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Michael Gove rules out resigning over Brexit deal - Politics live Michael Gove rules out resigning over Brexit deal - Politics live
(35 minutes later)
Katya Adler, the BBC’s Europe editor, has posted a very good thread on Twitter explaining what the EU think about the Brexit deal. It starts here.
1) Again and again I’m struck by the chasm in thinking between leading MP’s on #Brexit and the viewpoint of EU leaders - and remember, if you want a deal, it takes two to tango
It is well worth reading the whole thing, but this is probably her most important point.
2) There is ZERO appetite or intention in EU circles to renegotiate this withdrawal deal
This is very awkward for Brexiters like David Davis, who want to renegotiate the Brexit deal (see 7.47am), but also for Labour, which is claiming that it could go back to Brussels and get a better deal too (see 10.27am).
Of course, the Brexiter definition of a “better deal” and the Labour definition are not the same ...
The UK Government has applied to the country’s highest court for permission to appeal over a cross-party legal challenge on Brexit, the Press Association reports. It has applied to the supreme court seeking permission to appeal against a court ruling to ask the European court if the UK can unilaterally revoke its article 50 request to leave the European Union. The court of session in Edinburgh ruled in September to refer the question to the court of justice of the EU (CJEU) after a case brought by a cross-party group of politicians. The CJEU applied its expedited procedure, as requested by the court of session, to the case and an oral hearing is fixed for November 27.
The UK government made an application for permission to appeal against the ruling to the supreme court, which was refused by Lord Carloway, Scotland’s most senior judge and lord president of the court of session in Edinburgh, last week. However the Brexit department has now applied to the supreme court for permission to appeal, the Press Association reports. A statement issued by the supreme court said:
The supreme court has received an application for permission to appeal in the matter of secretary of state for exiting the European Union (Appellant) v Wightman and others (respondents). The application has been referred to three supreme court justices - Lady Hale (president), Lord Reed (deputy president) and Lord Hodge - who will form the decision panel. The court is aware of the urgency of this matter.
And here is a clip of Michael Gove speaking about his confidence in the PM.And here is a clip of Michael Gove speaking about his confidence in the PM.
"It's absolutely vital that we focus on getting the right deal in the future" - Michael Gove happy to stay in government amid #Brexit agreement fallout https://t.co/gT2skeTkoe pic.twitter.com/GKqzqUd6hT"It's absolutely vital that we focus on getting the right deal in the future" - Michael Gove happy to stay in government amid #Brexit agreement fallout https://t.co/gT2skeTkoe pic.twitter.com/GKqzqUd6hT
Michael Gove, who is staying as environment secretary, was asked as he left his office this morning if he had confidence in the prime minister. He replied: “I absolutely do.” And he went on:Michael Gove, who is staying as environment secretary, was asked as he left his office this morning if he had confidence in the prime minister. He replied: “I absolutely do.” And he went on:
I am looking forward to continuing to work with all colleagues in government and in parliament to get the best future for Britain.I am looking forward to continuing to work with all colleagues in government and in parliament to get the best future for Britain.
Asked at the lobby briefing for Theresa May’s response to Gove’s decision to remain in cabinet, a Downing Street spokeswoman said: “She is very pleased that he will continue doing the important work he is doing there.”Asked at the lobby briefing for Theresa May’s response to Gove’s decision to remain in cabinet, a Downing Street spokeswoman said: “She is very pleased that he will continue doing the important work he is doing there.”
Austria’s chancellor Sebastian Kurz has voiced hope that MPs will back Theresa May’s Brexit deal to avoid the UK crashing out of the European Union, saying that “nobody has been cheated”.Austria’s chancellor Sebastian Kurz has voiced hope that MPs will back Theresa May’s Brexit deal to avoid the UK crashing out of the European Union, saying that “nobody has been cheated”.
