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Brexit deal: May wins cabinet support but hints at ministers' reservations – Politics live Brexit deal: May wins cabinet support but hints at ministers' reservations – Politics live
(35 minutes later)
These are from Steve Baker, the former Brexit minister.
A colleague tells me,“This is far worse than I feared. I feel very badly let down.”I predict this deal, like a bad budget, will be in bits in a couple of days
Another writes,“Truly the worst possible deal we could have collectively imagined”
Baker was at one point chair of the European Research Group, the hard Brexit caucus for Tory MPs. Jacob Rees-Mogg is now ERG chair and he is a more eloquent media performer. But Baker as ERG chair was a quite formidable organiser, and he is now back playing that role as Rees-Mogg’s deputy.
These tweets will be ominous for Number 10.
That is all from me for today. My colleague Ruth Quinn is now taking over.
A rather oddly worded statement has just come through from Scottish secretary David Mundell, who was one of the 13 Scottish Tory MPs to sign a hand-delivered letter to May as she began her crunch cabinet meeting, warning of potential rebellion if the draft agreement kept the UK tied to EU fishing regulations after 2020. He says:
I was content to move to the next stage of the process on the basis that Brexit will deliver for our fishing industry – as I and colleagues set out in our letter – and on the basis that arrangements for Northern Ireland will not undermine the economic or constitutional integrity of the UK.
Mundell has also expressed deep concerns previously that a backstop that creates distinct single market terms for Northern Ireland while Scotland is forced to leave will bolster the SNP’s case for independence. Again, he seems to be saying now that he is satisfied this will not be the case.
The more we learn about cabinet, the more it sounds like one of those 1970s Labour crisis cabinet meetings, which lasted hours because Callaghan’s team was split down the middle. These are from the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg.
Cabinet did reach a collective position, but certainly not unanimous. I'm told 9 ministers spoke against the agreement - Fox, Hunt, Williamson, Penny Mordaunt, Javid, Leadsom, Evans, Mordaunt and Grayling.
Raab didn't speak against it but is said to have had a 'downer' on it, Mundell also described as a 'waverer' - there was not a final vote, but numbers were 18-11 depending how you categorise the waverers, according to one minister
Other cabinet sources say those who spoke against the deal were not making arguments for alternative deals or even criticising the content - but expressing reservations about whether it can get through the House
Esther McVey is said to have twice called for a vote but it was refused - she is udnerstood to have been the strongest and most explicit opponent of the deal - lots of chatter about her resigning
Chancellor Philip Hammond and business secretary Greg Clark have held a conference call with British businesses tonight.
According to Sky News, Hammond urged UK business chiefs to back the agreement, arguing that May’s ‘compromise deal’ would protect the economy, as:
Nobody is pretending that we have a perfect solution that will give everyone everything they wanted.”
Straight after the cabinet meeting Philip Hammond, chancellor and Greg Clark, business secretary held a conference call briefing with up to 200 business figures. Hammond thanked the executives for their help in publicising what he called the “horrific” impact of a no deal Brexit.
Several business groups have already warned against a ‘no deal’ scenario tonight.Miles Celic, CEO of TheCityUK, thinks Britain’s financial sector will welcome parts of the deal, such as the section on financial services.
“The importance of financial services has been acknowledged and its inclusion in the political declaration means that this sector is hardwired into the future negotiations. It also recognises that this is in the mutual economic interests of both sides and – most importantly – of customers.
“It’s encouraging that the declaration is grounded in the principles of regulatory autonomy, transparency and stability, and underpinned by close and structured cooperation. The industry will also welcome the clarity on the legally-binding transition period.
Catherine McGuinness, Policy Chairman at the City of London Corporation, also sees positive aspects to the deal:
The proposed framework for the future relationship provides welcome clarity and offers a foundation for financial services
In particular, the commitment to close regulatory and supervisory cooperation is a positive move that recognises the need for any deal to reflect the City’s unique role in providing services to households and businesses across Europe.
Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General, said May’s compromise deal has led the UK “one step away from the nightmare precipice of no deal”.
Here is the Austrian chancellor, Sebastian Kurz, on the deal.Here is the Austrian chancellor, Sebastian Kurz, on the deal.
The translations are from Twitter.The translations are from Twitter.
Über die #Brexit-Einigung, die nun vom britischen Kabinett gebilligt wurde, bin ich sehr froh. Ich hoffe nun auch auf Zustimmung des britischen Parlaments morgen. Ich möchte Chefverhandler @MichelBarnier ganz herzlich für seinen Einsatz danken.Über die #Brexit-Einigung, die nun vom britischen Kabinett gebilligt wurde, bin ich sehr froh. Ich hoffe nun auch auf Zustimmung des britischen Parlaments morgen. Ich möchte Chefverhandler @MichelBarnier ganz herzlich für seinen Einsatz danken.
