questions, he said if MPs reject the prime minister’s deal, in a vote expected to take place early next month, “our priority is for a different, alternative Labour plan for Brexit, which puts jobs and living standards first”.Speaking to journalists after prime minister’s questions, he said if MPs reject the prime minister’s deal, in a vote expected to take place early next month, “our priority is for a different, alternative Labour plan for Brexit, which puts jobs and living standards first”.
Corbyn irked many Labour members last week by saying, “we can’t stop Brexit”.Corbyn irked many Labour members last week by saying, “we can’t stop Brexit”.
Pressed repeatedly on the question, his spokesman laid out Labour’s carefully-constructed position, as agreed in the party’s conference in September. He said:Pressed repeatedly on the question, his spokesman laid out Labour’s carefully-constructed position, as agreed in the party’s conference in September. He said:
We are committed to respect the result of the referendum - and that’s why we’re putting the case for a different, alternative plan for Brexit.We are committed to respect the result of the referendum - and that’s why we’re putting the case for a different, alternative plan for Brexit.
And we’ve then set out a series of steps, which are well down the track, in which all options remain on the table.And we’ve then set out a series of steps, which are well down the track, in which all options remain on the table.
Obviously, from a technical point of view, Brexit can be stopped, that’s clearly the case.Obviously, from a technical point of view, Brexit can be stopped, that’s clearly the case.
But Jeremy said, “we” can’t stop Brexit. That’s not either our policy, nor our priority, nor do we have the mechanism to do it.But Jeremy said, “we” can’t stop Brexit. That’s not either our policy, nor our priority, nor do we have the mechanism to do it.
He added that if May loses the meaningful vote, Labour would effectively consider it to be a vote of no confidence in the government (which it wouldn’t be formally, under the fixed term parliament act). He said:He added that if May loses the meaningful vote, Labour would effectively consider it to be a vote of no confidence in the government (which it wouldn’t be formally, under the fixed term parliament act). He said:
Clearly, if the government is defeated on this absolutely central part of its program, then it would have shown it was unable to govern, and unable to deliver the most essential priorities for the country.Clearly, if the government is defeated on this absolutely central part of its program, then it would have shown it was unable to govern, and unable to deliver the most essential priorities for the country.
Either these cabinet ministers are excellent poker players, or they really weren’t looking forward to discussing the prime minister’s Brexit deal.Either these cabinet ministers are excellent poker players, or they really weren’t looking forward to discussing the prime minister’s Brexit deal.
The chief whip had a similar expression:The chief whip had a similar expression:
At least Andrea Leadsom managed a smile for the cameras:At least Andrea Leadsom managed a smile for the cameras:
And here’s Attorney General Geoffrey Cox, whose advice could be crucial today:And here’s Attorney General Geoffrey Cox, whose advice could be crucial today:
Leo Varadkar, the Irish prime minister, has strongly implied that the backstop for the Irish border does not involve the expiry date or unilateral exit options Brexiters demanded.Leo Varadkar, the Irish prime minister, has strongly implied that the backstop for the Irish border does not involve the expiry date or unilateral exit options Brexiters demanded.
After being briefed overnight on the detail of the withdrawal agreement, Varadkar suggested in the Irish parliament that Theresa May did not get the concessions she wanted. The backstop “can’t have an expiry date and it can’t be possible for anyone side to withdraw from it unilaterally,” he said in leaders questions in the Dail.After being briefed overnight on the detail of the withdrawal agreement, Varadkar suggested in the Irish parliament that Theresa May did not get the concessions she wanted. The backstop “can’t have an expiry date and it can’t be possible for anyone side to withdraw from it unilaterally,” he said in leaders questions in the Dail.
Speaking after a two-hour briefing last night on the contents of the withdrawal agreement from Brussels, Varadkar also confirmed that an emergency EU summit has been pencilled in for 25 November if Theresa May’s Brexit deal emerges unscathed from a crunch cabinet meeting today.Speaking after a two-hour briefing last night on the contents of the withdrawal agreement from Brussels, Varadkar also confirmed that an emergency EU summit has been pencilled in for 25 November if Theresa May’s Brexit deal emerges unscathed from a crunch cabinet meeting today.
Varadkar intends to brief the Northern Ireland non-unionist parties, the SDLP and the Alliance, on the withdrawal agreement. In the Dail he also reached out to unionists, saying they would be protected by the deal.Varadkar intends to brief the Northern Ireland non-unionist parties, the SDLP and the Alliance, on the withdrawal agreement. In the Dail he also reached out to unionists, saying they would be protected by the deal.
I know for the unionist community in Northern Ireland this is quite a difficult time. Many of them may be feeling vulnerable, many of them might be feeling isolated and many of them may be quite worried about what may be agreed in the coming days.I know for the unionist community in Northern Ireland this is quite a difficult time. Many of them may be feeling vulnerable, many of them might be feeling isolated and many of them may be quite worried about what may be agreed in the coming days.
