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 http://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2018/nov/15/brexit-deal-theresa-may-takes-agreement-to-parliament-politics-live

The article has changed 28 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Brexit deal: Tusk confirms November summit on 'lose-lose situation' - Politics live Brexit secretary Dominic Raab resigns, saying he cannot back May's deal - Politics live
(35 minutes later)
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.
Dear Prime Minister,
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.
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.
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.
My respect for you and the fortitude you have shown in difficult times, remains undimmed.
Yours sincerely
Dominic Raab
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.
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.
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.
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/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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Barnier warned that there was “long road ahead”.
Speaking before Tusk he said: “This is a very important moment. What we have agreed at negotiators’ level is fair and balanced, takes into account the UK’s positions, organises the withdrawal in an orderly fashion, ensures no hard border on the island of Ireland and lays the ground for an ambitious new partnership.”
Barnier said that his team had “always followed the EU mandate scrupulously” and had achieved “decisive progress” together with the UK negotiators.
He added: “Our work is not finished. We still have a long road ahead of us on both sides. “On my side, in the next few days we will all work on the text of the political declaration on the future relationship with the member states as well as with the European Parliament.
“This work will be intense. Our goal is to finalise this political declaration with the UK so that the European Council can endorse it.”
Tusk and Barnier took no questions from reporters after their brief statements. Barnier said he would now travel to Strasbourg to discuss the agreement with the European Parliament, adding: “We have no time to lose.”
And here’s the full text of Tusk’s statement setting out the timetable for what happens next.
I took good note of Prime Minister May’s statement yesterday. Of course, I don’t share the Prime Minister’s enthusiasm about Brexit as such. Since the very beginning, we have had no doubt that Brexit is a lose-lose situation, and that our negotiations are only about damage control.
Given these extremely difficult circumstances, I would like to thank Michel Barnier and his team, especially Sabine Weyand and Stéphanie Riso, for doing this exceptionally hard work. Michel, we all put a lot of trust in you, and rightly so. You have achieved our two most important objectives. First, you ensured the limitation of the damage caused by Brexit and, second, you secured the vital interests and principles of the 27 member states, and of the European Union as a whole. If I weren’t confident that you did your best to protect the interests of the twenty‑seven, and I am familiar with the essence of the document, I would not propose to formalise this deal.
In the next days, we will proceed as follows. The agreement is now being analysed by all the member states. By the end of this week, the EU27 ambassadors will meet in order to share their assessment of the agreement. I hope that there will not be too many comments. They will also discuss the mandate for the Commission to finalise the Joint Political Declaration about the future relations between the EU and the UK. The European ministers will be involved in this process. The Commission intends to agree the declaration about the future with the UK by Tuesday. Over the following 48 hours, the member states will have time to evaluate it, which means that the EU27 Sherpas should conclude this work on Thursday. Then, if nothing extraordinary happens, we will hold a European Council meeting, in order to finalise and formalise the Brexit agreement. It will take place on Sunday 25th November at 9:30.
Finally, let me say this to our British friends. As much as I am sad to see you leave, I will do everything to make this farewell the least painful possible, both for you and for us.
Health secretary Matt Hancock has been sent out to defend the deal in the broadcast studios.
He said all MPs should back the agreement because the alternatives to it are “ugly”.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast he said: “All MPs should vote for it because this deal is in the national interest.”
He added: “The two alternatives are deeply unattractive and as people read the detail of it and look at the deal in the round, rather than the bits and pieces that have come out in the newspapers during the latter stages of the negotiations, anybody in any compromise negotiated document can pick out individual parts that they would prefer were written differently.”
He also dismissed the prospect of a second referendum as “hugely divisive”.
Hancock said: “Why would people support the result of a second referendum when those who are proposing it are those who want to overturn the result of the first.”
Asked why the government was suddenly talking about no Brexit at all, Hancock said: “We have been clear all along that there is either no deal, or no Brexit, because of a second referendum, are alternatives to this approach. We don’t want that to be an option at all.”
He added: “A second referendum would just be so divisive for the country. I think people want us to get on with it. What people watching can know from this deal is that we deliver on the result of the referendum. We make sure that we take back control of our money and our laws and make sure that we end free movement of people. Yet we maintain a high quality trading relationship, which is why so many businesses have backed it.”
Vara, the Tory MP for North West Cambridgeshire, was promoted to his government post in July, having previously been a parliamentary private secretary in the Northern Ireland Office.
In a statement posted on Twitter, he said: “We are a proud nation and it is a say day when we are reduced to obeying rules made by other countries who have shown that they do not have our best interests at heart.
“We can and must do better than this. The people of the UK deserve better.”
