This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2018/nov/15/brexit-deal-theresa-may-takes-agreement-to-parliament-politics-live

The article has changed 31 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 22 Version 23
Brexit deal: Theresa May determined to 'see this through' amid growing criticism – Politics live Brexit deal: Theresa May determined to 'see this through' amid growing criticism – Politics live
(35 minutes later)
A report suggests the arch-Brexiter, Michael Gove, has turned down the Brexit secretary job. It had been said his price for taking it would have been renegotiation of the draft agreement.
Source close to Michael Gove confirms he has rejected brexit Secretary jobAs expected, but now all eyes on whether he quits government altogether since he clearly can’t really support her deal
Gove is currently the environment secretary.
It appears Penny Mordaunt’s support for a free vote on the Brexit deal is being briefed out in Westminster this evening:It appears Penny Mordaunt’s support for a free vote on the Brexit deal is being briefed out in Westminster this evening:
Penny Mordaunt still Development secretary tonight after meeting with PM.She is pushing the idea of a free vote for Parliament for the meaningful vote with Number 10.Believes it will take the wind out of the sails of a second referendum.Penny Mordaunt still Development secretary tonight after meeting with PM.She is pushing the idea of a free vote for Parliament for the meaningful vote with Number 10.Believes it will take the wind out of the sails of a second referendum.
So,...update - Penny Mordaunt not going anywhere tonight, she's still pushing for this idea of a free vote on final Brexit deal - what's interesting is that she discussed that with the PM, but also the Cabinet SecretarySo,...update - Penny Mordaunt not going anywhere tonight, she's still pushing for this idea of a free vote on final Brexit deal - what's interesting is that she discussed that with the PM, but also the Cabinet Secretary
I understand Penny Mourdant met with the PM tonight to push her to allow a free vote on the Brexit deal. One source says the idea is "gaining traction" with MPs and ministers.I understand Penny Mourdant met with the PM tonight to push her to allow a free vote on the Brexit deal. One source says the idea is "gaining traction" with MPs and ministers.
The Welsh secretary, Alun Cairns, has warned pro-Brexit Conservative backbenchers they run the risk of leaving the UK within the EU if they oppose Theresa May’s plan.The Welsh secretary, Alun Cairns, has warned pro-Brexit Conservative backbenchers they run the risk of leaving the UK within the EU if they oppose Theresa May’s plan.
The international trade secretary, Liam Fox, who appeared at an event alongside Cairns this evening, refused to speak to journalists after earlier batting away suggestions he might resign over the draft EU withdrawal agreement.The international trade secretary, Liam Fox, who appeared at an event alongside Cairns this evening, refused to speak to journalists after earlier batting away suggestions he might resign over the draft EU withdrawal agreement.
The two ministers hosted a Board of Trade meeting at Swansea University, during which Cairns said the government’s lack of a Commons majority meant any successor to May would find it equally hard to satisfy all parties. He added:The two ministers hosted a Board of Trade meeting at Swansea University, during which Cairns said the government’s lack of a Commons majority meant any successor to May would find it equally hard to satisfy all parties. He added:
Changing the prime minister doesn’t change the arithmetic of parliament. So, therefore, colleagues need to accept the context in which we’re working.Changing the prime minister doesn’t change the arithmetic of parliament. So, therefore, colleagues need to accept the context in which we’re working.
I would say to the hardliner Leavers who want to leave without a deal that they run the risk of not having a Brexit.I would say to the hardliner Leavers who want to leave without a deal that they run the risk of not having a Brexit.
And I would say to the ones who are Remainers who want to ignore the outcome of the referendum that they’re running the risk of leaving without a deal, which is the worst that each side would want.And I would say to the ones who are Remainers who want to ignore the outcome of the referendum that they’re running the risk of leaving without a deal, which is the worst that each side would want.
Cairns admitted the draft agreement was a “compromise”, and described the “backstop” plan to prevent a hard border in Ireland as a “negative” aspect.Cairns admitted the draft agreement was a “compromise”, and described the “backstop” plan to prevent a hard border in Ireland as a “negative” aspect.