Arriving at a meeting in Brussels, Kurz said:Arriving at a meeting in Brussels, Kurz said:
It is a good deal for both sides, nobody has been cheated. This deal prevents a hard Brexit [meaning a no deal Brexit]. Therefore it helps us in Europe, but even more so it helps Great Britain because a hard Brexit would hit Great Britain significantly more severely.It is a good deal for both sides, nobody has been cheated. This deal prevents a hard Brexit [meaning a no deal Brexit]. Therefore it helps us in Europe, but even more so it helps Great Britain because a hard Brexit would hit Great Britain significantly more severely.
I very much hope that there will be the necessary agreement in the British parliament for this deal.I very much hope that there will be the necessary agreement in the British parliament for this deal.
The intervention follows warnings from the German chancellor Angela Merkel that the EU will not go back to the negotiating table, now a document has been agreed.The intervention follows warnings from the German chancellor Angela Merkel that the EU will not go back to the negotiating table, now a document has been agreed.
The EU is swinging into action to organise a Brexit summit of EU leaders on Sunday 25 November. Ambassadors from the EU 27 countries will meet this Sunday, followed by a ministerial meeting on Monday to prepare for the summit, it was confirmed.The EU is swinging into action to organise a Brexit summit of EU leaders on Sunday 25 November. Ambassadors from the EU 27 countries will meet this Sunday, followed by a ministerial meeting on Monday to prepare for the summit, it was confirmed.
Austria holds the EU rotating presidency until the end of the year and Kurz is meeting the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier and European commission president Jean-Claude Juncker in Brussels, to prepare the ground for those meetings.Austria holds the EU rotating presidency until the end of the year and Kurz is meeting the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier and European commission president Jean-Claude Juncker in Brussels, to prepare the ground for those meetings.
Diplomats in European capitals are still ploughing through the 585-page text of the draft Brexit withdrawal treaty, but so far no one has raised serious objections.Diplomats in European capitals are still ploughing through the 585-page text of the draft Brexit withdrawal treaty, but so far no one has raised serious objections.
At a meeting of EU ambassadors on Friday morning, France and Germany agreed that the contested issue of fishing rights could be postponed into talks on the future relationship. This is a significant move, as several member states had wanted fish quotas tied to the compromise on the Irish backstop, which allows the UK to stay in a customs union. “The deal will not be brought down by fish,” one EU diplomat said.At a meeting of EU ambassadors on Friday morning, France and Germany agreed that the contested issue of fishing rights could be postponed into talks on the future relationship. This is a significant move, as several member states had wanted fish quotas tied to the compromise on the Irish backstop, which allows the UK to stay in a customs union. “The deal will not be brought down by fish,” one EU diplomat said.
Spain’s ambassador voiced disappointment about arrangements on Gibraltar, but did not threaten to vote down the deal. The agreement on the Rock is a win for British diplomacy, as Spain had wanted an open-ended say on the British overseas territory.Spain’s ambassador voiced disappointment about arrangements on Gibraltar, but did not threaten to vote down the deal. The agreement on the Rock is a win for British diplomacy, as Spain had wanted an open-ended say on the British overseas territory.
Some problem issues have not been discussed thoroughly by the EU - notably the politically-fraught question of extending the UK’s 21-month Brexit transition. Under the current text the UK will stay subject to EU rules - with no voting rights - until the end of 2020. That transition period can be extended once, but negotiators have not specified for how long.Some problem issues have not been discussed thoroughly by the EU - notably the politically-fraught question of extending the UK’s 21-month Brexit transition. Under the current text the UK will stay subject to EU rules - with no voting rights - until the end of 2020. That transition period can be extended once, but negotiators have not specified for how long.
The issue has to be resolved before the Brexit treaty can be signed.The issue has to be resolved before the Brexit treaty can be signed.
The Tory Brexiter Mark Francois has released the text of the letter that he has sent calling for a no confidence vote in Theresa May.The Tory Brexiter Mark Francois has released the text of the letter that he has sent calling for a no confidence vote in Theresa May.
It starts:It starts:
I am writing to ask for a vote of no confidence in Theresa May as prime minister and leader of the Conservative party. This is something I thought I would never do.I am writing to ask for a vote of no confidence in Theresa May as prime minister and leader of the Conservative party. This is something I thought I would never do.