I want to say to them the GFA [Good Friday agreement] will be protected and that includes a recognition that we respect the territory of the United Kingdom and that we respect the principle of consent, that there can be no change to the constitutional status of Northern Ireland unless a majority of Northern Ireland say so and we are very happy to have that written into any agreement.I want to say to them the GFA [Good Friday agreement] will be protected and that includes a recognition that we respect the territory of the United Kingdom and that we respect the principle of consent, that there can be no change to the constitutional status of Northern Ireland unless a majority of Northern Ireland say so and we are very happy to have that written into any agreement.
EU ambassadors are arriving at a meeting in Brussels for a briefing on the Brexit deal. As the BBC’s Adam Fleming reports, it may go on for a while.EU ambassadors are arriving at a meeting in Brussels for a briefing on the Brexit deal. As the BBC’s Adam Fleming reports, it may go on for a while.
One EU ambassador arriving for their briefing on #Brexit said their meeting could also last for three hours. Eek.One EU ambassador arriving for their briefing on #Brexit said their meeting could also last for three hours. Eek.
This is from Sky’s Kate McCann.This is from Sky’s Kate McCann.
Just asked Geoffrey Cox if the Cabinet is happy with his legal advice, he mouthed “wait and see”. Looked cheery enough thoughJust asked Geoffrey Cox if the Cabinet is happy with his legal advice, he mouthed “wait and see”. Looked cheery enough though
The BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg has been watching ministers arriving at No 10 for the 2pm cabinet meeting.The BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg has been watching ministers arriving at No 10 for the 2pm cabinet meeting.
Cabinet ministers arriving - all pretty grim facedCabinet ministers arriving - all pretty grim faced
In Germany, there was a cautious welcome for last night’s Brexit breakthrough, though most politicians left it up to Brussels to comment. Speaking to the German broadcaster ARD, Manfred Weber, the head of the European People’s party (EPP) in the European parliament and a member of the Christian Social Union (CSU) said:In Germany, there was a cautious welcome for last night’s Brexit breakthrough, though most politicians left it up to Brussels to comment. Speaking to the German broadcaster ARD, Manfred Weber, the head of the European People’s party (EPP) in the European parliament and a member of the Christian Social Union (CSU) said:
The white smoke is rising. We have positive signals that, after months and weeks of torturous debate, it will now come to an agreement. We Europeans have put a lot of suggestions on the table about what a potential solution would look like. And now we’re really, so to speak, at completion.The white smoke is rising. We have positive signals that, after months and weeks of torturous debate, it will now come to an agreement. We Europeans have put a lot of suggestions on the table about what a potential solution would look like. And now we’re really, so to speak, at completion.
Concretely that means we will get a transition phase to avoid damage, above all for the economy but also for affected citizens, for instance Germans in Great Britain. And we want to clarify in the long term that there will be no border in Northern Ireland. It was successful. The Northern Irish border will not be set up as a hard border and to that extent we have achieved some of the goals that we have as Europeans.Concretely that means we will get a transition phase to avoid damage, above all for the economy but also for affected citizens, for instance Germans in Great Britain. And we want to clarify in the long term that there will be no border in Northern Ireland. It was successful. The Northern Irish border will not be set up as a hard border and to that extent we have achieved some of the goals that we have as Europeans.
Asked whether he thought the current agreement will be enough for the EU, Weber said:Asked whether he thought the current agreement will be enough for the EU, Weber said:
We will look at the text, just the same as our colleagues in the British parliament. I can’t promise anything today.We will look at the text, just the same as our colleagues in the British parliament. I can’t promise anything today.
Meanwhile, Katja Leikert, the deputy chair of the CDU/CSU parliamentary faction, used Twitter to praise the breakthrough as “good news” and said it was “high time” for an agreement. “Now it’s about getting over a few more hurdles. The next thing is for British cabinet and parliament to approve the draft,” she said.Meanwhile, Katja Leikert, the deputy chair of the CDU/CSU parliamentary faction, used Twitter to praise the breakthrough as “good news” and said it was “high time” for an agreement. “Now it’s about getting over a few more hurdles. The next thing is for British cabinet and parliament to approve the draft,” she said.
Die Einigung zwischen EU-Kommission und Großbritannien zum #Brexit ist eine gute Nachricht. Dafür wurde es höchste Zeit. Nun gilt es noch einige Hürden zu überwinden ➡️ Als nächstes müssen in Großbritannien Kabinett und Parlament dem Entwurf zustimmen. 🗳Die Einigung zwischen EU-Kommission und Großbritannien zum #Brexit ist eine gute Nachricht. Dafür wurde es höchste Zeit. Nun gilt es noch einige Hürden zu überwinden ➡️ Als nächstes müssen in Großbritannien Kabinett und Parlament dem Entwurf zustimmen. 🗳
Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has described Theresa May’s Brexit deal as “devastating” for Scotland. Speaking to the BBC, she said that, from what she knows of the deal so far, it would mean “the worst of all possible worlds for Scotland”.Scotland’s first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has described Theresa May’s Brexit deal as “devastating” for Scotland. Speaking to the BBC, she said that, from what she knows of the deal so far, it would mean “the worst of all possible worlds for Scotland”.
