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Brexit secretary Dominic Raab resigns, saying he cannot back May's deal - Politics live May hit by two cabinet resignations as Raab and McVey quit over Brexit plan - Politics live
(35 minutes later)
Here is the text of May’s resignation.
Earlier this morning I informed the Prime Minister I was resigning from her Cabinet pic.twitter.com/ZeBkL5n2xH
This is from the Telegraph’s Steven Swinford.
BREAKINGEsther McVey has become the second Cabinet minister to quit this morningFeels like she had no choice but to go after extraordinary confrontations in Cabinet yesterday
Followed by this from the BBC.
McVey gone before PM has chance to get to her feet in the Commons - three resignations by 10am
The health secretary, Matt Hancock, has admitted that the agreement is “not perfect” but claimed it is good for Britain.
Speaking on the Today programme minutes after Shailesh Vara resigned, but before Dominic Raab quit, he said:
In any negotiated agreement of course there are going to be details that are compromises and it is not perfect. Everyone can find a point in this that they may disagree with, but you have got to look at the deal as a whole. The cabinet as a whole backed the deal ... It is good for Britain.
Asked about reports that some ministers were crying in cabinet during Wednesday five-hour meeting, Hancock said:
I didn’t see any tears. There was an incredibly civil, and very open and frank discussion.
Hancock did not deny reports that he warned cabinet that lives could be lost if there no deal because of disruption to the supplies of vital medicines. He said:
I am not going to go into what anybody said, and that includes me. We need to make sure that everybody does what’s necessary, if there is no deal, to have the unhindered flow of medicines that people need. No deal is not pretty. It is very difficult for the economy and for lots of other areas like health care.
We are working very hard to ensure that people have the unhindered flow and access to medicines that they need. There is a lot of work to do that but I hope that by this deal we can avoid a no deal Brexit. We can avoid a second referendum and we can have a high quality future relationship with the EU and that’s what this deal provides.
Hancock added:
A second referendum would be divisive but it would not be decisive. And given all of he pain of the last few years in British politics and the angst that it has caused, a second referendum would be even worse.
From ITV’s Paul Brand
BREAKING: I understand another resignation imminent - more junior though. Stand by.
The Tory Brexiter Anne Marie Morris has just told the BBC that she believes more than 48 of her colleagues have already written to Sir Graham Brady, chair of the backbench 1922 committee, calling for a vote of no confidence in Theresa May. But some of those letters were written on the condition that they could not be activated until the author agreed, she said. She said the time had come for those MPs to now authorise the use of their letters.
She said she was calling for the removal of May because she thought that was necessary for Brexit to be delivered.
Some cabinet resignations matter more than others. Over time we will find out quite how significant this one is, but it is quite conceivable that this could in time be seen as the move that sank Theresa May’s Brexit plan. Here are some snap thoughts.
1- Dominic Raab’s decision to resign as Brexit secretary is likely to encourage other Brexiter cabinet minsters to quit too. We don’t know yet if Brexiter cabinet ministers are coordinating their moves today, but we do know that around 11 ministers expressed strong reservations about the deal at yesterday’s cabinet and in politics there is a natural tendency not to allow yourself to be outflanked by people who share your views - particularly if you think there might be a party leadership contest coming at some point in the future where whether or not you supported May’s Brexit plan becomes the defining issue (just as where you stood on the Iraq war has been a defining issue in Labour contests since 2010.)
2 - Even at the best of times, this would be a very serious blow to May’s authority. Brexit secretary is a senior post, and May has now lost two of them within six months. She would have been relying on Raab to help sell her deal to MPs, and to help pave the way for the EU summit scheduled for Sunday 25 November. Now she hasn’t got someone doing that job at a time when it’s most necessary. (Presumably she will be wary about appointing a successor until she knows who else is going to resign.)
3 - But these are not the best of times, and Raab’s resignation is bound to embolden those MPs determined to vote down May’s plans. When David Davis, Raab’s predecessor, and Boris Johnson quit in July over the Chequers plan, their resignations could be used by May to persuade remain-voting Tories that she was moving in their direction. But the arguments that Raab is making (see 9.09am) are identical to those made by Jo Johnson, the remain-voting transport minister who resigned on Friday, and Shailesh Vara, the remain-voting Northern Ireland minister who quit earlier this morning. (See 7.53am.) May wanted to unite both wings of her party; she has - against her.
