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Brexit deal: May in crunch cabinet 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)
In the Commons Valerie Vaz, the shadow leader of the Commons, used a point of order to say that she thought Theresa May would give a press conference about the deal at 9pm tonight. She said that May should come to the Commons and give a statement instead. It was a replay of the argument that took place at the end of PMQs. (See 12.49am.)
Dame Rosie Winterton, the deputy speaker who was in the chair, said she thought the statement would be tomorrow.
If Vaz is right about the press conference being at 9pm, that is bad news for journalists. We’ve been told to expect the deal to be published at around 7pm (assuming the cabinet approves it), then a press conference afterwards.
And here is a quote from the Tony Blair speech this afternoon. He described the deal, on the basis of what has been reported about it, as a “capitulation”. He said:
Nothing can disguise the nature of the deal [Theresa May] has chosen, if reports of it are true. This deal isn’t a compromise, it’s a capitulation.
The withdrawal agreement will keep us tied to EU trade policy until there is an end established by ‘joint consent’ - in other words, the EU has a veto.
It is coated in heavy fudge, but that is the inedible biscuit beneath the coating.
Blair also said that the proposals had united him and Boris Johnson in “unholy alliance”, adding:
We agree this is a pointless Brexit in name only which is not the best of a bad job but the worst of both worlds. In the cause of ‘taking back control’ we lose the control we had.
It is not just Boris Johnson who has described the Brexit deal as the worst of both worlds. Justine Greening, a Tory pro-European also opposed to the deal, has used exactly the same phrase to describe it.
Tony Blair, the Labour former prime minister and one of the most prominent campaigners for a second referendum on Brexit, has been giving a speech this afternoon. We previewed some of what he would say earlier. (See 6am.) My colleague Patrick Wintour has more highlights from what he said.
Blair: “this is Brexit in theory but still tied to Europe in reality, thus making a mockery of the reason for leaving. Whatever people voted for, it was not this ! In the cause of taking back control, we lose the control that we had”.
Blair “the only route to unity is clarity, and the only route to clarity is through the people”.
Blair Populism thrives on the politics of fear always looking for someone or someone to blame. But the fear usually derives from a worry which is real. Necessary to recognise anger is genuine and grievances as legitimate. Must meet people halfway at least.
Blair says it would be simpler for progressive centre to re-occupy the established parties. “ If not, the politically homeless are not lacking commitment and conviction, and they will find a way of building a new home”.
The International Monetary Fund has offered Theresa May some well-time support over Brexit.
In a new report, the IMF have backed chancellor Philip Hammond’s claim that the economy will bounce back once an exit deal is agreed. The Fund believes Britain could grow faster than expected next year (currently 1.5%) if Britain gets a deal that guarantees frictionless trade with the European Union.
But the Fund also warns that a no-deal Brexit would wipe out around 6% of GDP (over an unspecified time), with the City and the chemicals industry badly hit. It adds:
“Directors emphasised the importance of a timely agreement with the EU, accompanied by an implementation period to avoid a cliff-edge exit in March 2019 and to allow firms and workers time to adjust to the new relationship.”
Channel 4’s Helia Ebrahimi has tweeted more details:
Breaking: IMF warns the UK: without a deal with Europe there cd be 12 years of pain for the UK economy With the City taking a hit of up to 25% (WTO rules) and even with Free Trade Deal there wd be a 15% loss to financial services pic.twitter.com/8tgA6B6fDV
Given financial services is the UK’s top taxpayer this wd hv a big hit on government income #brexitHere’s the #IMF forecast for the brexit hit to different UK industries: pic.twitter.com/eN12uxAHcm
Quite interesting that IMF now says Theresa May’s brexit deal looks better for UK economy than their “best case scenarios” (FTA) - which suggests there cd be a chance of an economic upgrade if she can get the deal through #brexit pic.twitter.com/BHvJAAVOcY
The BBC’s Adam Fleming spoke to Sabine Weyand, deputy to Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, today, to find out whether, as the Times (paywall) reports, she really did say that under the Brexit deal the UK “must align their rules but the EU will retain all the controls”. (See 8.25am.) He did not get an answer.
So @WeyandSabine has left the building where EU27 are being briefed on Brexit.Me: Is there a deal? SW: Its a beautiful day. Me: Is it a beautiful deal? SW: No comment. Me: Have you been misquoted in today’s papers? SW: No comment.Me: I’ll let you get back to your desk then!
Earlier, at PMQs, Theresa May signalled that the government was about to do a U-turn on fixed odds betting terminals. That U-turn has now been announced, and my colleague Rob Davies has the details here.Earlier, at PMQs, Theresa May signalled that the government was about to do a U-turn on fixed odds betting terminals. That U-turn has now been announced, and my colleague Rob Davies has the details here.
