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Theresa May survives confidence vote with a majority of 83 – Politics live Theresa May survives confidence vote with a majority of 83 – Politics live
(35 minutes later)
The leader of the Scottish National party and the first minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, has also been having her say:
This result is barely even a pyrrhic victory for the prime minister, who has now admitted her time in office is limited. She may have clung on to the Conservative leadership, but her remaining authority has been fatally undermined.
Even after being forced into saying she would stand down soon, almost 40% of her parliamentary group have voted against her – meaning presumably a majority of her backbenchers did so. In any normal situation, the prime minister’s position would be untenable.
She said the UK is in a state of political chaos that can be traced to a “vicious civil war that has engulfed the self-centred Conservative party”.
The cost to Scotland of being under Westminster control and at the mercy of a Tory civil war has never been clearer. The prime minister cannot – and must not – use this result to support her claim that the choice is now between her bad Brexit and a catastrophic no-deal Brexit.
And Sturgeon said her party would “support any second EU referendum which has remain as an option”.
Our priority is to do all we can to stop the UK Government dragging Scotland off the Brexit cliff-edge, which is set to do so much damage to jobs, communities and living standards.
Responding to the vote, the Lib Dem leader Vince Cable has said:
Having seen the Conservative backbenches will not support her deal, the prime minister must change course.
Her deal is doomed to defeat in the Commons, so she should show real leadership by putting this question back to the public in a people’s vote.
The EU is clear that there is no more negotiating to do, so it’s this deal or no Brexit. That is the choice on which every voter should now have a final say – and Liberal Democrats will campaign vigorously for the UK to remain a full member of the EU.
A minor point but one that’s been getting a bit of attention today and which Jacob Rees-Mogg has sought to clarify: His use of the phrase ‘on the payroll’ in reference to his government colleagues is not, he says, perjorative. He told Sky News earlier:
They’re known colloquially as the payroll. That doesn’t mean that the pay is influencing their decision. What it means is that, if they are in government, they have to support the prime minister or resign.
The prisons minister, Rory Stewart, said there were “no surprises” in the result.The prisons minister, Rory Stewart, said there were “no surprises” in the result.
Nobody wants to see divisions in the party, nobody wants to see splits. But it is a comfortable majority for the prime minister and, from my point of view, the important thing is that in a secret ballot, with no pressure on anybody, people have voted by a comfortable majority for the prime minster’s deal. And that’s a very good starting point to take forward into Europe.Nobody wants to see divisions in the party, nobody wants to see splits. But it is a comfortable majority for the prime minister and, from my point of view, the important thing is that in a secret ballot, with no pressure on anybody, people have voted by a comfortable majority for the prime minster’s deal. And that’s a very good starting point to take forward into Europe.
He said calls for May to resign were “completely absurd”, saying:He said calls for May to resign were “completely absurd”, saying:
The people that are saying she would resign are the people who two hours ago were saying she was going to lose the vote – it doesn’t seem to me they are very good at acknowledging the results of democratic votes.The people that are saying she would resign are the people who two hours ago were saying she was going to lose the vote – it doesn’t seem to me they are very good at acknowledging the results of democratic votes.
Some more reaction coming in from senior Tories, who are backing the prime minister:Some more reaction coming in from senior Tories, who are backing the prime minister:
Strong result tonight. Now we can get on with the important work ahead.Strong result tonight. Now we can get on with the important work ahead.
Clear and decisive win for @theresa_may this evening. We now need to focus on delivering Brexit in a way that respects the referendum result and also protects jobs and our security.Clear and decisive win for @theresa_may this evening. We now need to focus on delivering Brexit in a way that respects the referendum result and also protects jobs and our security.
There is a very subtle difference in the language being employed by some cabinet members to that being used by others. Some are not explicitly backing May as leader, but are echoing her sentiment that the government should now “get on with the job”. Others are explicitly backing her.There is a very subtle difference in the language being employed by some cabinet members to that being used by others. Some are not explicitly backing May as leader, but are echoing her sentiment that the government should now “get on with the job”. Others are explicitly backing her.
But, as the Sun’s political editor Tom Newton-Dunn points out, the important split that’s forming is the one among those who oppose May as leader:But, as the Sun’s political editor Tom Newton-Dunn points out, the important split that’s forming is the one among those who oppose May as leader:
A split now emerging between Tory Brexit rebels on how to handle the result. Compare Crispin Blunt's concession below with Jacob Rees-Mogg's: "Under all constitutional norms, she ought to go and see the Queen urgently and resign". https://t.co/YuYwRgTe89A split now emerging between Tory Brexit rebels on how to handle the result. Compare Crispin Blunt's concession below with Jacob Rees-Mogg's: "Under all constitutional norms, she ought to go and see the Queen urgently and resign". https://t.co/YuYwRgTe89
Nadine Dorries, who has also been a prominent critic of the prime minister’s Brexit plan, is another to strike a concoliatory tone, saying she will “respect the result” of the leadership vote.Nadine Dorries, who has also been a prominent critic of the prime minister’s Brexit plan, is another to strike a concoliatory tone, saying she will “respect the result” of the leadership vote.