4 - The Raab resignation may also encourage those Brexiter Tories who are mulling over whether or not to submit letters demanding a vote of no confidence in May. A vote will be held if 48 letters get received. It is very possible that May would win such a vote, because there is no alternative leader with general support in the party. It is also worth pointing out that Raab’s letter was not intended to provoke such a vote; in it, he made a point of saying his respect for May and her fortitude “remains undimmed”.
5- Will the Brexit vote event take place? Some reports have suggested that the Commons vote on May’s Brexit deal will be tight, or on a knife-edge. That is not correct. Judging by what people are saying currently, the vote looks very one-sided, with May set to lose heavily. It is impossible to know how events will pan out, but governments tend not to schedule votes when they know they are bound to lose, and so some sort of reset is not wholly inconceivable.
Labour has put out this response to Dominic Raab’s resignation from Jon Trickett, the shadow minister for the Cabinet Office. Trickett said:Labour has put out this response to Dominic Raab’s resignation from Jon Trickett, the shadow minister for the Cabinet Office. Trickett said:
The government is falling apart before our eyes as for a second time the Brexit secretary has refused to back the prime minister’s Brexit plan. This so-called deal has unravelled before our eyes.The government is falling apart before our eyes as for a second time the Brexit secretary has refused to back the prime minister’s Brexit plan. This so-called deal has unravelled before our eyes.
This is the twentieth Minister to resign from Theresa May’s government in her two year premiership. Theresa May has no authority left 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.This is the twentieth Minister to resign from Theresa May’s government in her two year premiership. Theresa May has no authority left 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.
Iain Duncan Smith, a leading Tory Brexiter and former party party leader, has just told BBC News that the impact of Raab’s resignation will be “devastating”. He says that Raab’s letter suggests that, within government, he has been ignored.Iain Duncan Smith, a leading Tory Brexiter and former party party leader, has just told BBC News that the impact of Raab’s resignation will be “devastating”. He says that Raab’s letter suggests that, within government, he has been ignored.
And here is the full text of Raab’s resignation letter.And here is the full text of Raab’s resignation letter.
Dear Prime Minister,Dear Prime Minister,
It has been an honour to serve in your government as justice minister, housing minister and Brexit secretary.It has been an honour to serve in your government as justice minister, housing minister and Brexit secretary.
I regret to say that, following the cabinet meeting yesterday on the Brexit deal. I must resign. I understand why you have chosen to pursue the deal with the EU on the terms proposed, and I respect the different views held in good faith by all of our colleagues.I regret to say that, following the cabinet meeting yesterday on the Brexit deal. I must resign. I understand why you have chosen to pursue the deal with the EU on the terms proposed, and I respect the different views held in good faith by all of our colleagues.
For my part, I cannot support the proposed deal for two reasons. First I believe that the regulatory regime proposed for Northern Ireland presents a very real threat to the integrity of the United Kingdom.For my part, I cannot support the proposed deal for two reasons. First I believe that the regulatory regime proposed for Northern Ireland presents a very real threat to the integrity of the United Kingdom.
Second, I cannot support an indefinite backstop arrangement, where the EU holds a veto over our ability to exit. The terms of the backstop amount to a hybrid of the EU customs union and single market obligations. No democratic nation has ever signed up to be bound by such an extensive regime, imposed externally without any democratic control over the laws to be applied, nor the ability to decide to exit the arrangement. That arrangement is now also taken as the starting point for negotiating the future economic partnership. If we accept that, it will severely prejudice the second phase of negotiations against the UK.Second, I cannot support an indefinite backstop arrangement, where the EU holds a veto over our ability to exit. The terms of the backstop amount to a hybrid of the EU customs union and single market obligations. No democratic nation has ever signed up to be bound by such an extensive regime, imposed externally without any democratic control over the laws to be applied, nor the ability to decide to exit the arrangement. That arrangement is now also taken as the starting point for negotiating the future economic partnership. If we accept that, it will severely prejudice the second phase of negotiations against the UK.
