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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)
Theresa May’s former Chief of Staff Nick Timothy has launched an attack on the deal in The Telegraph, branding the deal a “capitulation”. The Independent’s political correspondent Benjamin Kentish reports that No 10 are allow a vote on amendments before main vote in parliament
EXCL: Understand No 10 has told opposition parties they are likely to allow amendments to be voted on BEFORE meaningful vote. Potential game-changer.
Ominous tweet from Arlene Foster. In the language Northern Irish marathon power-sharing talks “frank meetings” are rarely good news for negotiators
We had a frank meeting tonight with the Prime Minister lasting almost an hour. She is fully aware of our position and concerns.
Tory Brexiteer MP Anne Marie Morris has told Newsnight she “believes” that the requisite 48 letters from MPs needed to trigger a vote of no confidence have been sent to Graham Brady - chairman of the influential 1922 committee
More frustration from Nicola Sturgeon on the proposed deal
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.
Theresa May’s former chief of staff Nick Timothy has launched an attack on the deal in The Telegraph, branding the deal a “capitulation”.
It is a capitulation not only to Brussels, but to the fears of the British negotiators themselves, who have shown by their actions that they never believed Brexit can be a success.It is a capitulation not only to Brussels, but to the fears of the British negotiators themselves, who have shown by their actions that they never believed Brexit can be a success.
This includes, I say with the heaviest of hearts, the Prime Minister.This includes, I say with the heaviest of hearts, the Prime Minister.
But Matthew O’Toole, a former Downing Street chief press officer for Europe, has this to say about his interventionBut Matthew O’Toole, a former Downing Street chief press officer for Europe, has this to say about his intervention
Nick is perhaps the single most influential author of this deal. Every one of the shrill threats and red lines he dictated drove the negotiations towards this end. He shut out official advice and dissent. If its a bad deal, he broke it - he owns it.https://t.co/YCbscsMryQNick is perhaps the single most influential author of this deal. Every one of the shrill threats and red lines he dictated drove the negotiations towards this end. He shut out official advice and dissent. If its a bad deal, he broke it - he owns it.https://t.co/YCbscsMryQ
Sky News’ Political Editor Faisal Islam reporting that Jeremy Corbyn is now in talks with Theresa May Sky News’ political editor Faisal Islam reporting that Jeremy Corbyn is now in talks with Theresa May
New: Understand Opposition Leader @jeremycorbyn is meeting the PM now privately in the Commons on Brexit Deal.New: Understand Opposition Leader @jeremycorbyn is meeting the PM now privately in the Commons on Brexit Deal.
As my colleague Heather Stewart has pointed out - the parliamentary arithmetic looks tight - if the DUP vote against the deal then the Prime Minister could have difficulty getting the deal through parliament without Labour help As my colleague Heather Stewart has pointed out - the parliamentary arithmetic looks tight - if the DUP vote against the deal then the prime minister could have difficulty getting the deal through parliament without Labour help
It looks like anyone staying up for dramatic resignations can turn in for the night after allIt looks like anyone staying up for dramatic resignations can turn in for the night after all
No *do* stand down (I think...)! Had heard the Brexit secretary was on the brink, but friends say absolutely not. Let's all reconvene tomorrow, shall we? https://t.co/oOZE8jW3ZJNo *do* stand down (I think...)! Had heard the Brexit secretary was on the brink, but friends say absolutely not. Let's all reconvene tomorrow, shall we? https://t.co/oOZE8jW3ZJ
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has spoken to the Prime Minister and is not happy with her how the agreement deals with her country’s interests Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon has spoken to the prime minister and is not happy with her how the agreement deals with her country’s interests
Not long off call with PM. She tried to tell me Scotland’s ‘distinctive’ interests had been protected. I pointed out that there isn’t a single mention of Scotland in the agreement, that it disregards our interests, and puts Scotland at a serious competitive disadvantage.Not long off call with PM. She tried to tell me Scotland’s ‘distinctive’ interests had been protected. I pointed out that there isn’t a single mention of Scotland in the agreement, that it disregards our interests, and puts Scotland at a serious competitive disadvantage.
Our Brexit correspondent Lisa O’Carroll on Leo Varadkar’s support for the dealOur Brexit correspondent Lisa O’Carroll on Leo Varadkar’s support for the deal
How is your mood Taoiseach? "Pretty good, this is one of the better days in politics".How is your mood Taoiseach? "Pretty good, this is one of the better days in politics".
Varadkar: "we do now have the insurance policy of the backstop if all otehr efforts fail to produce a better solution." Legal text says this cannot be a unilateral decision.Varadkar: "we do now have the insurance policy of the backstop if all otehr efforts fail to produce a better solution." Legal text says this cannot be a unilateral decision.
Varadkar - we have "achieve a satisfactory outcome today" on all Ireland's priorities - "priorities has been protecting GFAprotecting trade, jobs and the economy. on each of these priorties we have achieved a satisfactory outcome today. "Varadkar - we have "achieve a satisfactory outcome today" on all Ireland's priorities - "priorities has been protecting GFAprotecting trade, jobs and the economy. on each of these priorties we have achieved a satisfactory outcome today. "
My colleague Heather Stewart on reports that a major resignation from the cabinet could be on the cards later tonight My colleague Heather Stewart on reports that a major resignation from the cabinet could be on the cards later tonight:
Don't stand down quite yet, Brexit-watchers - only one source, but hearing we may yet see a senior ministerial resignation tonight.Don't stand down quite yet, Brexit-watchers - only one source, but hearing we may yet see a senior ministerial resignation tonight.
Irish taoiseach, Leo Varadkar has called the deal “satisfactory”Irish taoiseach, Leo Varadkar has called the deal “satisfactory”
We have reached a satisfactory outcome on all key Irish priorities.We have reached a satisfactory outcome on all key Irish priorities.
We do now have the insurance policy of the backstop if all other efforts fail to produce a better solution.We do now have the insurance policy of the backstop if all other efforts fail to produce a better solution.
These are from Steve Baker, the former Brexit minister.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 daysA 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”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.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.These tweets will be ominous for Number 10.
That is all from me for today. My colleague Ruth Quinn is now taking over.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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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”.
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.
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/edrKhBT6pz
Here is more on what Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, said at his news conference.
From 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 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 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 aside