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Stephen Barclay made Brexit secretary as Amber Rudd gets DWP - Politics live Stephen Barclay made Brexit secretary as Amber Rudd gets DWP - Politics live
(35 minutes later)
Britain’s leading employers’ organisation has sought to bolster support for Theresa May with a warning to MPs that rejecting the prime minister’s Brexit deal would lead to shortages and prevent vital supplies reaching the public.
In a show of support for May, the CBI said the agreement reached between London and Brussels represented hard-won progress and added that going backwards would damage Britain’s prosperity.
Amber Rudd has been speaking publicly for the first time since it emerged she was to be appointed work and pensions secretary. This via ITV News’ Daniel Hewitt:
Amber Rudd on PM pressure: "I worry sometimes my colleagues are too concerned about the Westminster bubble rather than keeping their eye on the job, which is to serve people."
Rudd: "I am confident the Prime Minister can survive. She's come forward with a real practical response to leaving the European Union, I think it's the right combination."
The Ulster Unionist leader, Robin Swann, has said his party will not support the withdrawal agreement, claiming it will destabilise the United Kingdom.
This week’s withdrawal agreement was the inevitable consequence of the government and the DUP allowing the inclusion of the backstop in last December’s agreement between the EU and the UK.
It was a monumental error of judgment. We cannot and will not support the withdrawal agreement because it will be a longterm challenge to the integrity of the United Kingdom. In the unlikely event that the agreement makes its way through parliament, its impact will be felt for decades to come.
The impact may not necessarily happen immediately but, as the months and years pass, the implementation of the disastrous backstop will see Northern Ireland potentially drift farther away from the rest of the United Kingdom unless action is taken to reverse its effects.
It will act as an incentive for Scottish Nationalists who will use every excuse under the sun to destabilise another part of the United Kingdom.
He blamed the Democratic Unionist party, saying this was “happening on the DUP’s watch”, and claiming the party has “failed in their primary duty to protect the integrity of the union and its people”.
Swann has also criticised the Irish government just hours before he is due to attend the annual conference of Fine Gael, Ireland’s governing party.
The Irish government should also be careful what it wishes for. Despite repeated warnings to tone down the language and act like good neighbours, the brash behaviour of the Irish government led by Leo Varadkar and Simon Coveney may yet lead to a place where none of us want to go.
A no-deal Brexit isn’t in anyone’s interests but, if they continue to pursue an aggressive stance in future negotiations, they will continue to raise the hackles of even the most mild mannered of unionists across the United Kingdom.
For us, the union between Great Britain and Northern Ireland comes first.
The shadow cabinet office minister, Jon Trickett, is attacking the reappointment as a minister of Amber Rudd, who resigned as home secretary after misleading a parliamentary select committee less than seven months ago.
After enforcing Theresa May’s hostile environment in the Home Office, Amber Rudd will now be in charge of the DWP’s hostile environment for disabled people and the poorest in society.
With universal credit in absolute shambles, appointing a disgraced former minister who was only recently forced to resign for her role in another scandal is a desperate choice by a weak prime minister.
And here are three more appointments from Number 10.And here are three more appointments from Number 10.
Stephen Hammond will be minister of state at the health department. Hammond is a pro-European former transport minister who rebelled against the government over the Brexit “meaningful vote” amendment last year.Stephen Hammond will be minister of state at the health department. Hammond is a pro-European former transport minister who rebelled against the government over the Brexit “meaningful vote” amendment last year.
John Penrose will be a minister of state atthe Northern Ireland Office. Penrose held various ministerial posts under David Cameron and voted remain.John Penrose will be a minister of state atthe Northern Ireland Office. Penrose held various ministerial posts under David Cameron and voted remain.
Kwasi Kwarteng has been made a parliamentary under secretary (ie, junior minister) in the Brexit department. Kwarteng, who voted leave, was parliamentary private secretary to Philip Hammond, the chancellor. This is is first ministerial job.Kwasi Kwarteng has been made a parliamentary under secretary (ie, junior minister) in the Brexit department. Kwarteng, who voted leave, was parliamentary private secretary to Philip Hammond, the chancellor. This is is first ministerial job.
That’s all from me. My colleague Kevin Rawlinson is now taking over.That’s all from me. My colleague Kevin Rawlinson is now taking over.