Above all, I cannot reconcile the terms of the proposed deal with the promises we made to the country in our manifesto at the last election. This is, at its heart, a matter of public trust.Above all, I cannot reconcile the terms of the proposed deal with the promises we made to the country in our manifesto at the last election. This is, at its heart, a matter of public trust.
I appreciate that you disagree with my judgment on these issues. I have weighed very carefully the alternative courses of action which the government could take, on which I have previously advised. Ultimately, you deserve a Brexit secretary who can make the case for the deal you are pursuing with conviction. I am only sorry, in good conscience, that I cannot.I appreciate that you disagree with my judgment on these issues. I have weighed very carefully the alternative courses of action which the government could take, on which I have previously advised. Ultimately, you deserve a Brexit secretary who can make the case for the deal you are pursuing with conviction. I am only sorry, in good conscience, that I cannot.
My respect for you and the fortitude you have shown in difficult times, remains undimmed.My respect for you and the fortitude you have shown in difficult times, remains undimmed.
Yours sincerelyYours sincerely
Dominic RaabDominic Raab
Here is the key extract from Dominic Raab’s resignation letter.Here is the key extract from Dominic Raab’s resignation letter.
For my part, I cannot support the proposed deal for two reasons. First, I believe that the regulatory regime proposed for Northern Ireland presents a very real threat to the integrity of the United Kingdom.For my part, I cannot support the proposed deal for two reasons. First, I believe that the regulatory regime proposed for Northern Ireland presents a very real threat to the integrity of the United Kingdom.
Second, I cannot support an indefinite backstop arrangement, where the EU holds a veto over our ability to exit. The terms of the backstop amount to a hybrid of the EU customs union and single market obligations. No democratic nation has ever signed up to be bound by such an extensive regime, imposed externally without any democratic control over the laws to be applied, nor the ability to decide the exit arrangement. That arrangement is now also taken as the starting point for negotiating the future economic partnership. If we accept that, it will severely prejudice the second phase of negotiations against the UK.Second, I cannot support an indefinite backstop arrangement, where the EU holds a veto over our ability to exit. The terms of the backstop amount to a hybrid of the EU customs union and single market obligations. No democratic nation has ever signed up to be bound by such an extensive regime, imposed externally without any democratic control over the laws to be applied, nor the ability to decide the exit arrangement. That arrangement is now also taken as the starting point for negotiating the future economic partnership. If we accept that, it will severely prejudice the second phase of negotiations against the UK.
Above all, I cannot reconcile the terms of the proposed deal with the promises we madd to the country in our manifesto at the last election. This is, at its heart, a matter of public trust.Above all, I cannot reconcile the terms of the proposed deal with the promises we madd to the country in our manifesto at the last election. This is, at its heart, a matter of public trust.
In the last few minutes, since news broke of Dominic Raab’s resignation, the pound has fallen sharply ... down more than 1% against the euro and the dollar - a big move. Against the euro it is now 1.1382 and against the dollar $1.2873. It was over $1.30 first thing this morning.In the last few minutes, since news broke of Dominic Raab’s resignation, the pound has fallen sharply ... down more than 1% against the euro and the dollar - a big move. Against the euro it is now 1.1382 and against the dollar $1.2873. It was over $1.30 first thing this morning.
Dominic Raab has resigned as Brexit secretary.Dominic Raab has resigned as Brexit secretary.
Today, I have resigned as Brexit Secretary. I cannot in good conscience support the terms proposed for our deal with the EU. Here is my letter to the PM explaining my reasons, and my enduring respect for her. pic.twitter.com/tf5CUZnnUzToday, I have resigned as Brexit Secretary. I cannot in good conscience support the terms proposed for our deal with the EU. Here is my letter to the PM explaining my reasons, and my enduring respect for her. pic.twitter.com/tf5CUZnnUz
Shailesh Vara said he quit the government because the agreements binds the UK to a customs arrangement with the EU with no unilateral means of getting out.Shailesh Vara said he quit the government because the agreements binds the UK to a customs arrangement with the EU with no unilateral means of getting out.
Speaking to the Today programme he said: “For us to tie ourselves up to mechanism where we are not in control is not in the interest of the country. The people were given a choice and they voted for a sovereign, independent United Kingdom and this isn’t going to provide it.”Speaking to the Today programme he said: “For us to tie ourselves up to mechanism where we are not in control is not in the interest of the country. The people were given a choice and they voted for a sovereign, independent United Kingdom and this isn’t going to provide it.”
