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Brexit deal: May fights for survival as Tory civil war looms – Politics live Brexit: David Davis says May will have to renegotiate 'dreadful deal' - Politics live
(35 minutes later)
Good morning. I’m Andrew Sparrow, taking over from Kate Lyons.
Theresa May is on LBC now, doing a phone-in.
Q: When did you last see Michael Gove?
May says she had a good conversation with him yesterday.
Q: Did you offer him the role of Brexit secretary?
May says she won’t discuss that.
Simon Fraser, the former head of the foreign office has reacted angrily to Davis’ claims in his BBC interview that the EU deliberately delayed negotiations, calling Davis a “terrible Brexit secretary”.
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..
John Whittingdale, former culture secretary, confirms to the BBC that he has sent a letter of no confidence in Theresa May to 1922 chairman Graham Brady.
Michael Gove has left his home, got into his car and said nothing.
Where is he heading? To Downing St to deliver a letter perhaps? We’ll keep you posted.
Former Brexit secretary David Davis spoke to the Today programme from the US, he calls the agreement a “dreadful deal” that is “very, very favourable to [the EU]”.
“It really does not fly by any measure, it doesn’t meet the requirements of the people, it’s not what they voted for, it doesn’t meet the requirements of the Conservative manifesto.”
Davis disagrees with May’s assertion that it is this deal or no deal on Brexit, saying that negotiations are not over, that the UK could reopen the discussion and the EU have “spun this [process] out” to pressure the UK into accepting a bad deal.
Asked what he thinks should happen to Theresa May, Davis said “I do not get into criticism of the prime minister” because he is “sitting in a room in Washington”, saying that a refusal to criticise the PM while out of the country was a “long-standing convention”, something disputed by the BBC interviewer.
“From the beginning I’ve said I want to deal with policy on this matter. The policy is going to be rejected by the House of Commons, then we have to come up with an alternative. We all of us have to accept the House of Commons decision. When they reject it, and they will, she will have to go back to renegotiate. We want a deal that gives us back control of our country and this deal doesn’t do that.”
Davis said that throughout the negotiation process the UK was too willing to accept the EU’s conditions. He doesn’t include himself in this, despite being in charge of the UK negotiating team as Brexit minister for all but a few months of the process, citing his resignation letter as proof.
“The EU has things to lose by not having a deal at the end of this. Simply rolling over and being supine, rolling over and saying we’re frightened of the outcome, is not going to get the outcomes we want.”
A key Scottish Conservative figure has played down fears that Theresa May’s Brexit deal poses a significant threat to the union.A key Scottish Conservative figure has played down fears that Theresa May’s Brexit deal poses a significant threat to the union.
Writing for the Scotsman, the MSP Adam Tomkins, a close ally of Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, who is currently on maternity leave, warns against “rushing to judge” whether the differentiated deal for Northern Ireland will play into Scottish nationalist hands and undermine the integrity of the union, as the likes of Raab, McVey and Rees-Mogg suggested in their resignation letters on Thursday.Writing for the Scotsman, the MSP Adam Tomkins, a close ally of Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, who is currently on maternity leave, warns against “rushing to judge” whether the differentiated deal for Northern Ireland will play into Scottish nationalist hands and undermine the integrity of the union, as the likes of Raab, McVey and Rees-Mogg suggested in their resignation letters on Thursday.
Tomkins writes: “How much further differentiation between the home nations the Union can accommodate is a question of political judgement,” and urges colleagues: “Let it be taken to the European Council, and let it be subject now to the intense parliamentary and external scrutiny that, among other matters, will draw out precisely where it will leave Northern Ireland and the Union as a whole.”Tomkins writes: “How much further differentiation between the home nations the Union can accommodate is a question of political judgement,” and urges colleagues: “Let it be taken to the European Council, and let it be subject now to the intense parliamentary and external scrutiny that, among other matters, will draw out precisely where it will leave Northern Ireland and the Union as a whole.”
At First Minister’s Questions in the Scottish parliament on Thursday , Nicola Sturgeon referred to Raab and McVey’s concerns, asking where that left Mundell and Davidson, who wrote to the prime minster in October, warning that “any deal that threatens the integrity of the UK’s internal market” was a red line issue for them.At First Minister’s Questions in the Scottish parliament on Thursday , Nicola Sturgeon referred to Raab and McVey’s concerns, asking where that left Mundell and Davidson, who wrote to the prime minster in October, warning that “any deal that threatens the integrity of the UK’s internal market” was a red line issue for them.