Here is one Brexiter who is happy about Stephen Barclay’s appointment as Brexit secretary: Stewart Jackson, the former MP and chief of staff to David Davis when Davis was Brexit secretaryHere is one Brexiter who is happy about Stephen Barclay’s appointment as Brexit secretary: Stewart Jackson, the former MP and chief of staff to David Davis when Davis was Brexit secretary
Congratulations to my friend and former neighbour @SteveBarclay on his appointment at @DExEUgov Secretary. The Department will be in good hands. https://t.co/GOrlK3hPtLCongratulations to my friend and former neighbour @SteveBarclay on his appointment at @DExEUgov Secretary. The Department will be in good hands. https://t.co/GOrlK3hPtL
And here is one Brexiter who seems less pleased: the former Ukip leader Nigel Farage.And here is one Brexiter who seems less pleased: the former Ukip leader Nigel Farage.
The new Brexit Secretary is completely unknown to the British public, the Civil Service is really in charge of these negotiations.The new Brexit Secretary is completely unknown to the British public, the Civil Service is really in charge of these negotiations.
This is from Sky’s Beth Rigby.This is from Sky’s Beth Rigby.
Very interesting: Am told that chief whip tapped up Geoffrey Cox for the Brexit job, but he didn’t want it either.Very interesting: Am told that chief whip tapped up Geoffrey Cox for the Brexit job, but he didn’t want it either.
Here is some Twitter comment on the new Brexit secretary from journalists and commentators.Here is some Twitter comment on the new Brexit secretary from journalists and commentators.
From the FT’s Jim PickardFrom the FT’s Jim Pickard
some of you haven’t heard of Stephen Barclay but he’s a more credible figure than some who have sat at the cabinet table in the last decadesome of you haven’t heard of Stephen Barclay but he’s a more credible figure than some who have sat at the cabinet table in the last decade
From the BBC’s Laura KuenssbergFrom the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg
Mmmm... 'Steve may be a lovely man but this appointment just epitomises the utter farce of this govt and how toxic the Brexit post has become. Across the party there is total despair' - Barclay is well liked and seen as on his way up for sure, but it's certainly a big jumpMmmm... 'Steve may be a lovely man but this appointment just epitomises the utter farce of this govt and how toxic the Brexit post has become. Across the party there is total despair' - Barclay is well liked and seen as on his way up for sure, but it's certainly a big jump
But No 10 obvs made calculation to have a Brexiteer in the position - and the negotiations now down only to the PM - he'll lead on no deal planning and preparednessBut No 10 obvs made calculation to have a Brexiteer in the position - and the negotiations now down only to the PM - he'll lead on no deal planning and preparedness
From Sky’s Lewis GoodallFrom Sky’s Lewis Goodall
Barclay's appointment reflects 1) May is taking no more chances- Barclay is an ultra loyalist who (unlike Davis and Raab) has no political power base of his own 2) it's No 10/Cab office who do the Brexit negotiations. Barclay won't be able to even try and resist that. https://t.co/h7jVBem3jrBarclay's appointment reflects 1) May is taking no more chances- Barclay is an ultra loyalist who (unlike Davis and Raab) has no political power base of his own 2) it's No 10/Cab office who do the Brexit negotiations. Barclay won't be able to even try and resist that. https://t.co/h7jVBem3jr
From the Politico Europe’s Tom McTagueFrom the Politico Europe’s Tom McTague
A minister texts to say Steve Barclay is a very close friend of May’s chief of staff Gavin Barwell, so “unlikely to resign in a huff like the previous incumbents.”A minister texts to say Steve Barclay is a very close friend of May’s chief of staff Gavin Barwell, so “unlikely to resign in a huff like the previous incumbents.”