That claim may come as a surprise to colleagues, because Francois has been one of the most prominent European Research Group (ERG) Brexiters speaking out against May’s Brexit strategy.That claim may come as a surprise to colleagues, because Francois has been one of the most prominent European Research Group (ERG) Brexiters speaking out against May’s Brexit strategy.
BREAK: Mark Francois publishes His no confidence letter (h/t @katewilsea) pic.twitter.com/AzelD7GJpjBREAK: Mark Francois publishes His no confidence letter (h/t @katewilsea) pic.twitter.com/AzelD7GJpj
My colleague Lisa O’Carroll has an interesting snippet that might say something about what Brexit is doing for relations between the Republic of Ireland and the UK.My colleague Lisa O’Carroll has an interesting snippet that might say something about what Brexit is doing for relations between the Republic of Ireland and the UK.
Relations between DUP and Irish govt smoothed this morning after God Save the Queen booed at rugby match in Dublin - signs of tension over Brexit perhaps. Arlene Foster thanks Coveney for saying he was embarrassed by itRelations between DUP and Irish govt smoothed this morning after God Save the Queen booed at rugby match in Dublin - signs of tension over Brexit perhaps. Arlene Foster thanks Coveney for saying he was embarrassed by it
Here is Simon Fraser, the permanent secretary at the Foreign Office between 2010 and 2015, responding to David Davis’s claim this morning (see 7.47am) that the UK should go back to Brussels and renegotiate the Brexit deal.Here is Simon Fraser, the permanent secretary at the Foreign Office between 2010 and 2015, responding to David Davis’s claim this morning (see 7.47am) that the UK should go back to Brussels and renegotiate the Brexit deal.
David Davis was a terrible #Brexit Secretary. He could hardly be bothered to go to Brussels & rapidly lost respect there. Preposterous for him now to suggest that EU deliberately delayed negotiations. They spent months waiting for him to engage..David Davis was a terrible #Brexit Secretary. He could hardly be bothered to go to Brussels & rapidly lost respect there. Preposterous for him now to suggest that EU deliberately delayed negotiations. They spent months waiting for him to engage..
Here is John Whittingdale, the Brexiter former culture secretary, explaining why he has submitted a letter calling for a no confidence vote in Theresa May. Whittingdale told the Press Association:Here is John Whittingdale, the Brexiter former culture secretary, explaining why he has submitted a letter calling for a no confidence vote in Theresa May. Whittingdale told the Press Association:
I believe that the agreement that is being proposed does not deliver Brexit in the way that I and many others want to see.I believe that the agreement that is being proposed does not deliver Brexit in the way that I and many others want to see.
It leaves us locked in indefinitely into the customs union. I also don’t think it can get through the House of Commons.It leaves us locked in indefinitely into the customs union. I also don’t think it can get through the House of Commons.
I want the government to pursue a proper free trade agreement which does deliver the Brexit objectives but which keeps us as close to Europe as possible.I want the government to pursue a proper free trade agreement which does deliver the Brexit objectives but which keeps us as close to Europe as possible.
I believe that is on offer from the European Union but it is clear that the prime minister is unwilling to move from her existing position.I believe that is on offer from the European Union but it is clear that the prime minister is unwilling to move from her existing position.
Therefore I felt there is no alternative but to seek a vote of confidence.Therefore I felt there is no alternative but to seek a vote of confidence.
My colleague Dan Sabbagh has an updated list of the Tory MPs who have said publicly that they have submitted a letter calling for a no confidence vote in Theresa May.My colleague Dan Sabbagh has an updated list of the Tory MPs who have said publicly that they have submitted a letter calling for a no confidence vote in Theresa May.