Parliamentary politics is all about managing coalitions. Both main parties are coalitions of different group that share some goals and values, and Theresa May is reliant on at least five groups to keep her in power. They are:Parliamentary politics is all about managing coalitions. Both main parties are coalitions of different group that share some goals and values, and Theresa May is reliant on at least five groups to keep her in power. They are:
Conservative hardcore Brexiters (at least 40, perhaps up to 80)Conservative hardcore Brexiters (at least 40, perhaps up to 80)
Conservative hardcore pro-Europeans (at least 12, perhaps a handful more)Conservative hardcore pro-Europeans (at least 12, perhaps a handful more)
Mainstream English and Welsh Conservatives (at least 200, up to around 260)Mainstream English and Welsh Conservatives (at least 200, up to around 260)
Scottish Conservatives (13 MPs)Scottish Conservatives (13 MPs)
The DUP (10 MPs)The DUP (10 MPs)
When it comes to supporting the Brexit deal, May seems to have lost two of these groups already, the hardcore Brexiters and the DUP. Some hardcore pro-Europeans have said they will definitely vote against the government (eg, Jo Johnson), although others have not yet committed themselves to voting against (eg, Anna Soubry - see 8.21am.) My colleague Pippa Crerar writes about how this group might vote in a bit more detail here.When it comes to supporting the Brexit deal, May seems to have lost two of these groups already, the hardcore Brexiters and the DUP. Some hardcore pro-Europeans have said they will definitely vote against the government (eg, Jo Johnson), although others have not yet committed themselves to voting against (eg, Anna Soubry - see 8.21am.) My colleague Pippa Crerar writes about how this group might vote in a bit more detail here.
Mainstream English and Welsh Tories will probably back the deal, although they have not seen it yet, and so we cannot be 100% sure.Mainstream English and Welsh Tories will probably back the deal, although they have not seen it yet, and so we cannot be 100% sure.
But this afternoon the Scottish Conservatives are flexing their muscles. As the BBC reports, they have signed a letter to May saying they would not support a deal that involved surrendering rights over fishing. Many of the ones they won in their better-than-expected 2017 general election performance were coasting seats in the north east of Scotland and that was in part because they said the Tories were the party that would take Scotland out of the common fisheries policy.But this afternoon the Scottish Conservatives are flexing their muscles. As the BBC reports, they have signed a letter to May saying they would not support a deal that involved surrendering rights over fishing. Many of the ones they won in their better-than-expected 2017 general election performance were coasting seats in the north east of Scotland and that was in part because they said the Tories were the party that would take Scotland out of the common fisheries policy.
Here is an extract from the letter. Addressing May, they say:Here is an extract from the letter. Addressing May, they say:
You have made welcome statements throughout the Brexit negotiations that leaving the EU will mean leaving the commons fisheries policy and negotiating as an independent coastal state from December 2020. You said in your conference speech that anything less would be a ‘betrayal of Scotland’ and we completely agree. That has raised expectations in the fishing industry that Brexit will lead to complete control and full sovereignty over domestic waters that we must deliver on.You have made welcome statements throughout the Brexit negotiations that leaving the EU will mean leaving the commons fisheries policy and negotiating as an independent coastal state from December 2020. You said in your conference speech that anything less would be a ‘betrayal of Scotland’ and we completely agree. That has raised expectations in the fishing industry that Brexit will lead to complete control and full sovereignty over domestic waters that we must deliver on.
In order to deliver on these expectations, we could not support an agreement with the EU that would prevent the UK from independently negotiating access and quota shares. That would mean that we would not be leaving the CFP in practice and would be becoming an independent coastal state in name only. At the end of the implementation period, we must be able to negotiate access and quotes shares with the EU and other third countries independently on an annual basis, without any pre-existing arrangement being in force. That means that access and quota shares cannot be included in the future economic partnership, allowing the UK to become an independent coastal state both in principle and in practice.In order to deliver on these expectations, we could not support an agreement with the EU that would prevent the UK from independently negotiating access and quota shares. That would mean that we would not be leaving the CFP in practice and would be becoming an independent coastal state in name only. At the end of the implementation period, we must be able to negotiate access and quotes shares with the EU and other third countries independently on an annual basis, without any pre-existing arrangement being in force. That means that access and quota shares cannot be included in the future economic partnership, allowing the UK to become an independent coastal state both in principle and in practice.
Yet, as the Guardian has reported, the UK has been under strong pressure to include clauses that would give EU boats exactly those sorts of fishing rights in UK waters after Brexit in the deal.Yet, as the Guardian has reported, the UK has been under strong pressure to include clauses that would give EU boats exactly those sorts of fishing rights in UK waters after Brexit in the deal.
Just before Cabinet started, letter from Scottish Tory MPs, including Sec of State, hand delivered to No 10 warning against any backsliding on fishing rights - PM simply can't afford to lose those 13 votesJust before Cabinet started, letter from Scottish Tory MPs, including Sec of State, hand delivered to No 10 warning against any backsliding on fishing rights - PM simply can't afford to lose those 13 votes
Letter here 👇 pic.twitter.com/FMoCBJV1GBLetter here 👇 pic.twitter.com/FMoCBJV1GB
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.