My colleague, David Pegg, is keeping an eye on the Heritage Foundation’s Brexit conference, where two Brexit-supporting former government ministers – David Davis and Owen Paterson – have been among those offering their thoughts:My colleague, David Pegg, is keeping an eye on the Heritage Foundation’s Brexit conference, where two Brexit-supporting former government ministers – David Davis and Owen Paterson – have been among those offering their thoughts:
Davis on May's proposal: "It's a very bad deal... it's a very poor deal." Lists several complaints, including threatening the union, potentially going on forever. Paterson: "It's so bad it cannot be allowed to proceed.."Davis on May's proposal: "It's a very bad deal... it's a very poor deal." Lists several complaints, including threatening the union, potentially going on forever. Paterson: "It's so bad it cannot be allowed to proceed.."
Paterson claims we can emerge from "behind the wall" and take our place on all sorts of world bodies. I have no idea what he means by this; the UK is already represented on all sorts of world bodies. Claims we could be in it forever, and that it will be very expensive.Paterson claims we can emerge from "behind the wall" and take our place on all sorts of world bodies. I have no idea what he means by this; the UK is already represented on all sorts of world bodies. Claims we could be in it forever, and that it will be very expensive.
Davis: "We are absolutely shutting ourselves off from our best future, and that includes with the US."Davis: "We are absolutely shutting ourselves off from our best future, and that includes with the US."
Davis: Very likely May's deal will be defeated in parliament. Gardiner: What happens next? Davis: "We need to go back and reset it." Says the UK would go back to the EU and demand concessions.Davis: Very likely May's deal will be defeated in parliament. Gardiner: What happens next? Davis: "We need to go back and reset it." Says the UK would go back to the EU and demand concessions.
Davis now applauding Singham's proposal 'Plan A+' of opening negotiations with other countries. "If we do that and have something ready to go, I think we can bring them back to the table."Davis now applauding Singham's proposal 'Plan A+' of opening negotiations with other countries. "If we do that and have something ready to go, I think we can bring them back to the table."
Paterson: "I'm not alarmed by world trade terms" because it would be better than now.Paterson: "I'm not alarmed by world trade terms" because it would be better than now.
Paterson: "Borders are tax points, they're not inspection points."... "If we can get rid of this awful proposal, we can get on with what we're proposing."Paterson: "Borders are tax points, they're not inspection points."... "If we can get rid of this awful proposal, we can get on with what we're proposing."
Davis: "There may be a hiccup or two in the first year if we have a no deal outcome" but they'll be resolved quickly because is it's in everyone interests. Says the EU will quickly negotiate a free trade deal.Davis: "There may be a hiccup or two in the first year if we have a no deal outcome" but they'll be resolved quickly because is it's in everyone interests. Says the EU will quickly negotiate a free trade deal.
It would almost be too obvious to point out that Davis has previously predicted trade deals will be struck with incredible ease, so perhaps take that point with a vat of salt.It would almost be too obvious to point out that Davis has previously predicted trade deals will be struck with incredible ease, so perhaps take that point with a vat of salt.
There has been some talk in Westminster about Michael Gove’s whereabouts but my colleague, Heather Stewart, has this:There has been some talk in Westminster about Michael Gove’s whereabouts but my colleague, Heather Stewart, has this:
Downing Street now not expecting any more news tonight. Fresh appointments - of a Brexit secretary, for example - looking unlikely until the morning.Downing Street now not expecting any more news tonight. Fresh appointments - of a Brexit secretary, for example - looking unlikely until the morning.
Here’s the full text of Corbyn’s email to Labour members (emphasis his):Here’s the full text of Corbyn’s email to Labour members (emphasis his):
The government is falling apart before our eyes. Their half-baked deal has unravelled, the prime minister has lost all authority and is clearly incapable of delivering a Brexit deal that commands even the support of her Cabinet - let alone parliament and the people of our country.The government is falling apart before our eyes. Their half-baked deal has unravelled, the prime minister has lost all authority and is clearly incapable of delivering a Brexit deal that commands even the support of her Cabinet - let alone parliament and the people of our country.
Our party conference agreed that this deal would be judged against our six tests, and if it failed to meet them we would vote against it.Our party conference agreed that this deal would be judged against our six tests, and if it failed to meet them we would vote against it.
After two years of bungled negotiations, the government has produced a botched deal that breaches the prime minister’s own red lines, does not meet our six tests and will leave the country in an indefinite halfway house without a real say.After two years of bungled negotiations, the government has produced a botched deal that breaches the prime minister’s own red lines, does not meet our six tests and will leave the country in an indefinite halfway house without a real say.
As I said in parliament earlier today, people around the country will be feeling anxious about the industries they work in, the jobs they hold and the stability of this country.As I said in parliament earlier today, people around the country will be feeling anxious about the industries they work in, the jobs they hold and the stability of this country.