Mundell later dismissed Raab as a “carpetbagger”, telling the BBC: “I’m not impressed by his latter-day commitment to the union. I’m sure this is more about manoeuvring and leadership.”Mundell later dismissed Raab as a “carpetbagger”, telling the BBC: “I’m not impressed by his latter-day commitment to the union. I’m sure this is more about manoeuvring and leadership.”
While it’s clear that there remains deep unease amongst Scottish Tory ranks about the impact of the Northern Ireland deal on the constitutional debate, Tomkins’ call for a cool head may head off any potential rebellion for now.While it’s clear that there remains deep unease amongst Scottish Tory ranks about the impact of the Northern Ireland deal on the constitutional debate, Tomkins’ call for a cool head may head off any potential rebellion for now.
And if you wanted to call LBC and see if you can get a question in to the prime minister (who is appearing at 8am), the number to call is: 0345 60 60 973And if you wanted to call LBC and see if you can get a question in to the prime minister (who is appearing at 8am), the number to call is: 0345 60 60 973
A reader has shared this cartoon from the front page of Italys’ Corriere della Sera.A reader has shared this cartoon from the front page of Italys’ Corriere della Sera.
@MsKateLyons - Front Page of Italy's Corriere della Sera. pic.twitter.com/iclGhRfsE0@MsKateLyons - Front Page of Italy's Corriere della Sera. pic.twitter.com/iclGhRfsE0
Katie Perrior, Theresa May’s former director of communications, is speaking on the Today programme and says she thinks May will face a vote of no confidence in the next few days.Katie Perrior, Theresa May’s former director of communications, is speaking on the Today programme and says she thinks May will face a vote of no confidence in the next few days.
Perrior said May’s performance yesterday, particularly in her press conference last night was far more personal than usual, which shows that she is giving everything she can in order to keep her job.Perrior said May’s performance yesterday, particularly in her press conference last night was far more personal than usual, which shows that she is giving everything she can in order to keep her job.
“This talk of ‘head and heart’, ‘every fibre of my being’, she is throwing everything at it, this is not the usual Theresa May.”“This talk of ‘head and heart’, ‘every fibre of my being’, she is throwing everything at it, this is not the usual Theresa May.”
More tweets coming in from readers (thanks everyone), with reportage from around the world.More tweets coming in from readers (thanks everyone), with reportage from around the world.
And, ding, ding, ding, I think we have a winner from Jornal de Negócios in Portugal, which runs the headline “Mayday, Mayday”.And, ding, ding, ding, I think we have a winner from Jornal de Negócios in Portugal, which runs the headline “Mayday, Mayday”.
@MsKateLyons from @JNegocios, Portugal: “Mayday, Mayday” pic.twitter.com/jZlaw7Pjvu@MsKateLyons from @JNegocios, Portugal: “Mayday, Mayday” pic.twitter.com/jZlaw7Pjvu
The Irish Times has: “Embattled May fights on in bid to deliver Brexit deal”The Irish Times has: “Embattled May fights on in bid to deliver Brexit deal”
And Copenhagen’s free daily metro paper takes a similar line to Norway’s Aftenposten, saying “Theresa May fights for her political life”.And Copenhagen’s free daily metro paper takes a similar line to Norway’s Aftenposten, saying “Theresa May fights for her political life”.
@MsKateLyons - not quite the leading story, but Copenhagen’s free ‘metro’ daily has similar wording to the Norwegians. pic.twitter.com/TpFDBHtD97@MsKateLyons - not quite the leading story, but Copenhagen’s free ‘metro’ daily has similar wording to the Norwegians. pic.twitter.com/TpFDBHtD97
A commenter, Abhishek Mallik, has pointed out that Daily Mail readers are NOT HAPPY with the newspaper’s about-face on Brexit.A commenter, Abhishek Mallik, has pointed out that Daily Mail readers are NOT HAPPY with the newspaper’s about-face on Brexit.
