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Brexit: May hit by two cabinet resignations as Raab and McVey quit over plan – Politics live Brexit: May hit by two cabinet resignations as Raab and McVey quit over plan – Politics live
(35 minutes later)
Jaocb Rees-Mogg, the chair of the ERG, has released the text of of the letter he has sent to Sir Graham Brady, chair of the 1922 Committee, calling for a no confidence vote in Theresa May. Here it is in full.
He reveals that a few weeks ago he told the chief whip, Julian Smith, that he thought Theresa May should step down.
(He also wins a bonus point for use of the word “contradistinction”.)
A few weeks ago, in a conversation with the chief whip I expressed my concern that the prime minister, Mrs. Theresa May, was losing the confidence of Conservative members of parliament and that it would be in the interest of the party and the country if she were to stand aside. I have wanted to avoid the disagreeable nature of a formal vote of no confidence with all the ill will that this risks engendering.
Regrettably, the draft withdrawal agreement presented to parliament today has turned out to be worse than anticipated and fails to meet the promises given to the nation by the prime minister, either on her own account or on behalf of us all in the Conservative party manifesto.
That the Conservative and Unionist party is proposing a protocol which would create a different regulatory environment for an integral part of our country stands in contradistinction to our long-held principles. It is in opposition to the prime minister’s clear statements that this was something that no prime minister would ever do and raises questions in relation to Scotland that are open to exploitation by the Scottish National Party.
The 2017 election manifesto said that the United Kingdom would leave the customs union. It did not qualify this statement by saying that we could stay in it via a backstop while annex 2, Article 3 explicitly says that we would have no authority to set our own tariffs. It is also harder to leave this backstop than it is to leave the EU, there is no provision equivalent to article 50 of the Lisbon treaty.
The prime minister also promised an implementation period which was the reason for paying £39bn. As was made clear by a House of Lords report in March 2017 there is no legal obligation to pay anything. This has now become an extended period of negotiation which is a different matter.
The situation as regards the European court of justice appears to have wandered from the clear statement that we are taking back control of our laws. Article 174 makes this clear as does article 89 in conjunction with article 4.
It is of considerable importance that politicians stick to their commitments or do not make such commitments in the first place. Regrettably, this is not the situation, therefore, in accordance with the relevant rules and procedures of the Conservative party and the 1922 committee this is a formal letter of no confidence in the leader of the party, the Rt. Hon. Theresa May.
I am copying this letter to the prime minister and the chief whip and although I understand that it is possible for the correspondence to remain confidential I shall be making it public.
These are from Sky’s Kate McCann.
Graham Brady, chair of the 1922 committee, has just been in to see the chief whip...
I understand Brady DID NOT confirm number of letters with the chief whip, so that sounds like a meeting to prepare the ground. Source with knowledge of the meeting said they don’t believe he’s hit the magic 48 ... yet.
In the Commons Labour’s Catherine West asked May why Julian Smith, the chief whip, would be meeting Sir Graham Brady. John Bercow, the speaker, said the question was not relevant to the subject of the statement, and May did not have to reply.
May has now finished – after three hours.
Outside the room where the ERG has been meeting, parliament’s committee room 10 (see 1.11pm), Alistair Burt, the pro-European Foreign Office minister, expressed fury at the scenes inside. “We are working our socks off and they are doing everything they can to detonate it,” he said.
Another Eurosceptic former minister leaving the meeting said there was considerable difference of opinion in the room. “If this coup d’etat succeeds, what happens then? The best way to defeat this deal is to defeat it in parliament, in my view.”
The European Research Group (ERG) has been meeting. Not all its members agree with Jacob Rees-Mogg (see 1.07pm) about a no-confidence vote in Theresa May being a good idea.
These are from ITV’s Joe Pike and Business Insider’s Adam Bienkov.