We do not accept that the choice is between the government’s deal and ‘no deal’. We will work across parliament to stop a ‘no deal’ outcome. Labour has set out our alternative plan for a sensible Brexit that would work for all of our nations and regions, bring parliament and the country together, support jobs and our economy and guarantee rights, standards and protections.We do not accept that the choice is between the government’s deal and ‘no deal’. We will work across parliament to stop a ‘no deal’ outcome. Labour has set out our alternative plan for a sensible Brexit that would work for all of our nations and regions, bring parliament and the country together, support jobs and our economy and guarantee rights, standards and protections.
If parliament votes down this shambolic Tory deal – as seems likely – this will represent a loss of confidence in the government. In those circumstances, the best outcome for the country is an immediate general election that can sweep the Tories from power and deliver the Labour government this country desperately needs.If parliament votes down this shambolic Tory deal – as seems likely – this will represent a loss of confidence in the government. In those circumstances, the best outcome for the country is an immediate general election that can sweep the Tories from power and deliver the Labour government this country desperately needs.
If we cannot get a general election, in line with our conference policy, we will support all options remaining on the table, including campaigning for a public vote.If we cannot get a general election, in line with our conference policy, we will support all options remaining on the table, including campaigning for a public vote.
We are ready to lead, ready to deliver a sensible deal that works for all our regions and nations and ready to build a Britain that works for the many, not the few.We are ready to lead, ready to deliver a sensible deal that works for all our regions and nations and ready to build a Britain that works for the many, not the few.
Jeremy CorbynLeader of the Labour PartyJeremy CorbynLeader of the Labour Party
The Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, has written to party members this evening, talking up the possibility of a general election if Theresa May cannot get her deal through parliament – “as seems likely”. And one line stands out in particular:The Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, has written to party members this evening, talking up the possibility of a general election if Theresa May cannot get her deal through parliament – “as seems likely”. And one line stands out in particular:
If we cannot get a general election, in line with our conference policy, we will support all options remaining on the table, including campaigning for a public vote.If we cannot get a general election, in line with our conference policy, we will support all options remaining on the table, including campaigning for a public vote.
So, Corbyn is being explicit with members: He will back another referendum if he cannot force a general election.So, Corbyn is being explicit with members: He will back another referendum if he cannot force a general election.
Now, that was clearly the case at conference this autumn – as Corbyn rightly points out in his email. But there were some concerns among remain-supporting Labour members about whether or not he really did back that after he told Der Speigel at the weekend that “we can’t stop” Brexit.Now, that was clearly the case at conference this autumn – as Corbyn rightly points out in his email. But there were some concerns among remain-supporting Labour members about whether or not he really did back that after he told Der Speigel at the weekend that “we can’t stop” Brexit.
The rumour mill had suggested Penny Mordaunt, the international development secretary, was considering resigning. So, her arrival at Number 10 shortly after the prime minister’s press conference caused some eyebrows to be raised in expectation.The rumour mill had suggested Penny Mordaunt, the international development secretary, was considering resigning. So, her arrival at Number 10 shortly after the prime minister’s press conference caused some eyebrows to be raised in expectation.
No need, according to the Daily Telegraph’s chief political correspondent, Christopher Hope:No need, according to the Daily Telegraph’s chief political correspondent, Christopher Hope:
Penny Mordaunt has just left 10 Downing Street in a Government car, suggesting she has not resigned. #BrexitChaosPenny Mordaunt has just left 10 Downing Street in a Government car, suggesting she has not resigned. #BrexitChaos
The Lib Dems, perhaps unsurprisingly, are giving short shrift to Theresa May’s defence of her Brexit plan this evening. The party’s leader, Vince Cable, says:The Lib Dems, perhaps unsurprisingly, are giving short shrift to Theresa May’s defence of her Brexit plan this evening. The party’s leader, Vince Cable, says:
The prime minister took a long time to say nothing this afternoon. She appears to be in denial.The prime minister took a long time to say nothing this afternoon. She appears to be in denial.
The facts haven’t changed. There is no majority in Parliament for her deal, and she has rightly conceded that ‘No Brexit’ is the real alternative to it. There must now be a people’s vote to break the deadlock and get the country out of this mess.The facts haven’t changed. There is no majority in Parliament for her deal, and she has rightly conceded that ‘No Brexit’ is the real alternative to it. There must now be a people’s vote to break the deadlock and get the country out of this mess.