As Mallik points out, it’s not as if the Mail has become a remain paper, but its strong support for May today, and fury at those critical of her (a group that includes hard-line Brexiters) is a big shift from the paper’s tone under Paul Dacre. Under the previous editor, one imagines the Mail would not have been so supportive of a “soft” Brexit deal like this one.As Mallik points out, it’s not as if the Mail has become a remain paper, but its strong support for May today, and fury at those critical of her (a group that includes hard-line Brexiters) is a big shift from the paper’s tone under Paul Dacre. Under the previous editor, one imagines the Mail would not have been so supportive of a “soft” Brexit deal like this one.
The comments are worth a read, some of them are pretty funny. Click on the timestamp of the below tweet (the bit that says 9:33am - 16 Nov 2018) to see the comments.The comments are worth a read, some of them are pretty funny. Click on the timestamp of the below tweet (the bit that says 9:33am - 16 Nov 2018) to see the comments.
Friday's @DailyMailUK #MailFrontPages pic.twitter.com/NVovLCKzbMFriday's @DailyMailUK #MailFrontPages pic.twitter.com/NVovLCKzbM
A Norwegian reader has been in touch with the front page of Aftenposten, Norway’s largest printed newspaper by circulation.A Norwegian reader has been in touch with the front page of Aftenposten, Norway’s largest printed newspaper by circulation.
The headline reads: “Heavily weakened May fighting for her political life”The headline reads: “Heavily weakened May fighting for her political life”
Thanks to the reader, please get in touch if you’re seeing interesting coverage of Brexit where you live on Twitter.Thanks to the reader, please get in touch if you’re seeing interesting coverage of Brexit where you live on Twitter.
My colleague Rajeev Syal has published this piece analysing six possible scenarios we could see in light of the draft agreement.My colleague Rajeev Syal has published this piece analysing six possible scenarios we could see in light of the draft agreement.
The six scenarios are:The six scenarios are:
The wizards on the Guardian’s interactives team have built this simulator to show you what happens when each of the various voting blocs chooses to back the prime minister, to reject her bill or to abstain.The wizards on the Guardian’s interactives team have built this simulator to show you what happens when each of the various voting blocs chooses to back the prime minister, to reject her bill or to abstain.
Apart from being quite fun, it shows the absolute uphill slog May has of getting this deal through parliament, even if nothing else goes wrong for her.Apart from being quite fun, it shows the absolute uphill slog May has of getting this deal through parliament, even if nothing else goes wrong for her.
And this is how it looks:And this is how it looks:
A reminder that the prime minister will be on LBC this morning at 8am and will be taking calls from the public.A reminder that the prime minister will be on LBC this morning at 8am and will be taking calls from the public.
You’ve got two hours to plan your questions folks.You’ve got two hours to plan your questions folks.
Exclusive: Prime Minister Theresa May will host an LBC phone-in tomorrow morning from 8am with Nick Ferrari @theresa_may | @NickFerrariLBC pic.twitter.com/r9iKMrfp2LExclusive: Prime Minister Theresa May will host an LBC phone-in tomorrow morning from 8am with Nick Ferrari @theresa_may | @NickFerrariLBC pic.twitter.com/r9iKMrfp2L
As for the foreign papers, many of them were quite straight with their reporting. The Austrian paper Die Presse described May’s “struggle for survival”, and Spain’s El Pais reported that a day of resignations had “muddied” the Brexit deal.As for the foreign papers, many of them were quite straight with their reporting. The Austrian paper Die Presse described May’s “struggle for survival”, and Spain’s El Pais reported that a day of resignations had “muddied” the Brexit deal.
In Germany, Die Zeit noted that May was “not giving up”, while Süddeutsche Zeitung warned of a looming “Showdown for the prime minister”.In Germany, Die Zeit noted that May was “not giving up”, while Süddeutsche Zeitung warned of a looming “Showdown for the prime minister”.
Der Spiegel went with a football analogy: “Theresa May in Brexit finals: The thrashed prime minister”. Meanwhile Bild Zeitung summed the drama up like this: “Government crisis in London: Resign? No way! May defends her Brexit deal”.Der Spiegel went with a football analogy: “Theresa May in Brexit finals: The thrashed prime minister”. Meanwhile Bild Zeitung summed the drama up like this: “Government crisis in London: Resign? No way! May defends her Brexit deal”.