Leaving ERG meeting, Lincolnshire MP Sir Edward Leigh says there is a ‘difference of opinion’ within the pro-Brexit group on whether to challenge PM for leadership.#Brexit @itvcalendar
Sir Edward Leigh leaves ERG meeting, saying he doesn’t support push for no confidence in May: “There is a genuine difference of opinion. Because if it fails then you just strengthen her [Brexit] position.” https://t.co/Q6efP8l8rB
Jacob Rees-Mogg, the chair of the European Research Group, which represents about 50 Tories pushing for a harder Brexit, is submitting a letter to Sir Graham Brady, chair of the 1922 Committee, requesting a no confidence vote in Theresa May, my colleague Heather Stewart reports.
Jacob Rees-Mogg is penning his letter of no confidence in Theresa May (on vellum, we hope): so it's now or never for the ERG - do they have the numbers?
Rees-Mogg is due to speak to reporters shortly.
Dominic Raab, who resigned this morning, has suggested he retains confidence in Theresa May as prime minister, despite rejecting her approach to Brexit. He told the BBC:
I think she needs a Brexit secretary that will pursue the deal that she wants to put to the country with conviction. I don’t feel I can do that in good conscience. But I respect her, I hold her in high esteem, I think she should continue, but I do think we need to change course on Brexit.
Theresa May’s official spokesman said the PM expected still to be in post by the time the UK left the EU – and would fight any leadership challenge. He confirmed May had spoken to Dominic Raab by phone before the former Brexit secretary announced his resignation.
“We’re having to confront some very difficult issues and she doesn’t shy away from that,” he acknowledged.
Obviously given the difficulties of the issues, she respects the integrity of her colleagues and thanks those who have resigned for their service.
At the same time, whatever their criticisms, the PM is absolutely clear that the withdrawal agreement delivers what the people of this country voted for in 2016.
May is still answering questions in the Commons. She has just told MPs that, if the UK were to be held in the backstop, there would be no specific obligation on the UK.
At first minister’s Questions in the Scottish parliament, the debate immediately turns to Brexit. The proposed deal will place Scotland at a real competitive disadvantage to Northern Ireland, says Nicola Sturgeon. “This is not an academic or abstract argument but has real consequences for jobs and living standards in Scotland”.At first minister’s Questions in the Scottish parliament, the debate immediately turns to Brexit. The proposed deal will place Scotland at a real competitive disadvantage to Northern Ireland, says Nicola Sturgeon. “This is not an academic or abstract argument but has real consequences for jobs and living standards in Scotland”.
Sturgeon goes on the highlight the letter that Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson (now on maternity leave) and Scottish secretary David Mundell wrote to May a few weeks ago, warning that “any deal that threatens the integrity of the UK’s internal market” was a resignation issue for them. Where is David Mundell now, she asks. Does he have the principle to resign? Both Dominic Raab and Esther McVey have warned that that the deal is a real threat to the integrity of the UK, she says.Sturgeon goes on the highlight the letter that Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson (now on maternity leave) and Scottish secretary David Mundell wrote to May a few weeks ago, warning that “any deal that threatens the integrity of the UK’s internal market” was a resignation issue for them. Where is David Mundell now, she asks. Does he have the principle to resign? Both Dominic Raab and Esther McVey have warned that that the deal is a real threat to the integrity of the UK, she says.
The Tory government is imploding as we speak, people the length and breadth of the UK are seriously worried about their jobs and their living standards on the line because of the ideology of this Tory government and the complete shambles they have made of the negotiations.The Tory government is imploding as we speak, people the length and breadth of the UK are seriously worried about their jobs and their living standards on the line because of the ideology of this Tory government and the complete shambles they have made of the negotiations.
The first minister reserves some of her ire for Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard. He asks if she backs a general election. She replies:The first minister reserves some of her ire for Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard. He asks if she backs a general election. She replies:
I think it’s reasonable to say that the SNP made it clear that SNP MPs would vote against this deal. I hope that no party in the Commons falls for the prime minister’s spin that it is a bad deal or no deal. But if [the deal is voted down] what exactly would Labour do on Brexit that is different to what Theresa May is doing, because I do not have a clue!I think it’s reasonable to say that the SNP made it clear that SNP MPs would vote against this deal. I hope that no party in the Commons falls for the prime minister’s spin that it is a bad deal or no deal. But if [the deal is voted down] what exactly would Labour do on Brexit that is different to what Theresa May is doing, because I do not have a clue!