REVISED List of Tory MPs w no confidence in May1 Rees-Mogg 2 Baker 3 Bradley 4 Dorries 5 Bridgen 6 Francois 7 Murray 8 Clark 9 Jenkyns 10 Dudderidge11 Morris 12 Bone 13 Rowley 14 Davies 15 Smith 16 Vickers 17 Roberston 18 Whittingdale 19 Caulfield 20 HollowayREVISED List of Tory MPs w no confidence in May1 Rees-Mogg 2 Baker 3 Bradley 4 Dorries 5 Bridgen 6 Francois 7 Murray 8 Clark 9 Jenkyns 10 Dudderidge11 Morris 12 Bone 13 Rowley 14 Davies 15 Smith 16 Vickers 17 Roberston 18 Whittingdale 19 Caulfield 20 Holloway
MPs can also submit letters anonymously, and it is assumed that that is what many have done. If there is a no confidence motion, it’s a secret ballot, and MPs can choose not to reveal how they voted.MPs can also submit letters anonymously, and it is assumed that that is what many have done. If there is a no confidence motion, it’s a secret ballot, and MPs can choose not to reveal how they voted.
This is from the Sunday Times’ Tim Shipman.
BREAKING: Gove, Fox, Grayling, Mordaunt and Leadsom have agreed collectively to stay and will work together “to get this in a better place” says a vg source. “Resigning and joining a rebellion is not going to help anything”.
When asked if 48 letters of no confidence had been received by the 1922 Committee as he left his Westminster home on Friday morning, according to the Press Association the Tory Brexiter Jacob Rees-Mogg said: “We’ll see” and raised his eyebrows.
The PA reporter is right about the eyebrows. Take a look ...
John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, told the Today programme this morning that Labour could secure a Commons majority for a compromise Brexit plan. As the Press Association reports, he said that when the government of the day was unable to command a Commons majority, the constitutional convention was that the opposition should be invited to form an administration. He also suggested Labour could seek support for an alternative agreement with the EU based on a permanent customs union and a “close collaborative relationship” with the single market.
McDonnell told the programme:
I think we can secure a majority. What is absolutely certain is that the government’s proposal won’t command a majority in the House of Commons.
Anyone having seen what happened in the House of Commons yesterday realises that the proposals that the prime minister brought forward will not command a majority and therefore there has to be some discussions. There has to be some movement.
You saw in the debate yesterday, and certainly some of the discussions that have taken place around the House of Commons, people have looked over the edge of a no-deal Brexit and realised it could be catastrophic for our economy.
I think our European partners also have looked over the edge of a no-deal Brexit and seen what an impact it could have on their economies.
So I think what is emerging within the House of Commons now is almost a unity platform to avoid a no deal, and therefore get down to serious discussions about what could construct a deal which would enable us to protect jobs and the economy.
I think that is beginning to emerge around the permanency of the customs union, the relationship with the single market.
He also rejected claims that it was too late to re-open negotiations with Brussels on the terms of the withdrawal agreement.
We have met [EU chief negotiator] Michel Barnier and others. If you can create the right atmosphere and relationship, there can be negotiations that are constructive.
I think everyone realises the dangers that there are of a no-deal Brexit, both for the UK but also for Europe itself. I think there is a sense of urgency now about getting on with a proper negotiation.
Michael Gove is not resigning, sources close to him have announced.
Gove is NOT resigning - source close to him says ‘Michael is staying at Defra. He thinks it is important to continue working with Cabinet colleagues to ensure the best outcome for the country’
James Forsyth, the Spectator’s political editor, has written a good blog setting out Gove’s thinking in more detail. Here is an extract:
So, why is he staying? Well, I understand that he didn’t see what would be achieved by going. It might doom this deal, but there would be nothing to put in its place. He felt it would be a nihilistic act, not a constructive one. With fewer and fewer Brexiteers around the Cabinet table, government policy might drift even further with more softening to try and gain support from opposition parties.
Here are the main points from Theresa May’s LBC phone-in.
May was unable to say that the DUP would vote for her Brexit deal. Under the confidence and supply agreement, the DUP are supposed to vote with the Tories on Brexit legislation. But when asked if they would vote for the deal, she replied:
When this vote comes back every individual MP will decide how they will vote, whether they are DUP, Conservative, Labour, all parties within the House of Commons.