He added:He added:
When the people voted in the referendum it was a very simple choice: in or out.When the people voted in the referendum it was a very simple choice: in or out.
And this is a halfway house and we are going to be locked in for an indefinite period [to a] customs arrangement – an institution over which we will have no say and effectively be taking rules and regulations from the EU. And if we want to leave the customs arrangement then we can’t.And this is a halfway house and we are going to be locked in for an indefinite period [to a] customs arrangement – an institution over which we will have no say and effectively be taking rules and regulations from the EU. And if we want to leave the customs arrangement then we can’t.
I don’t think that is an argument to say that we are going to be a sovereign nation if we can’t leave the customs arrangement on our own.I don’t think that is an argument to say that we are going to be a sovereign nation if we can’t leave the customs arrangement on our own.
It is important that we have economic and constitution integrity throughout the four nations which make up the United Kingdom. But what this envisages is separate arrangements for Northern Ireland. I think it is important that we respect our constitution.It is important that we have economic and constitution integrity throughout the four nations which make up the United Kingdom. But what this envisages is separate arrangements for Northern Ireland. I think it is important that we respect our constitution.
There is a way out where we can simply say we have had enough we’re out. We are locked into a process and procedure.There is a way out where we can simply say we have had enough we’re out. We are locked into a process and procedure.
If you have to go through these mechanism then as a lawyer I say you have to put forward your argument, the other side will put forward their argument and one side is going to win and it may not be us that would win.If you have to go through these mechanism then as a lawyer I say you have to put forward your argument, the other side will put forward their argument and one side is going to win and it may not be us that would win.
They are not keen on us leaving and we could be locked in for many many years. The EU have made absolutely clear that they prefer the slow approach, they have made it absolutely clear they don’t want us to leave.They are not keen on us leaving and we could be locked in for many many years. The EU have made absolutely clear that they prefer the slow approach, they have made it absolutely clear they don’t want us to leave.
Good morning. I’m Andrew Sparrow, taking over from Matthew Weaver.Good morning. I’m Andrew Sparrow, taking over from Matthew Weaver.
According to the Press Association, Esther McVey, the Brexiter work and pensions secretary and one of those cabinet ministers most unhappy about the Brexit deal, would not answer questions as she left her flat in London this morning. “Thank you and good morning,” she told reporters.According to the Press Association, Esther McVey, the Brexiter work and pensions secretary and one of those cabinet ministers most unhappy about the Brexit deal, would not answer questions as she left her flat in London this morning. “Thank you and good morning,” she told reporters.
McVey features prominently in the various insider accounts of what happened at yesterday’s cabinet. For example, this is from Sam Coates and Frances Elliott’s story (paywall) in the Times.McVey features prominently in the various insider accounts of what happened at yesterday’s cabinet. For example, this is from Sam Coates and Frances Elliott’s story (paywall) in the Times.
Ms McVey, one of the most ardent Brexiteers of the cabinet, demanded a vote during the meeting to force each minister to commit definitively one way or another to the draft Brexit deal.Ms McVey, one of the most ardent Brexiteers of the cabinet, demanded a vote during the meeting to force each minister to commit definitively one way or another to the draft Brexit deal.
Colleagues were unimpressed, with one describing her as “aggressive” and another describing a “massive row” which “got really fruity” with the minister pushing her point more than once.Colleagues were unimpressed, with one describing her as “aggressive” and another describing a “massive row” which “got really fruity” with the minister pushing her point more than once.
Ms McVey was then shut down by Julian Smith, the chief whip, and Sir Mark Sedwill, the cabinet secretary.Ms McVey was then shut down by Julian Smith, the chief whip, and Sir Mark Sedwill, the cabinet secretary.
Sir Mark “raised his voice” and “read out the cabinet manual to her” to remind her of the principles of collective cabinet responsibility. It is a moment some Brexiteers are unlikely to forget in a hurry.Sir Mark “raised his voice” and “read out the cabinet manual to her” to remind her of the principles of collective cabinet responsibility. It is a moment some Brexiteers are unlikely to forget in a hurry.