From Guido Fawkes’ Tom HarwoodFrom Guido Fawkes’ Tom Harwood
Who is Stephen Barclay? • Ex-Barclays director • His father was a trade union official • Went to Sandhurst and Peterhouse, Cambridge • MP since 2010 • Voted leave • Has mentioned Brexit just 10 times in parliamenthttps://t.co/tMOrttafzdWho is Stephen Barclay? • Ex-Barclays director • His father was a trade union official • Went to Sandhurst and Peterhouse, Cambridge • MP since 2010 • Voted leave • Has mentioned Brexit just 10 times in parliamenthttps://t.co/tMOrttafzd
From the Telegraph’s James RothwellFrom the Telegraph’s James Rothwell
Steve Barclay is new Brexit secretary. He attacked Labour in a blog post on March 6 saying that their plans, which include a customs union, would mean we won't be able to do free trade deals around the globe.https://t.co/37NAFfvZKvSteve Barclay is new Brexit secretary. He attacked Labour in a blog post on March 6 saying that their plans, which include a customs union, would mean we won't be able to do free trade deals around the globe.https://t.co/37NAFfvZKv
Barclay is a Brexiteer, supports using Brexit to enhance animal welfare protection, again in a blog post. Beyond that, he seems to be, ideologically speaking, a fairly clean slateBarclay is a Brexiteer, supports using Brexit to enhance animal welfare protection, again in a blog post. Beyond that, he seems to be, ideologically speaking, a fairly clean slate
This will no doubt fuel the argument that Brexit secretaries don't actually negotiate Brexit and are merely placeholders, with the entire show being run by Olly RobbinsThis will no doubt fuel the argument that Brexit secretaries don't actually negotiate Brexit and are merely placeholders, with the entire show being run by Olly Robbins
From the Jewish Chronicle’s Stephen PollardFrom the Jewish Chronicle’s Stephen Pollard
Barclay is a really shrewd appointment. He is very well respected and v well liked. Impressed civil servants in his ministerial jobs.Barclay is a really shrewd appointment. He is very well respected and v well liked. Impressed civil servants in his ministerial jobs.
From British Future’s Sunder KatwalaFrom British Future’s Sunder Katwala
My colleague @jillyrutter had the right prediction re Steve Barclay being the Brexit Secretary, where I thought it might be Robin Walker. She met him in Wisbech, during her migation research, thinks he is impressivehttps://t.co/mbKg0TKhz5My colleague @jillyrutter had the right prediction re Steve Barclay being the Brexit Secretary, where I thought it might be Robin Walker. She met him in Wisbech, during her migation research, thinks he is impressivehttps://t.co/mbKg0TKhz5
This is from a July 2017 Financial Times article, headed: “Stephen Barclay impresses with his Brexit nous.”This is from a July 2017 Financial Times article, headed: “Stephen Barclay impresses with his Brexit nous.”
Barclay, a former banker and regulator and a key interlocutor in crucial Brexit planning, was a magnet for the top bankers, asset managers and insurers represented on the panel. Discussion was highly technical, focusing on euro clearing, regulatory equivalence, mutual recognition and the Brexit transition timetable. “He was onside with us on everything, but cautious about whether it could be delivered,” one participant reported.Barclay, a former banker and regulator and a key interlocutor in crucial Brexit planning, was a magnet for the top bankers, asset managers and insurers represented on the panel. Discussion was highly technical, focusing on euro clearing, regulatory equivalence, mutual recognition and the Brexit transition timetable. “He was onside with us on everything, but cautious about whether it could be delivered,” one participant reported.
John McFarlane, CityUK’s chairman, described Barclay as “impressive”. Another bigwig attendee, was rather more direct about the contrast between Barclay and his predecessor Simon Kirby, the now ex-MP who was stripped of responsibility for the City and Brexit after complaints about his competence. “It was night and day,” the bigwig told City Insider. “Barclay made a good impression, but relative to his predecessor, it was a brilliant impression.”John McFarlane, CityUK’s chairman, described Barclay as “impressive”. Another bigwig attendee, was rather more direct about the contrast between Barclay and his predecessor Simon Kirby, the now ex-MP who was stripped of responsibility for the City and Brexit after complaints about his competence. “It was night and day,” the bigwig told City Insider. “Barclay made a good impression, but relative to his predecessor, it was a brilliant impression.”
Stephen Barclay, a health minister, has been appointed Brexit secretary, replacing Dominic Raab.Stephen Barclay, a health minister, has been appointed Brexit secretary, replacing Dominic Raab.
Barclay, who is not exactly one of better known members of the government, is a former Barclays Bank director who was elected MP for North East Cambridgeshire in 2010. He voted leave.Barclay, who is not exactly one of better known members of the government, is a former Barclays Bank director who was elected MP for North East Cambridgeshire in 2010. He voted leave.
Here are some more lines from the interviews given this afternoon by Steve Baker, the deputy chairman of the European Research Group, which represents hardcore Tory Brexiters.Here are some more lines from the interviews given this afternoon by Steve Baker, the deputy chairman of the European Research Group, which represents hardcore Tory Brexiters.