Sturgeon says that Brexit makes the case for independence grow stronger every day although – as usual - she won’t be drawn on timing of another referendum. “That time will come and when it does I have no doubt that the people of Scotland will choose to be independent.”Sturgeon says that Brexit makes the case for independence grow stronger every day although – as usual - she won’t be drawn on timing of another referendum. “That time will come and when it does I have no doubt that the people of Scotland will choose to be independent.”
Here is the tally of resignations we’ve had so far today.Here is the tally of resignations we’ve had so far today.
Four ministers have resigned, and two parliamentary private secretaries (PPSs - unpaid ministerial bag carriers, who are not members of the government but who are expected to support the government in all votes)Four ministers have resigned, and two parliamentary private secretaries (PPSs - unpaid ministerial bag carriers, who are not members of the government but who are expected to support the government in all votes)
All of these MPs voted leave apart from Shailesh Vara, who voted remain.All of these MPs voted leave apart from Shailesh Vara, who voted remain.
CabinetCabinet
Dominic Raab, Brexit secretaryDominic Raab, Brexit secretary
Esther McVey, work and pensions secretaryEsther McVey, work and pensions secretary
Junior ministersJunior ministers
Suella Braverman, Brexit ministerSuella Braverman, Brexit minister
Shailesh Vara, Northern Ireland ministerShailesh Vara, Northern Ireland minister
PPSsPPSs
Ranil Jayawardena, MoJ PPSRanil Jayawardena, MoJ PPS
Anne-Marie Trevelyan, education PPSAnne-Marie Trevelyan, education PPS
As the Evening Standard reports, Nikki Da Costa, director of legislative affairs in Downing Street (an official, not an MP) has also resigned.As the Evening Standard reports, Nikki Da Costa, director of legislative affairs in Downing Street (an official, not an MP) has also resigned.
Another Conservative MP has resigned as a parliamentary private secretary (PPS) over the Brexit deal. This is from Ranil Jayawardena, who was a PPS at the Ministry of Justice.Another Conservative MP has resigned as a parliamentary private secretary (PPS) over the Brexit deal. This is from Ranil Jayawardena, who was a PPS at the Ministry of Justice.
And another @TeamRanil Ranil Jayawardena quits as a PPS pic.twitter.com/iweC5sbNyFAnd another @TeamRanil Ranil Jayawardena quits as a PPS pic.twitter.com/iweC5sbNyF
The Lib Dem Alistair Carmichael asks if May can give an assurance that EU fishermen will not be given guarantees about access to UK waters as part of a future trade deal.The Lib Dem Alistair Carmichael asks if May can give an assurance that EU fishermen will not be given guarantees about access to UK waters as part of a future trade deal.
May says the UK will be an independent coastal state, and will take its own decisions about access to its waters.May says the UK will be an independent coastal state, and will take its own decisions about access to its waters.
Bob Neill, a Conservative, says MPs who vote against May’s deal should carefully consider the impact it would have on their constituencies.Bob Neill, a Conservative, says MPs who vote against May’s deal should carefully consider the impact it would have on their constituencies.
Labour’s Chris Bryant says there is no majority for May’s plan in the Commons. There is a time problem. Hundreds of statutory instruments need to be passed. Why not have a vote now, so if she loses, there is time for an alternative approach?Labour’s Chris Bryant says there is no majority for May’s plan in the Commons. There is a time problem. Hundreds of statutory instruments need to be passed. Why not have a vote now, so if she loses, there is time for an alternative approach?
May rejects this proposal.May rejects this proposal.