Jack Blanchard has a good round-up of the best anecdotes about cabinet from today’s papers in his Politico Europe London Playbook briefing.Jack Blanchard has a good round-up of the best anecdotes about cabinet from today’s papers in his Politico Europe London Playbook briefing.
The Irish government is backing the deal.The Irish government is backing the deal.
Ireland's deputy PM Simon Coveney says "people on the border communities who saw themselves as collateral damage" now have a treaty that will protect them. He says the backstop is a "fallback" that nobody wants to use but gives people of NI a floorIreland's deputy PM Simon Coveney says "people on the border communities who saw themselves as collateral damage" now have a treaty that will protect them. He says the backstop is a "fallback" that nobody wants to use but gives people of NI a floor
Coveney says May now has to show "that mettle again" that she used getting this for and using her "powers of persuasion" to get her opponents to support the deal.Coveney says May now has to show "that mettle again" that she used getting this for and using her "powers of persuasion" to get her opponents to support the deal.
Coveney: "I think Theresa May will now have to persuade people, the consequences so not voting for this pulling it down is chaotic. " "Coveney: "I think Theresa May will now have to persuade people, the consequences so not voting for this pulling it down is chaotic. " "
Scotland’s Brexit secretary Michael Russell will make a statement to Holyrood this afternoon, but speaking on BBC Scotland this morning he confirmed that SNP MPs would not support May’s Brexit deal in its current form.Scotland’s Brexit secretary Michael Russell will make a statement to Holyrood this afternoon, but speaking on BBC Scotland this morning he confirmed that SNP MPs would not support May’s Brexit deal in its current form.
He said that the SNP’s Westminster group were working closely with other opposition parties to examine other ways forward.He described May’s current deal as “a mess of her making” and insisted that “no one should accept that its Theresa May’s way or no way at all”.Echoing first minister Nicola Sturgeon’s comment last night, he said that the deal was “disastrous” for Scotland. “Even one detail of it, ending freedom of movement, is disastrous for every sector in Scotland”.Russell also insisted that if Northern Ireland could have a continuing differentiated relationship with the EU then Scotland, which voted decisively to remain within Europe, should too: “If it can be done elsewhere it can be done in Scotland.”He said that the SNP’s Westminster group were working closely with other opposition parties to examine other ways forward.He described May’s current deal as “a mess of her making” and insisted that “no one should accept that its Theresa May’s way or no way at all”.Echoing first minister Nicola Sturgeon’s comment last night, he said that the deal was “disastrous” for Scotland. “Even one detail of it, ending freedom of movement, is disastrous for every sector in Scotland”.Russell also insisted that if Northern Ireland could have a continuing differentiated relationship with the EU then Scotland, which voted decisively to remain within Europe, should too: “If it can be done elsewhere it can be done in Scotland.”
The agreement has been available for 12 hours now and the DUP is still signalling that it will vote against. Lisa O’Carroll has this:The agreement has been available for 12 hours now and the DUP is still signalling that it will vote against. Lisa O’Carroll has this:
Jim Shannon DUP MP tells BBC Ulster he will "certainly" vote against the deal. And this could change to change of government? "Yeah, and we are up for election, we've never been afraid of elections"Jim Shannon DUP MP tells BBC Ulster he will "certainly" vote against the deal. And this could change to change of government? "Yeah, and we are up for election, we've never been afraid of elections"
Shailesh Vara’s resignation is being backed by fellow Brexiters in the Tory party. This from Steve Baker.Shailesh Vara’s resignation is being backed by fellow Brexiters in the Tory party. This from Steve Baker.
.@ShaileshVara is right. Many of us will not accept this dreadful deal https://t.co/lRzo3FRXcZ.@ShaileshVara is right. Many of us will not accept this dreadful deal https://t.co/lRzo3FRXcZ
And Zac Goldsmith said his resignation was “dignified and right”.And Zac Goldsmith said his resignation was “dignified and right”.
Dignified and right. https://t.co/i76oEzC0FCDignified and right. https://t.co/i76oEzC0FC
Similarly Priti Patel has this:Similarly Priti Patel has this:
Principled & dignified. https://t.co/DOJdlep9cnPrincipled & dignified. https://t.co/DOJdlep9cn