Baker said Sir Graham Brady, the chairman of the 1922 committee, would probably not get the 48 letters required to trigger a no confidence vote in Theresa May until next week. Asked if he thought the letters would go in by the end of today, Baker replied:Baker said Sir Graham Brady, the chairman of the 1922 committee, would probably not get the 48 letters required to trigger a no confidence vote in Theresa May until next week. Asked if he thought the letters would go in by the end of today, Baker replied:
I think it’s much more likely next week, because many of my colleagues, on a decision this big, will want to see their association chairmen, presidents, deputy chairmen (political), key members in their associations, and ask their opinion. This is a democracy. It is our choice, but they will want to test opinion.I think it’s much more likely next week, because many of my colleagues, on a decision this big, will want to see their association chairmen, presidents, deputy chairmen (political), key members in their associations, and ask their opinion. This is a democracy. It is our choice, but they will want to test opinion.
He said, in a future leadership contest, only one Brexiter candidate should stand.He said, in a future leadership contest, only one Brexiter candidate should stand.
What I want is for one Eurosceptic who has been in the cabinet to be our candidate that we back. I was closely involved in the last leadership election. We cannot afford to tumble forwards with multiple candidates. So I will be strongly encouraging, if it comes to it, the plausible candidates to get in a room and decide amongst themselves who the candidate is going to be.What I want is for one Eurosceptic who has been in the cabinet to be our candidate that we back. I was closely involved in the last leadership election. We cannot afford to tumble forwards with multiple candidates. So I will be strongly encouraging, if it comes to it, the plausible candidates to get in a room and decide amongst themselves who the candidate is going to be.
He said Jacob Rees-Mogg, the ERG chair, could not be the Brexiter candidate for party leader because he does not have government experience.He said Jacob Rees-Mogg, the ERG chair, could not be the Brexiter candidate for party leader because he does not have government experience.
It’s not going to be Jacob. I admire Jacob enormously. We’ve worked very closely together. But however popular Jacob is, there’s no getting away from it; he’s got no experience in government.It’s not going to be Jacob. I admire Jacob enormously. We’ve worked very closely together. But however popular Jacob is, there’s no getting away from it; he’s got no experience in government.
He said that the Brexiters in cabinet who have not resigned over Theresa May’s deal would not be able to stand for the leadership with the support of the ERG.He said that the Brexiters in cabinet who have not resigned over Theresa May’s deal would not be able to stand for the leadership with the support of the ERG.
I certainly can’t live with this deal and will vote against it. There are others, clearly, who feel the same. What I would say is, for those people who are in cabinet today, it’s perfectly reasonable for them to prioritise the stability of the government, to prioritise, particularly for Michael [Gove] no deal prep, because Defra is one of the more affected departments. That’s perfectly reasonable and noble. But it does, I think, mean that they will not be one of the plausible candidates should a vacancy arise.I certainly can’t live with this deal and will vote against it. There are others, clearly, who feel the same. What I would say is, for those people who are in cabinet today, it’s perfectly reasonable for them to prioritise the stability of the government, to prioritise, particularly for Michael [Gove] no deal prep, because Defra is one of the more affected departments. That’s perfectly reasonable and noble. But it does, I think, mean that they will not be one of the plausible candidates should a vacancy arise.
That suggests Baker, and others in the ERG who share his view (they don’t all agree on everything, so Baker on his own probably can’t deliver the 50-odd ERG votes) would be voting for Boris Johnson or David Davis. There are other Brexiters with cabinet experience, like Iain Duncan Smith, but Johnson and Davis are the most prominent.That suggests Baker, and others in the ERG who share his view (they don’t all agree on everything, so Baker on his own probably can’t deliver the 50-odd ERG votes) would be voting for Boris Johnson or David Davis. There are other Brexiters with cabinet experience, like Iain Duncan Smith, but Johnson and Davis are the most prominent.
Amber Rudd’s appointment as work and pensions secretary has been confirmed by the Press Association, although not officially announced yet by Number 10.Amber Rudd’s appointment as work and pensions secretary has been confirmed by the Press Association, although not officially announced yet by Number 10.