I #Brexit am very pleased with the agreement, which has now been approved by the British cabinet. I now also hope that the British parliament will give its approval tomorrow. I would like @MichelBarnier to thank chief negotiators for their commitment. I am very pleased with the #Brexit agreement, which has now been approved by the British cabinet. I now also hope that the British parliament will give its approval tomorrow. I would like to thank chief negotiator @MichelBarnier for his commitment.
Das Ergebnis ist ein gutes, denn es garantiert, dass ein #HardBrexit vermieden wird u es keine harte Grenze zwischen Irland&Nordirland geben wird. Die Übereinkunft garantiert zudem, dass eine Basis vorhanden ist, um ein zukünftiges neues Verhältnis zwischen EU&GB auszuverhandeln.Das Ergebnis ist ein gutes, denn es garantiert, dass ein #HardBrexit vermieden wird u es keine harte Grenze zwischen Irland&Nordirland geben wird. Die Übereinkunft garantiert zudem, dass eine Basis vorhanden ist, um ein zukünftiges neues Verhältnis zwischen EU&GB auszuverhandeln.
The result is a good one, because it #HardBrexit guarantees that an avoided u there will be no hard border between Ireland & Northern Ireland. The agreement also guarantees that there is a basis for negotiating a future new relationship between the EU and the EU.The result is a good one, because it #HardBrexit guarantees that an avoided u there will be no hard border between Ireland & Northern Ireland. The agreement also guarantees that there is a basis for negotiating a future new relationship between the EU and the EU.
Das Ergebnis wird nun so schnell wie möglich bei einem Treffen der #EU-Minister der EU-27 sowie bei einem außerordentlichen Treffen des Europäischen Rates geprüft werden.Das Ergebnis wird nun so schnell wie möglich bei einem Treffen der #EU-Minister der EU-27 sowie bei einem außerordentlichen Treffen des Europäischen Rates geprüft werden.
The result will now be examined as soon as possible at a meeting of #EU EU-27 ministers, as well as at an extraordinary meeting of the European council.The result will now be examined as soon as possible at a meeting of #EU EU-27 ministers, as well as at an extraordinary meeting of the European council.
From the Financial Times’ Laura HughesFrom the Financial Times’ Laura Hughes
Officials close to Cabinet say Esther McVey is “on the brink” of resigning. They added that she was “shouted down” by the Cabinet Secretary Mark Sedwill after demanding Cabinet voted on the deal.Officials close to Cabinet say Esther McVey is “on the brink” of resigning. They added that she was “shouted down” by the Cabinet Secretary Mark Sedwill after demanding Cabinet voted on the deal.
Gerard Batten, the Ukip leader, has released this statement about the draft deal.Gerard Batten, the Ukip leader, has released this statement about the draft deal.
In the morning we can expect a complete betrayal of the referendum result. Mrs May has threatened the cabinet with accepting her Not Really Leaving the EU Deal or the threat of a general election and the spectre of a Corbyn Marxist government.In the morning we can expect a complete betrayal of the referendum result. Mrs May has threatened the cabinet with accepting her Not Really Leaving the EU Deal or the threat of a general election and the spectre of a Corbyn Marxist government.
This is exactly what I have predicted since the historic and spectacular referendum result. Ukip’s position is unilateral and unconditional withdrawal.This is exactly what I have predicted since the historic and spectacular referendum result. Ukip’s position is unilateral and unconditional withdrawal.
The real struggle to leave the EU now begins in earnest. UKIP will never give up the fight for a complete and total exit from the EU.The real struggle to leave the EU now begins in earnest. UKIP will never give up the fight for a complete and total exit from the EU.
If this surrender deal is implemented, UKIP will be the political resistance movement, fighting on the electoral beaches, fields, lanes, and landing grounds. UKIP will never surrender.If this surrender deal is implemented, UKIP will be the political resistance movement, fighting on the electoral beaches, fields, lanes, and landing grounds. UKIP will never surrender.
Here is the text of the statement that the European commission has issued tonight about the draft withdrawal deal.Here is the text of the statement that the European commission has issued tonight about the draft withdrawal deal.
Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, said Theresa May’s statement showed May could “barely unite her cabinet”. Sturgeon said:Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, said Theresa May’s statement showed May could “barely unite her cabinet”. Sturgeon said:
It is obvious that the prime minister can barely unite her cabinet on this deal, and ‎it is also increasingly clear that she will struggle to get a majority for it in Parliament.It is obvious that the prime minister can barely unite her cabinet on this deal, and ‎it is also increasingly clear that she will struggle to get a majority for it in Parliament.