It would take Scotland out of the single market, which would be bad enough in and of itself.It would take Scotland out of the single market, which would be bad enough in and of itself.
But it would do so while leaving us competing for investment and jobs with Northern Ireland, which would effectively be staying in the single market.But it would do so while leaving us competing for investment and jobs with Northern Ireland, which would effectively be staying in the single market.
That would be devastating for jobs and investment in Scotland and not something that anybody should be prepared to accept.That would be devastating for jobs and investment in Scotland and not something that anybody should be prepared to accept.
The SNP’s Westminster leader, Ian Blackford, confirmed this morning that his party’s 35 MPs would oppose the deal in its current form.The SNP’s Westminster leader, Ian Blackford, confirmed this morning that his party’s 35 MPs would oppose the deal in its current form.
But Sturgeon insisted that rejecting the current proposals in the House of Commons would not make a no-deal Brexit inevitable, but opened up the possibility for getting “better options like full single market and customs union membership back on the table”.But Sturgeon insisted that rejecting the current proposals in the House of Commons would not make a no-deal Brexit inevitable, but opened up the possibility for getting “better options like full single market and customs union membership back on the table”.
She added that it would also allow those arguing for another referendum to be held on the Brexit terms – as the SNP has done – to make their case.She added that it would also allow those arguing for another referendum to be held on the Brexit terms – as the SNP has done – to make their case.
Here is my colleague Rafael Behr’s take on the Brexit deal.Here is my colleague Rafael Behr’s take on the Brexit deal.
And here is an extract.And here is an extract.
During the past few weeks two contradictory propositions have been circulating in Westminster with roughly equal currency. One is that somehow a strain of pragmatism that is innate to British politics, coupled with raw terror of chaos, will drive May’s bargain into law. The other is that, with hardline Tories, the DUP and Labour all finding reasons to hate May’s plan, there simply aren’t the votes for it. Only one of those propositions can hold.During the past few weeks two contradictory propositions have been circulating in Westminster with roughly equal currency. One is that somehow a strain of pragmatism that is innate to British politics, coupled with raw terror of chaos, will drive May’s bargain into law. The other is that, with hardline Tories, the DUP and Labour all finding reasons to hate May’s plan, there simply aren’t the votes for it. Only one of those propositions can hold.
Overnight, Brexit has ceased to be a haze of slogans, ambitions, pledges and myths. It is now a piece of paper in the prime minister’s hand. There is no more “Brexit means Brexit”. There is a deal that either serves the national interest or betrays it. The detail will emerge in the days to come, but two things can be said with certainty. First, May’s route presents safer passage to the future than is envisaged in the wild fantasy of quitting the EU with no deal at all. Second, the terms that May has negotiated offer inferior status, market access, influence and power on the European continent and in the world than Britain has enjoyed as an EU member. Plenty of MPs know it, too; comfortably a majority. The question now is how many have the courage to say so.Overnight, Brexit has ceased to be a haze of slogans, ambitions, pledges and myths. It is now a piece of paper in the prime minister’s hand. There is no more “Brexit means Brexit”. There is a deal that either serves the national interest or betrays it. The detail will emerge in the days to come, but two things can be said with certainty. First, May’s route presents safer passage to the future than is envisaged in the wild fantasy of quitting the EU with no deal at all. Second, the terms that May has negotiated offer inferior status, market access, influence and power on the European continent and in the world than Britain has enjoyed as an EU member. Plenty of MPs know it, too; comfortably a majority. The question now is how many have the courage to say so.
Germany’s economy minister, Peter Altmaier, has warned that both Britain and the European Union will be worse off once Brexit has taken place.Germany’s economy minister, Peter Altmaier, has warned that both Britain and the European Union will be worse off once Brexit has taken place.
Whenever an integrated single market will be split again this will lead to an Lose/Lose situatian on both sides. We can soften the impact but will never prevent it completely. https://t.co/gNl89GvxdeWhenever an integrated single market will be split again this will lead to an Lose/Lose situatian on both sides. We can soften the impact but will never prevent it completely. https://t.co/gNl89Gvxde
Last year, Altmaier was critical of UK ministers who had urged him to help make Brexit a win-win for both sides, something he sees as impossible.Last year, Altmaier was critical of UK ministers who had urged him to help make Brexit a win-win for both sides, something he sees as impossible.