Amber Rudd, who resigned as home secretary after wrongly telling the home affairs committee that the government did not have targets for migration removals (after being wrongly briefed), is to return to cabinet as the work and pensions secretary, according to the Sunday Times’s Tim Shipman. She will replace Esther McVey.Amber Rudd, who resigned as home secretary after wrongly telling the home affairs committee that the government did not have targets for migration removals (after being wrongly briefed), is to return to cabinet as the work and pensions secretary, according to the Sunday Times’s Tim Shipman. She will replace Esther McVey.
NEW Amber Rudd returning to cabinet as work and pensions secretaryNEW Amber Rudd returning to cabinet as work and pensions secretary
A bit more background from friends of Michael Gove about his reasons for turning down the job of Brexit secretary, and the change of course he would have demanded in exchange for accepting it.A bit more background from friends of Michael Gove about his reasons for turning down the job of Brexit secretary, and the change of course he would have demanded in exchange for accepting it.
Gove gave the withdrawal agreement his guarded backing in that five-hour cabinet meeting, we’re told; but the hostile reaction of the DUP and many Conservative MPs subsequently convinced him the deal could not get through parliament unaltered.Gove gave the withdrawal agreement his guarded backing in that five-hour cabinet meeting, we’re told; but the hostile reaction of the DUP and many Conservative MPs subsequently convinced him the deal could not get through parliament unaltered.
He has three reservations, all specifically with the backstop:He has three reservations, all specifically with the backstop:
The fact Northern Ireland would remain under the influence of the European court of justice and the European commission for key policies without any representation.The fact Northern Ireland would remain under the influence of the European court of justice and the European commission for key policies without any representation.
The promise of “dynamic alignment”, which would oblige the UK to follow EU rules.The promise of “dynamic alignment”, which would oblige the UK to follow EU rules.
The lack of an exit mechanism.The lack of an exit mechanism.
When May refused to budge, he turned down the job, feeling he couldn’t try to put the deal through parliament as Brexit secretary when he believed it was doomed to fail. He told May he would have to consider his position.When May refused to budge, he turned down the job, feeling he couldn’t try to put the deal through parliament as Brexit secretary when he believed it was doomed to fail. He told May he would have to consider his position.
But after a dark night of the soul, he decided he would have more influence inside her cabinet, than out. All of which suggests Gove’s decision to stay is something of a double-edged sword for Downing Street.But after a dark night of the soul, he decided he would have more influence inside her cabinet, than out. All of which suggests Gove’s decision to stay is something of a double-edged sword for Downing Street.
This is from the BBC’s Iain Watson.This is from the BBC’s Iain Watson.
Theresa May will be pleased that a special meeting of the #cbi policy committee has said her draft deal represents 'hard won progress' And has urged politicians not to 'go backwards'Theresa May will be pleased that a special meeting of the #cbi policy committee has said her draft deal represents 'hard won progress' And has urged politicians not to 'go backwards'
Margot James, a culture minister, won’t be incurring the wrath of Nicholas Soames. (See 2.44pm.)Margot James, a culture minister, won’t be incurring the wrath of Nicholas Soames. (See 2.44pm.)
The only letter I'll be signing today - my objection to the development on Saltwells Nature Reserve. pic.twitter.com/n78FQ23LzbThe only letter I'll be signing today - my objection to the development on Saltwells Nature Reserve. pic.twitter.com/n78FQ23Lzb
According to a story (paywall) by the Financial Times’s Mehreen Khan, at his meeting with EU ambassadors today Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, said the EU was going to take a tough line with the UK on security in the next stage of the talks (ie, the ones firming up the future relationship, after the UK leaves in March 2019). Khan said:According to a story (paywall) by the Financial Times’s Mehreen Khan, at his meeting with EU ambassadors today Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, said the EU was going to take a tough line with the UK on security in the next stage of the talks (ie, the ones firming up the future relationship, after the UK leaves in March 2019). Khan said:
Mr Barnier dismissed the UK’s demand to maintain access to the EU’s internal security system, including its passenger name recognition database, Europol and Eurojust. He said no other country outside the Schengen free travel area enjoyed such a level of access. ‘The UK does not accept all the consequences of its status as a third country,’ Mr Barnier said, according to the note.Mr Barnier dismissed the UK’s demand to maintain access to the EU’s internal security system, including its passenger name recognition database, Europol and Eurojust. He said no other country outside the Schengen free travel area enjoyed such a level of access. ‘The UK does not accept all the consequences of its status as a third country,’ Mr Barnier said, according to the note.