With much sadness and regret I have submitted my letter of resignation as a Northern Ireland Minister to the Prime Minister. A copy of my letter is attached.It has been a joy and privilege to serve in the Northern Ireland Office and I will always cherish the fondest memories. pic.twitter.com/SN8j4OwhYD
Shailesh Vara has resigned as Northern Ireland Minister, saying he cannot support Theresa May’s Brexit agreement.
He said it “leaves the UK in a halfway house with no time limit on when we will finally be a sovereign nation”.
Tusk praised the EU’s cheief negotiator Michel Barnier for achieving the EU’s two most import objectives. “First you ensured the limitation of the damage caused by Brexit and second you secured the vital interest and principles of the 27 member states and of the European Union as a whole,” Tusk said with Barnier standing beside him.
Tusk also endorsed the deal. He said: “If I weren’t confident that you did your best to protect the interest of the 27, and I familiar of the essence of the document, I would not propose to formalise this deal.”
And he expressed hope that the EU’s 27 member states would not make “too many comments” about the draft text.
He finished with a final message to the UK. “As much as I am sad to see you leave I will do everything to make this farewell the least painful possible for both for you and for us,” Tusk said.
European Council president Donald Tusk confirmed that EU summit will be held on 25 November to discuss the deal.
Speaking in Brussels he said:
We have always said Brexit is a lose-lose situation and these negotiations were always about damage control.
Not just one, but two vital meetings for the future of Britain’s relationship with the European Union took place on Wednesday afternoon in Westminster,” writes Martin Kettle.
“Wednesday’s cabinet meeting was a long-planned effort by No 10. Its aim was to bounce other ministers into agreement with the prime minister’s deal. The ministers didn’t get the chance to read the agreement fully. They were given individual briefings that flattered their self-importance. If the strategy succeeded – and most ministers bought in – it meant the Brexit deal would reach first base in the long process of ratification. It would also have momentum, making it harder to defeat. No 10 has shown some emotional intelligence this week alongside the political ruthlessness...
Meanwhile, Westminster’s second important meeting was going ahead under the radar. MPs have long been promised a “meaningful vote” on the package that May secured this week. Wednesday’s meeting of the Commons procedure committee will have done much to shape how that will work. At issue is whether parliament will have the tools and the will to take control of the Brexit decision and reshape it in the way the parliamentary numbers suggest is possible and that so many in and beyond Westminster want and expect it to do...
That question is whether, in its meaningful vote, parliament has the muscle to do anything more than approve or reject May’s deal. If May had a working majority, the answer would be pretty obvious – approval. But she doesn’t have a majority, so the outcome isn’t obvious, and the scope of the procedure to be followed is therefore crucial for the many who oppose May’s deal and no-deal alike.
His full analysis is here.
Labour MPs have launched a petition calling on Jeremy Corbyn to back a people’s vote on whether Brexit should continue.
The petition was launched by Angela Smith, Labour MP for Penistone and Stocksbrige, and has been shared by Chuka Umunna, Labour MP for Streatham.
The petition says:
Brexit in any form poses real harm to our country’s future. And with new dangers coming to light every day, we believe that MPs should give the public the final say, which must include an option to remain in the European Union.
We call on Labour’s Leader Jeremy Corbyn to back a People’s Vote on Brexit at the earliest opportunity -- and if he is successful in forcing a General Election then Labour’s manifesto must commit clearly to an immediate People’s Vote, in which Labour will campaign to remain.
Very febrile in UK politics this morning - if there’s a snap election out of the chaos it’s vital @UKLabour has a commitment to a #PeoplesVote with Remain on the ballot in the manifesto. Sign @angelasmithmp’s petition calling for that pledge here: https://t.co/npoz2JLvt7. Pls RT
Starmer is being pushed on whether Labour will refuse to back the deal. He says Labour always said it would read and assess the deal against its “six tests”.
“It’s failing all six of them,” he says. “We’ve always said we’re not prepared to back a bad deal, and why would you, it doesn’t meet our tests, it doesn’t tell you where you’re going.”
Starmer says May’s line that the choice is between this deal or no deal is a “threat” from the prime minister and he says that Labour does not accept this ultimatum. Many MPs, not just Labour MPs, will refuse to accept that they must agree to a deal they think is bad, out of fear of preventing something worse (a no-deal Brexit), says Starmer.
“There is an alternative,” he says, which is a deal that involves a comprehensive customs union and the UK staying in the single market.
Starmer says there isn’t much firm detail about the future relationship between the UK and the EU.
What it means is we haven’t negotiated anything about the future relationship that is serious enough to be committed to paper ... Give us enough detail to know where we’re heading.
Putting detail aside, even the ambition isn’t clear, says Starmer.
It doesn’t even have the ambition anymore of frictionless trade ... This must be the first proposed trade deal that makes trade more difficult, rather than easier.