In these circumstances it is more important than ever that we are not faced with a false choice between a bad deal and no deal. No one should be effectively blackmailed into a choice between the frying pan or the fire.In these circumstances it is more important than ever that we are not faced with a false choice between a bad deal and no deal. No one should be effectively blackmailed into a choice between the frying pan or the fire.
She added that if the deal was rejected by the Commons “then the UK government must return to the negotiating table to secure a better one”.She added that if the deal was rejected by the Commons “then the UK government must return to the negotiating table to secure a better one”.
Our bottom line – short of continued EU membership – is continued, permanent membership of the single market and customs union.Our bottom line – short of continued EU membership – is continued, permanent membership of the single market and customs union.
This is from BuzzFeed’s Alex Wickham.This is from BuzzFeed’s Alex Wickham.
Esther McVey involved in a "massive row" after twice demanding the cabinet get a vote on the decision.She was "shouted down" by the cabinet secretary Mark Sedwill and chief whip Julian Smith https://t.co/edrKhBT6pzEsther McVey involved in a "massive row" after twice demanding the cabinet get a vote on the decision.She was "shouted down" by the cabinet secretary Mark Sedwill and chief whip Julian Smith https://t.co/edrKhBT6pz
Here is more on what Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, said at his news conference.Here is more on what Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, said at his news conference.
From the BBC’s Katya AdlerFrom the BBC’s Katya Adler
Barnier: backstop is not meant to be used. We aim to finalise an EU-U.K. trade agreement before end of transitionBarnier: backstop is not meant to be used. We aim to finalise an EU-U.K. trade agreement before end of transition
Barnier tells me he doesn’t want to comment on possibility of U.K. parliament voting down the deal - quoted Theresa May saying this evening that this is the best deal possibleBarnier tells me he doesn’t want to comment on possibility of U.K. parliament voting down the deal - quoted Theresa May saying this evening that this is the best deal possible
Michel Barnier would not engage with my question whether the plan is for the U.K. to stay inside a customs partnership with the EU in its future economic relationship post Brexit - backstop asideMichel Barnier would not engage with my question whether the plan is for the U.K. to stay inside a customs partnership with the EU in its future economic relationship post Brexit - backstop aside
My colleague Dan Sabbagh has found the section of the document explaining how, under the Irish backstop, Northern Ireland would have to comply with single market rules on regulation.
Some reading for Arlene Foster as she goes into No10. "Articles 6-7 also sets out provisions related to *Northern Ireland specific regulatory alignment* in order to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland" (emphasis mine)Source: https://t.co/zR2xpZ5772 pic.twitter.com/FvJHFdPI5K
Here is the Times’ Raphael Howarth on what the deal says about the backstop.
So there's the backstop review mechanism in all its glory. If the Union and the UK decide "jointly" that the backstop is no longer necessary, it shall cease to apply, in whole or in part. pic.twitter.com/cYiQlD74Dj
Wow. Article 14(4) of the backstop is... something. Seems to say: ECJ and European Commission to have jurisdiction in the UK in respect of the EU customs code, technical regulations, VAT and excise, agriculture and the environment, single electricity market and state aid.
UPDATE: And this is from Politico Europe’s Tom McTague on the backstop.
Leaving the backstop:UK may notify EU of intention to leave. Within 6 months a joint committee shall meet to consider the notification. If the EU and the UK decide "jointly" it's no longer needed to keep the Irish border open it will cease to apply.Short version: EU has a veto
More on what happened at cabinet.
From the Telegraph’s Christopher Hope
BREAKING One third of the Cabinet spoke out against the deal tonight at the five hour long meeting - 11 out of 29 ministers in attendance. Definitely not unanimous approval for Theresa May's Brexit deal.
And this is from ITV’s Robert Peston
Cabinet source: “only one cabinet minister involved in Leave campaign spoke in favour of the prime minister’s deal. That was Michael Gove”. Extraordinarily divided cabinet on this Brexit plan
Here are some key features of the draft withdrawal agreement flagged up by Alex Barker, the FT’s Brussels bureau chief.
My skim of the bumper UK withdrawal treaty, in no particular order https://t.co/wa7k3PJwXJ
The transition extension clause. A one off extension. But no fixed date is set, apart from it being within this century.... pic.twitter.com/SaQSajFRon
The deal would allow the transition to be extended, to a date as yet unspecified.
A financial settlement needed to cover transition extension. But Britain won't be treated as a member state -- so it won't be paying and receiving as it does today. It will be outside CAP, for instance, but there are limits set on UK subsidies to farmers. pic.twitter.com/P1YT4WgPiM
The UK would have to contribute to the EU to extend the transition, but not as much as if it were a full member, the text says.