My job is to persuade first and foremost my Conservative benches, those who are working with us - the DUP are working with us, obviously, confidence and supply - but I want to be able to say to every MP I believe this is the best deal for the UK.
She suggested a new Brexit secretary might not be announced today, saying she would make an appointment, “over the next day or so.”
She would not deny reports that she offered to make Michael Gove Brexit secretary. Asked how important it was to keep him in the cabinet, in the light of reports that he is considering resigning, she said:
Michael has done a really important job at Defra. Often people don’t think about how individual Government departments are having to prepare for leaving the EU. Actually, Michael’s department is the one that has, in terms of legislation, probably more than anybody else. He’s been doing a great job and particularly doing a great job ... on the fishing industry.
May faced strong criticism from some callers over her Brexit deal. One accused her of being like Neville Chamberlain, saying she “came back having appeased that foreign power and not stood up for our country”. Another suggested Jacob Rees-Mogg would make a better leader. And another said she should “do the right thing in the national interest”. May responded to the criticism calmly, and repeatedly defended the deal, making the arguments she made in the Commons yesterday. She told one caller:
What we are doing is negotiating a deal that means we can take back control of our borders, free movement will end once and for all. We take back control of our money, we won’t be sending vast sums of money to the EU every year.
She said that there were “questions” about the Vote Leave claim that leaving the EU would free up £350m a week for the NHS, but she said the point Boris Johnson and the Vote Leave campaign were making in the campaign was that “if we don’t send vast amounts of money to the EU we can spend it on our priorities back home.”
She did not specifically rule out giving MPs a free vote on the Brexit deal when asked - although she did stress the importance of “collective responsibility” and a Number 10 source subsequently said there would not be a free vote. (See 8.29am and 9.01am.)
This is from Sky News.
Sky sources: All government whips have been told to cancel any engagements today and return to London as a source close to the whip's office says a no confidence vote in the Prime Minister is now "likely"
And here is some footage of Michael Gove leaving home, from the BBC’s Joey D’Urso.
Morning pic.twitter.com/vlSZxDO2uS
Michael Gove has arrived for work at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in Westminster. But he did not comment to reporters as he went in, the Press Association reports.
According to the Times, Gove is “tortured” about whether or not to resign. Sam Coates says in his story (paywall):
Many around Mr Gove expect him to quit by the end of the weekend. Friends said that he was in a “tortured” position, having rejected a deal that he had reluctantly endorsed the day before.
The Vote Leave veteran wants to make Brexit happen but believes the consequence of “no deal” could be disastrous. Some friends also believe that his wife, Sarah Vine, is not enthusiastic about him resigning and pointed to tweets she sent on Wednesday implicitly backing Mrs May’s deal. “Michael finds himself in these situations where he’s pulled in conflicting directions,” an ally said. “It’s clear he doesn’t enjoy the moment.”
Here are three journalists on Theresa May’s LBC performance, with alternative interpretations.
From the Guardian’s Dan Sabbagh
Who is this new conversational prime minister I am hearing on LBC radio, talking about her type one diabetes, asking listeners calling in what jobs they do. Did I fall asleep and miss a general election being called?
From the New Statesman’s Stephen Bush
Why is May doing this? She doesn't do well in this format, it's not going to win her any new friends - a couple of commentators will call her "brave" but brave isn't a vote in the House of Commons....
From BuzzFeed’s Stuart Millar
May did pretty well on LBC. Was engaged and non-defensive, even when accused of being a modern-day Chamberlain. But phone-ins should be an easy format for top politicians. Questions tend to be fairly general, few follow-ups and they pack a lot in.https://t.co/NHnxHo0a0D
This is from Jonathan Isaby, editor of BrexitCentral, who, as you would expect, has good links with Tory Brexiters.
Unconfirmed and from a single (always previously reliable) source - but hearing that the 48 letters are in and Downing Street are preparing for a no confidence motion in Theresa May as Conservative leader...