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Amber Rudd to replace Esther McVey at DWP - Politics live Stephen Barclay made Brexit secretary as Amber Rudd gets DWP - Politics live
(35 minutes later)
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.
Here is some Twitter comment on the new Brexit secretary from journalists and commentators.
From 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 decade
From 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 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 preparedness
From 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/h7jVBem3jr
From 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.”
From 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/tMOrttafzd
From 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/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 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 Robbins
From 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.
From 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/mbKg0TKhz5
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.
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.
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.
Grant Shapps, the former Conservative party chairman who led a doomed attempt to get rid of Theresa May as leader after last year’s party conference, has told Sky he is not submitting a letter calling for a no confidence vote “for now”. This is from Sky’s Aubrey Allegretti.
Grant Shapps, who led a lone call for the PM to go last year, tells @SkyNewsPolitics: "I'm not putting in a letter - for now."
Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, told EU ambassadors today that the EU should not compromise its principles just because the UK government is in difficulties, the BBC’s Adam Fleming reports.
BRUSSELS LATEST: @MichelBarnier paid tribute to @theresa_may in a meeting of EU27 ambassadors today but said that the EU shouldn't compromise its principles even if there's a difficult political situation in the UK. (1)
He added: even though the EU wants to secure a Withdrawal Agreement, it shouldn't engage in bargaining. In the discussion on the text of the political declaration on the future relationship member states mentioned services, aviation, security and (of course) FISH. (2)
Ambassadors are standing by to meet again on Sunday, ahead of the General Affairs Council on Monday which will prepared for the summit 25th Nov. Strictly that will be at 27 but officials looking at how Theresa May will be included. (3)
And @OllyRobbins and Sir Tim Barrow are in town today. UK and EU negotiators will work on the text of the political declaration over the weekend. (4)
Finally, everyone's sleep-deprived, meal-deprived, getting colds, attending a lot of meetings, reading a lot of papers and glued to the news from Westminster. That's all. (5)
Sir Nicholas Soames, the Conservative former minister and one of the unlikely Twitter maestros on the Tory backbenches, has hit out at those MPs who have been publicising their letters calling for a no confidence vote in Theresa May.
I am truly dismayed at the dismal behaviour of some of my Colleagues parading their letters to Graham Brady on TV in a vulgar and pathetic display of inferior virtue signalling #getagripwhatabouttheNationalInterest
In an interview with BBC2’s Politics Live, Steve Baker, the deputy chair of the European Research Group, which represents Tory MPs pushing for a harder Brexit, admitted he had sent a WhatsApp message to colleagues earlier saying that by his count more than 48 letters had been submitted demanding a no confidence vote in Theresa May, with around a dozen probables. But he conceded the number was probably inaccurate. He said:
People have been ringing me and they are telling me that they are putting letters in. I have spoken to colleagues as well and I think we are probably not far off. I think it is probably imminent.
But only Sir Graham Brady, the chair of the 1922 Committee, knew the true number, Baker said.
My number will be inaccurate because people will withdraw letters, they will tell me they have put letters in when they haven’t, they will take them out and not tell you they have taken them out.
Liam Fox, the Brexiter international trade secretary, has urged Tory MPs to take a “rational and reasonable” view of the PM’s deal with Brussels. He said:
I hope that we all take a rational and reasonable view of this.
We are not elected to do what we want. We are elected to do what’s in the national interest.
Ultimately I hope that across parliament we’ll recognise that a deal is better than no deal.
Businesses do require certainty and confidence as they go forward for their planning and there are those around the world who are waiting to get certainty also to begin to discuss trade agreements with the UK. It is in our national interest.
The BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg says Theresa May could appoint a remain voter as the new Brexit secretary (which would mean I was wrong about it being a leaver fiefdom - see 12.25pm.)
2. Hear there are Remainer names as well as Brexiteer names on the list to become the next Brexit Secretary - if it's a Remainer then I wonder if that would mean more letters emerge
The Conservative MP Marcus Fysh has submitted a letter calling for a no confidence vote in Theresa May, the Telegraph’s Christopher Hope reports.
Marcus Fysh MP puts his letter in: "I do think the PM needs to resign as she is no longer honouring the Referendum result, the manifesto on which she and I stood, her promises to the House of Commons .. She proposes to give up our country's independence and she is unfit to lead"
Fysh voted leave, and has signed the #StandUp4Brexit pledge.
David Lidington, the Cabinet Office minister, has reportedly complained about Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister refusing to meet him in Edinburgh today.
She has described the accusation as “outrageous”, saying she was only offered a meeting at the last minute.
This is outrageous. My office got a call around 6pm last night to offer a meeting this morning - purpose not clear. I wasn’t prepared to cancel my constituency commitments at such short notice for @scotgov to yet again have to hear empty platitudes rather than be listened to. https://t.co/8QGwEKp5Mz
Mark Field, the Foreign Office minister, has appealed for MPs to stop “squabbling” and get behind Theresa May’s Brexit deal. Speaking on the World at One, he said:
I think just to watch MPs squabbling is not a very edifying scene.
I would also say, not just to my own party but across the political divide to Labour MPs, please, please put the national interest first.
The idea of playing politics on such an important issue when the option is a no deal which would be pretty calamitous, not just for us but the rest of Europe as well, this is not a sensible way forward and I can well understand why business despairs.
Steve Baker, the former Brexit minister and deputy chair of the European Research Group, has just told the BBC that he thinks Sir Graham Brady will probably not receive the 48 letters needed to trigger a vote of no confidence until next week. He says he thinks he and his fellow Brexiters who want a vote are close to getting that number, but that some MPs will want to reflect over the weekend before they take the final decision to sign a letter.