Here is the actual money par. Note it takes into account "the status of the UK" during the transition extension -- which could either be positive (it's not a full member) or a sign it will have to pay a high price (you're getting the benefits of a member) pic.twitter.com/IoBXy113XB
On to the governance structure. It's based around a joint committee that takes decisions by mutual consent. The binding decisions have the same force as the rest of the treaty -- so the text can evolve over time pic.twitter.com/FfNl3gXwCe
Here is one of those good faith clauses that we have heard so much about pic.twitter.com/YumGIKS8Cy
There is a 5 person arbitration panel for disputes. This isn't unusual - there is something like this in the Ukraine-EU agreement. The important thing is the scope of issues it can rule on pic.twitter.com/4WWpqr0FKG
Voila. Any issue relating to EU law (and there is a lot of it in this withdrawal agreement) cannot be referred to the arbitration panel. That's a matter for the ECJ pic.twitter.com/0eeZXO78NZ
Any dispute about the agreement involving the interpretation of EU law would be settled by the European court of justice (ECJ), not by the arbitration panel being set up to settle other disputes arising from the agreement.
Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, is giving a briefing in Brussels now about the deal.
My colleague Jennifer Rankin is following it.
Barnier on citizens' part of Brexit agreement: "They will be able to live their lives as before in their country of residence."
It's three and a half minutes into Michel Barnier's press conference and we have got to a subject close to his heart, geographical indicators, i.e. protected status for food and drink.
And here is the second document out tonight - a seven-page outline of the political declaration on the framework for the future relationship (pdf).
Jacob Rees-Mogg, chair of the European Research Group, which represents Tory MPs pushing for a harder Brexit, must be a speed reader. He has just released the text of a letter he is sending to all Conservative MPs urging them to reject the draft Brexit deal. He gives four reasons why.
First, he says it will involve giving the EU £39bn and getting “little or nothing in return”.
Second, he says the agreement would treat Northern Ireland differently from the rest of the UK.
Third, he says it would lock the UK into an EU customs union and EU laws.
And, fourth he says that keeping the UK bound by the rules of the customs union would contradict what was in the 2017 Conservative manifesto and that this would be “profoundly undemocratic”.
UDPATE: Here is the text.
#peston show guest ⁦@Jacob_Rees_Mogg⁩ tells Brexiter colleagues of ERG why he will vote against PM’s Brexit plan. Hear him explain why at 10.45 tonight @itv pic.twitter.com/R08EXXIvVH
And here are the main points from May’s statement.
May said the cabinet had taken the “difficult” decision to back the draft Brexit deal.
She said the cabinet had taken a “collective decision” to back it. She did not say ministers supported it unanimously.
She said the alternatives to the deal were a no deal Brexit, or not leaving the EU at all. This has been seized on by anti-Brexit campaigners as an acknowledgment that Brexit could be stopped.
She described the deal as “the best that could be negotiated”.
She said there would be “difficult days” ahead. She did not say for whom, but she implied for the government, and herself.
She said she firmly believed, “with my head and my heart”, that the deal was in the national interest.
Here is the text of the draft withdrawal agreement (pdf). It runs to 585 pages.
Here is the full text of Theresa May’s statement.
The cabinet has just had a long, detailed and impassioned debate on the draft withdrawl agreement and on the outline political declaration on our future relationship with the European Union.
These documents were the result of thousands of hours of hard negotiation by UK officials and many, many meetings which I and other ministers held with our EU counterparts.
I firmly believe that the draft withdrawal agreement was the best that could be negotiated and it was for the cabinet to decide whether to move on in the talks.
The choices before us were difficult, particularly in relation to the Northern Ireland backstop, but the collective decision of cabinet was that the government should agree the draft withdrawal agreement and the outline political declaration.
This is a decisive step which enables us to move on and finalise the deal in the days ahead.
These decisions were not taken lightly but I believe it is a decision that is firmly in the national interest.
When you strip away the detail the choice before us is clear. This deal, which delivers on the vote of the referendum, which brings us back control of our money, laws and borders, ends free movement, protects jobs, security and our union, or leave with no deal, or no Brexit at all.
I know that there will be difficult days ahead. This is a decision which will come under intense scrutiny, and that is entirely as it should be, and entirely understandable.
But the choice was this deal, which enables us to take back control and build a brighter future for our country, or going back to square one, with more division, more uncertainty, and the failure to deliver on the referendum.
It’s my job as prime minister to explain the decisions that the government has taken, and I stand ready to do that, beginning tomorrow with a statement in parliament.
Let me end by just saying this; I believe that what I owe to this country is to take decisions that are in the national interest and I firmly believe, with my head and my heart, that this is a decision that is in the best interests of our entire United Kingdom.