In France Le Figaro says “The Brexit of Theresa May hangs by a thread”, Le Monde says “‘I will go to the end’ says Theresa May”.In France Le Figaro says “The Brexit of Theresa May hangs by a thread”, Le Monde says “‘I will go to the end’ says Theresa May”.
To the papers now, which have all led with yesterday’s Brexit chaos, the resignation of Dominic Raab and Esther McVey and Theresa May’s leadership troubles.To the papers now, which have all led with yesterday’s Brexit chaos, the resignation of Dominic Raab and Esther McVey and Theresa May’s leadership troubles.
Chief among May’s champions is the Daily Mail, which continues its eye-watering about face in the wake of Paul Dacre’s exit. The Mail is furious with those seeking to undermine the prime minister, running the headline: “Have they lost the plot?”Chief among May’s champions is the Daily Mail, which continues its eye-watering about face in the wake of Paul Dacre’s exit. The Mail is furious with those seeking to undermine the prime minister, running the headline: “Have they lost the plot?”
Friday's @DailyMailUK #MailFrontPages pic.twitter.com/NVovLCKzbMFriday's @DailyMailUK #MailFrontPages pic.twitter.com/NVovLCKzbM
The Daily Express is also supportive of the PM, splashing on: “Defiant May: I’ll fight to the end”.The Daily Express is also supportive of the PM, splashing on: “Defiant May: I’ll fight to the end”.
Friday’s Daily EXPRESS: “Defiant May: I’ll Fight To The End” #bbcpapers #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/k1SGA4JGgvFriday’s Daily EXPRESS: “Defiant May: I’ll Fight To The End” #bbcpapers #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/k1SGA4JGgv
The Daily Telegraph uses May’s speech for its headline: “Am I going to see this through? Yes I am.”The Daily Telegraph uses May’s speech for its headline: “Am I going to see this through? Yes I am.”
Also on the front page is commentary from Allison Pearson on why the Prime Minister should resign immediately saying she is not the “chess grandmaster” they need to negotiate with Brussels, she is merely “the runner-up in the 1973 Towcester tiddlywinks competition”.Also on the front page is commentary from Allison Pearson on why the Prime Minister should resign immediately saying she is not the “chess grandmaster” they need to negotiate with Brussels, she is merely “the runner-up in the 1973 Towcester tiddlywinks competition”.
If anyone can explain that reference to me, please do so (I’m probably more likely to see it on Twitter, so get in touch).If anyone can explain that reference to me, please do so (I’m probably more likely to see it on Twitter, so get in touch).
The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph 'Am I going to see this through? Yes, I am' #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/ejFGiMa0MJThe front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph 'Am I going to see this through? Yes, I am' #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/ejFGiMa0MJ
The Times paints a sorry picture of May and her fortunes: “Lonely May staggers on”.The Times paints a sorry picture of May and her fortunes: “Lonely May staggers on”.
Friday’s TIMES: “Lonely May staggers on” #bbcpapers #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/AIqyFOqN1NFriday’s TIMES: “Lonely May staggers on” #bbcpapers #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/AIqyFOqN1N
Other papers play things with a straighter bat:Other papers play things with a straighter bat:
Just published: front page of the Financial Times, international edition, Friday 16 November https://t.co/p5NPGcLiaD pic.twitter.com/B3jFIJZYlBJust published: front page of the Financial Times, international edition, Friday 16 November https://t.co/p5NPGcLiaD pic.twitter.com/B3jFIJZYlB
Guardian front page, Friday 16 November 2018: Resignations, a coup and a day of hostility. But May fights on pic.twitter.com/zDycxDfGUYGuardian front page, Friday 16 November 2018: Resignations, a coup and a day of hostility. But May fights on pic.twitter.com/zDycxDfGUY
Friday’s SCOTSMAN: “May battles on as her power drains away” #bbcpapers #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/VQKUQaMsvUFriday’s SCOTSMAN: “May battles on as her power drains away” #bbcpapers #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/VQKUQaMsvU
Friday’s i - “Plotters move in on the PM” #bbcpapers #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/VKLrGTi3IiFriday’s i - “Plotters move in on the PM” #bbcpapers #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/VKLrGTi3Ii
The Sun and the Mirror continue with the rather tortured cricket analogy used by a journalist at May’s press conference – “She’s on a sticky wicket” says the Sun, “Stumped”, reports the Mirror.The Sun and the Mirror continue with the rather tortured cricket analogy used by a journalist at May’s press conference – “She’s on a sticky wicket” says the Sun, “Stumped”, reports the Mirror.