Little known fact about Theresa May; she has an exceptionally good memory. She can “read a full statement and repeat it almost verbatim”, Philip Cowley and Dennis Kavanagh write in their definitive account of the 2017 general election. “As one of her team noted: ‘She reads it through once, it’s an almost photographic memory. And I mean word-for-word, not paraphrasing.’”Little known fact about Theresa May; she has an exceptionally good memory. She can “read a full statement and repeat it almost verbatim”, Philip Cowley and Dennis Kavanagh write in their definitive account of the 2017 general election. “As one of her team noted: ‘She reads it through once, it’s an almost photographic memory. And I mean word-for-word, not paraphrasing.’”
You saw that in action today. There were at least two lines that May used in her answers that sounded pre-scripted, and that she used twice. First, there was: “Am I going to see this through? Yes.” And then there was the spiel how she would be doing her job (negotiating a Brexit deal) and that after that it would be up to MPs to do their job (pass the wretched thing).You saw that in action today. There were at least two lines that May used in her answers that sounded pre-scripted, and that she used twice. First, there was: “Am I going to see this through? Yes.” And then there was the spiel how she would be doing her job (negotiating a Brexit deal) and that after that it would be up to MPs to do their job (pass the wretched thing).
As news lines, these don’t really take us us very far. The first is little more than a slogan, although at least it quashes, for the moment, any speculation that May is going to stand down. The second sheds a bit more light on the strategy she might use to get her deal through parliament; MPs will be told it is their national duty to approve the deal, with the implication that if they vote it down, they will be held responsible for the catastrophe that will follow.As news lines, these don’t really take us us very far. The first is little more than a slogan, although at least it quashes, for the moment, any speculation that May is going to stand down. The second sheds a bit more light on the strategy she might use to get her deal through parliament; MPs will be told it is their national duty to approve the deal, with the implication that if they vote it down, they will be held responsible for the catastrophe that will follow.
What is curious about May, and probably a huge weakness, is her reluctance to take on the arguments of her opponents. She made a modest attempt to explain the need in the Brexit process to accept difficult compromises. But on a day when her Brexiter opponents have been dominating the airwaves, she made no attempt to berate them for the multiple fake promises they made during the EU referendum campaign, despite being given an open invitation to do so. (See 5.35pm.) You can’t win an argument unless you’re willing to tell your opponents they’re wrong. But she won’t. It is as if somehow she has internalised the Brexiter mindset.What is curious about May, and probably a huge weakness, is her reluctance to take on the arguments of her opponents. She made a modest attempt to explain the need in the Brexit process to accept difficult compromises. But on a day when her Brexiter opponents have been dominating the airwaves, she made no attempt to berate them for the multiple fake promises they made during the EU referendum campaign, despite being given an open invitation to do so. (See 5.35pm.) You can’t win an argument unless you’re willing to tell your opponents they’re wrong. But she won’t. It is as if somehow she has internalised the Brexiter mindset.
What rescued the press conference was her Geoffrey Boycott answer to the final question, which she delivered so well that it could have been staged (although I don’t think it was.) (See 5.52pm.) It made for polished TV, and was about as good a clip as May has ever delivered. But it is still just a slogan. To get Brexit through the Commons, she will need a lot more than that.What rescued the press conference was her Geoffrey Boycott answer to the final question, which she delivered so well that it could have been staged (although I don’t think it was.) (See 5.52pm.) It made for polished TV, and was about as good a clip as May has ever delivered. But it is still just a slogan. To get Brexit through the Commons, she will need a lot more than that.
That’s all from me for today.That’s all from me for today.
My colleague Kevin Rawlinson is now taking over.My colleague Kevin Rawlinson is now taking over.
This is from the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg.This is from the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg.
I m told Gove has had a meeting with the PM - if he had accepted the job as Brexit sec I think we would know by now - if he hasn’t ... can’t help thinking that means he might v well be offI m told Gove has had a meeting with the PM - if he had accepted the job as Brexit sec I think we would know by now - if he hasn’t ... can’t help thinking that means he might v well be off
Q: You are a cricket fan. How many wickets need to fall in your cabinet before your walk?Q: You are a cricket fan. How many wickets need to fall in your cabinet before your walk?
May says one of her cricket heroes was Geoffrey Boycott.May says one of her cricket heroes was Geoffrey Boycott.
And what do you know about Geoffrey Boycott? Geoffrey Boycott stuck to it. And he got the runs in the end.And what do you know about Geoffrey Boycott? Geoffrey Boycott stuck to it. And he got the runs in the end.