This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-46490642

The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Brexit: Amber Rudd says 'Norway Plus' option plausible Brexit: Amber Rudd says Plan B options plausible
(about 1 hour later)
The UK could pursue the so-called "Norway plus" option if Theresa May's Brexit plan is rejected by MPs on Tuesday, according to Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd. The UK could pursue alternative options if Theresa May's Brexit plan is rejected by MPs, Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd has acknowledged.
In an interview with the Times, Ms Rudd said she still supported the PM's plan - but added a variation of Norway's set-up was a "plausible" alternative. Mrs Rudd told BBC Radio 4's Today programme she still supported the PM's plan - but "anything could happen" if it did not get through on Tuesday.
Ms Rudd admitted, however, that she was not certain it could be done. She is the first cabinet minister to publicly float the possibility of "plausible" alternatives.
Ms Rudd said it could be "chaotic" if Mrs May's deal is rejected.
She said a so-called "Norway plus" option or a second referendum would both be potential possibilities in such a situation.
Norway plus would mean the UK remaining in the European Economic Area (EEA).Norway plus would mean the UK remaining in the European Economic Area (EEA).
That, Ms Rudd said, "seems plausible not just in terms of the country but in terms of where the MPs are". Ms Rudd described it as a "plausible", but not a "desirable" option.
Ms Rudd is the first minister to float an alternative plan publicly, if Mrs May's deal is rejected by Parliament. But she said the deal Mrs May reached with the EU last month was the "best option".
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Ms Rudd said Mrs May's deal was "preferable" and the "best option" and it could be "chaotic" if it is rejected when MPs come to vote on the withdrawal agreement on Tuesday. "What we need is a compromise deal - that's what the prime minister has proposed," she said.
She said some people have a "perfect vision" of Brexit - but that was "not available". Asked why she had previously refused to speculate on possible alternatives to Mrs May's agreement, Ms Rudd said: "We are getting closer to the vote.
What is the Norway model? "People are saying why they are not going to vote for it and I'm just pointing out if you don't vote for it, these are the other things that could happen. Are you sure you want them more?"
You can read a more detailed explanation of the Norway model here. Ms Rudd also told Today a lot of people had a "perfect vision" of what they think Brexit should look like, "and that perfect is not available".
Despite discussing possible alternatives, Ms Rudd is still encouraging her colleagues to back Mrs May's deal in Tuesday's vote. "I would urge my colleagues to think about, first of all, why people voted to leave the European Union, what their interpretation is of that; and, secondly, what the alternatives are," she said.
"I would say to the colleagues who are voting against the withdrawal agreement... anything could happen after that. She added: "If it doesn't get through, anything could happen... and none of them are as good as the current arrangement."
"As the prime minister says, you might not get your Brexit at all", she told the Times. Ms Rudd also talked about the Norway plus model in an interview with the Times, saying it "seems plausible not just in terms of the country but in terms of where the MPs are".
"What we need is a compromise deal," she told Today. "That's what the prime minister has proposed and I would urge my colleagues to think about, first of all, why people voted to leave the European Union, what their interpretation is of that; and, secondly, what the alternatives are". But she said that "nobody knows if it can be done".
She added: "If it doesn't get through, anything could happen... and none of them are as good as the current arrangement."
Ms Rudd said even if Mrs May loses vote she should stay on as prime minister.
"There is no question of her going," she added.
AnalysisAnalysis
By Nick Eardley, BBC political correspondentBy Nick Eardley, BBC political correspondent
The cabinet is supposed to be focused on selling Theresa May's deal as the only show in town.The cabinet is supposed to be focused on selling Theresa May's deal as the only show in town.
On Friday, ministers toured the country trying to sell it to the public ahead of Tuesday's crucial vote.On Friday, ministers toured the country trying to sell it to the public ahead of Tuesday's crucial vote.
As things stand it looks highly unlikely Mrs May will win the support of enough MPs - and much of the conversation in Westminster has moved on to what happens next.As things stand it looks highly unlikely Mrs May will win the support of enough MPs - and much of the conversation in Westminster has moved on to what happens next.
Amber Rudd says her preferred Plan B is a Norway style arrangement, which would see the UK stay in the single market. But Ms Rudd's suggestion would mean freedom of movement - a red line for the prime minister - continues.Amber Rudd says her preferred Plan B is a Norway style arrangement, which would see the UK stay in the single market. But Ms Rudd's suggestion would mean freedom of movement - a red line for the prime minister - continues.
Ms Rudd, who campaigned for Remain in 2016, also refused to rule out a further referendum, despite the prime minister doing so on multiple occasions. What is the Norway model?
"I can't understand the hysteria around a People's Vote if you believe in what you are trying to propose," she told the Times. You can read a more detailed explanation of the Norway model here.
"I'm not someone who has just changed my mind. If there was another referendum, I think we're better off in." Speaking on Today, former Tory leader Lord Howard said Mrs May would have "difficult decisions to make about her future and about the future of our country" if she loses the vote.
Mrs May announced a Brexit deal with the EU last month. However, it needs to be approved by Parliament - with MPs due to vote on Tuesday. Ms Rudd said she hoped the government would "regroup" and "hold stable" if defeated.
"What would be a complete mistake would be to allow what is already an unstable period to descend into further instability with talk of a leadership change," she said.
Asked if she would run for leader if Mrs May stood down, Ms Rudd said: "There is no question of her going, she is staying".
For what could happen after the vote, read here.For what could happen after the vote, read here.