Tomorrow's front page: May vows to dig in like cricket legend Geoffrey Boycott as she’s STILL stuck in Brexit mire https://t.co/8qvVOnBAsN pic.twitter.com/8x9qiJp34YTomorrow's front page: May vows to dig in like cricket legend Geoffrey Boycott as she’s STILL stuck in Brexit mire https://t.co/8qvVOnBAsN pic.twitter.com/8x9qiJp34Y
Tomorrow's front page: Stumped #tomorrowspaperstoday https://t.co/SV0sdT5KEo pic.twitter.com/TedRVz6B3TTomorrow's front page: Stumped #tomorrowspaperstoday https://t.co/SV0sdT5KEo pic.twitter.com/TedRVz6B3T
Our full papers wrap is here.Our full papers wrap is here.
Good morning and welcome back to Politics live.Good morning and welcome back to Politics live.
I’m Kate Lyons, bringing you the Brexit news for the next few hours. I’ll be handing over to the esteemed Andrew Sparrow at about 8am, but will be shepherding us through the early morning news. You can get in contact in the comments or on Twitter (@mskatelyons).I’m Kate Lyons, bringing you the Brexit news for the next few hours. I’ll be handing over to the esteemed Andrew Sparrow at about 8am, but will be shepherding us through the early morning news. You can get in contact in the comments or on Twitter (@mskatelyons).
Well, Theresa May survived the night as prime minister, and there were no reports of overnight resignations from cabinet ministers.Well, Theresa May survived the night as prime minister, and there were no reports of overnight resignations from cabinet ministers.
But who knows how many ministers spent the night pacing their lounge rooms deciding whether to quit or stay, and whether any of them will be having an uncomfortable conversation with the prime minister this morning. Michael Gove is top of the list of those to watch here.But who knows how many ministers spent the night pacing their lounge rooms deciding whether to quit or stay, and whether any of them will be having an uncomfortable conversation with the prime minister this morning. Michael Gove is top of the list of those to watch here.
Yesterday’s cabinet resignations weakened May, and there is a question of whether May herself will survive the week as prime minister. As we know, leading Brexit Jacob Rees Mogg called for a vote of no confidence in Theresa May yesterday, claiming she had broken her own red lines on Brexit. Up to a dozen other Tory backbenchers have confirmed they have submitted letters calling for May to step down over her Brexit proposal.Yesterday’s cabinet resignations weakened May, and there is a question of whether May herself will survive the week as prime minister. As we know, leading Brexit Jacob Rees Mogg called for a vote of no confidence in Theresa May yesterday, claiming she had broken her own red lines on Brexit. Up to a dozen other Tory backbenchers have confirmed they have submitted letters calling for May to step down over her Brexit proposal.
Here’s a reminder of how that process works: Conservative MPs can submit formal letters of no confidence in the leader of the party to the chair of the backbench 1922 Committee, Sir Graham Brady.Here’s a reminder of how that process works: Conservative MPs can submit formal letters of no confidence in the leader of the party to the chair of the backbench 1922 Committee, Sir Graham Brady.
If Brady receives 48 such letters, he is obliged to trigger a confidence vote. Downing Street confirmed on Thursday that May would contest such a vote and expected to remain prime minister until the Brexit process is complete.If Brady receives 48 such letters, he is obliged to trigger a confidence vote. Downing Street confirmed on Thursday that May would contest such a vote and expected to remain prime minister until the Brexit process is complete.
She would need the backing of 158 Tory MPs to see off the Brexiters’ challenge, and her position would then be safe for 12 months.She would need the backing of 158 Tory MPs to see off the Brexiters’ challenge, and her position would then be safe for 12 months.
All clear? Let’s get this show on the road.All clear? Let’s get this show on the road.