Labour’s Rachael Maskell asks May if she will extend article 50 so negotiations can continue if the Commons votes against the deal.Labour’s Rachael Maskell asks May if she will extend article 50 so negotiations can continue if the Commons votes against the deal.
May says she will not extend article 50.May says she will not extend article 50.
The Telegraph’s Steven Swinford claims that Michael Gove, the environment secretary, has been offered the post of Brexit secretary.The Telegraph’s Steven Swinford claims that Michael Gove, the environment secretary, has been offered the post of Brexit secretary.
BREAKINGMichael Gove has been offered the job of Brexit Secretary, sources confirm. But he's still wrestling with whether he will stay on at all in the wake of Raab's resignation. Which will it be?BREAKINGMichael Gove has been offered the job of Brexit Secretary, sources confirm. But he's still wrestling with whether he will stay on at all in the wake of Raab's resignation. Which will it be?
And Graham Brady is saying that no announcement is planned, the BBC says.And Graham Brady is saying that no announcement is planned, the BBC says.
Graham Brady says no announcement planned whatever rumours sweeping the place - lets see if that's still the case later in the dayGraham Brady says no announcement planned whatever rumours sweeping the place - lets see if that's still the case later in the day
Labour’s Stella Creasy says only seven MPs within the last two hours have expressed any support for the PM’s plan. What makes May think she will be able get it through the Commons?
May says the deal will be good for the UK.
This is from the Sunday Times’ Tim Shipman.
Suggestion from Commons sources that that May will stay in the House after the statement and see Graham Brady at 1.30pm. No 10 types not saying
Sir Graham Brady is chair of the backbench 1922 Committee. He is the one who gets the letters demanding a vote of no confidence, and the person who is responsible for announcing if 48 letters have been received - the threshold needed for a vote to go ahead.
Sir Ed Davey, the Lib Dem MP, asks if the immigration white paper will be published before the meaningful vote.
May says it will be published “in due course”.
The Scotland secretary, David Mundell, had a brutal response to Dominic Raab’s resignation, saying he though the Brexit secretary had mainly quit to further his own ambitions.
“I’m not taking lessons on standing up for our United Kingdom from carpetbaggers,” Mundell told ITV.
Only a couple of years ago Dominic Raab was proposing to introduce a bill of rights into Scotland which would have overridden the Scottish legal system and devolution.
So I’m not impressed by his latter-day commitment to the union. I’m sure this is more about manoeuvring and leadership.
EXCLUSIVE: Watch @DavidMundellDCT hit out at @DominicRaab's resignation, calling him a "carpet bagger" and says he himself won't resign. pic.twitter.com/IMEXIYJPHZ
Andrew Bridgen, the Tory Brexiter, suggests the deal is too pro-EU. He says May voted for remain. Now it is “in the national interest for her to leave”, he says.
Brexiter Tory MP Andrew Bridgen says May should quit.
May says some of the aspects of Bridgen’s question did not relate to the deal.
John Bercow, the Speaker, says he has now taken 50 questions from backbenchers. He appeals for short questions.
Nick Herbert, a Conservative, says the key point is the future relationship with the EU. He says most MPs voted to trigger article 50. Tory MPs should be careful what they wish for, he says.
May thanks Herbert for what he said. The future relationship is what will determine the country’s relationship with the EU for years ahead, she says.
Labour’s Mary Creagh says May is offering people a false choice, and she calls for a people’s vote. May says she has already addressed this.
Labour’s David Lammy says the deal will not get through parliament. When politics is broken, one can only put the decision back to the people, he says.
May says, when she talks to people, they tell her they just want the politicians to get on with it.
These are from the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg.
I've just been speaking to Dominic Raab - he told the Chief Whip at end of Cabinet he was quitting, tells me the deal won't get through Parliament, and the EU have been 'blackmailing' us - interview on @bbcnews soon
Raab says better for UK to walk away and accept short term pain than sign up to terms that could damage the country for years and years to come - says he still supports the PM and irresponsible to talk leadershp, but doesn't rule it out if and when time comes