The PM has secured the confidence of the parliamentary party tonight. It’s not the way I voted. However, I will fully respect the result.The PM has secured the confidence of the parliamentary party tonight. It’s not the way I voted. However, I will fully respect the result.
Will Quince, who quit as a ministerial aide at the weekend over May’s Brexit plan, said it was now “time to unite and get on and deliver Brexit”.Will Quince, who quit as a ministerial aide at the weekend over May’s Brexit plan, said it was now “time to unite and get on and deliver Brexit”.
I look forward to the EU withdrawal agreement coming before the Commons in the new year but, importantly, with the legally binding solution that will make the backstop temporary.I look forward to the EU withdrawal agreement coming before the Commons in the new year but, importantly, with the legally binding solution that will make the backstop temporary.
Jacob Rees-Mogg, the leader of a hard-Brexit supporting backbench group and an ardent critic of Theresa May, has been comparing the her position to that of Margaret Thatcher, who won a confidence vote but resigned as prime minister shortly afterwards. He told Sky News:Jacob Rees-Mogg, the leader of a hard-Brexit supporting backbench group and an ardent critic of Theresa May, has been comparing the her position to that of Margaret Thatcher, who won a confidence vote but resigned as prime minister shortly afterwards. He told Sky News:
I think we have a choice: Either she behaves like Margaret Thatcher ... or she behaves like John Major and leads the Conservative party to a terrible defeat. Those are the choices facing her and the party...I think we have a choice: Either she behaves like Margaret Thatcher ... or she behaves like John Major and leads the Conservative party to a terrible defeat. Those are the choices facing her and the party...
But he appeared to offer his terms to May when asked whether there was “no prospect” of him ever supporting her EU withdrawal plan. He said:But he appeared to offer his terms to May when asked whether there was “no prospect” of him ever supporting her EU withdrawal plan. He said:
Well, not unless she can get rid of the backstop. If she can take the backstop out, there are bits of the withdrawal agreement I don’t like, but I’m willing to compromise.Well, not unless she can get rid of the backstop. If she can take the backstop out, there are bits of the withdrawal agreement I don’t like, but I’m willing to compromise.
The home secretary, Sajid Javid, is the latest cabinet minister to tweet in support of the prime minister:The home secretary, Sajid Javid, is the latest cabinet minister to tweet in support of the prime minister:
Right, vote over. Time to come together, deliver Brexit and so much moreRight, vote over. Time to come together, deliver Brexit and so much more
His Conservative colleague Andrew Bridgen, however, says his party has “missed an opportunity” by not getting rid of Theresa May.His Conservative colleague Andrew Bridgen, however, says his party has “missed an opportunity” by not getting rid of Theresa May.
Speaking outside parliament, the North West Leicestershire MP, said: “The withdrawal agreement is, politically, dead.”Speaking outside parliament, the North West Leicestershire MP, said: “The withdrawal agreement is, politically, dead.”
Here’s the full transcript of the short speech Theresa May has just given outside No 10:Here’s the full transcript of the short speech Theresa May has just given outside No 10:
This has been a long and challneging day. But, at the end of it, I’m pleased to have received the backing of my colleagues in tonight’s ballot. Whilst I’m grateful for that support, a significant number of colleagues did cast a vote against me and I have listened to what they said.This has been a long and challneging day. But, at the end of it, I’m pleased to have received the backing of my colleagues in tonight’s ballot. Whilst I’m grateful for that support, a significant number of colleagues did cast a vote against me and I have listened to what they said.
Following this ballot, we now need to get on with the job of delivering Brexit for the British people and building a better future for this country – a Brexit that delivers on the vote that people gave, that brings back control of our money, our borders and our laws, that protects jobs, security and the union [and] that brings the country back together, rather than entrenching division. That must start here in Westminster with politicians on all sides coming together and acting in the national interest.Following this ballot, we now need to get on with the job of delivering Brexit for the British people and building a better future for this country – a Brexit that delivers on the vote that people gave, that brings back control of our money, our borders and our laws, that protects jobs, security and the union [and] that brings the country back together, rather than entrenching division. That must start here in Westminster with politicians on all sides coming together and acting in the national interest.
For my part, I have heard what the House of Commons said about the Northern Ireland backstop and, when I go to the European council tomorrow, I will be seeking legal and political assurances that will assuage the concerns that members of parliament have on that issue.For my part, I have heard what the House of Commons said about the Northern Ireland backstop and, when I go to the European council tomorrow, I will be seeking legal and political assurances that will assuage the concerns that members of parliament have on that issue.
But, while delivering Brexit is important, we also need to focus on the other issues that people feel are vital to them, that matter to them to day to day – the issues that we came into politics to deal with. Building a stronger economy, delivering first-class public services, building the homes that families need. We owe it to the people who put us here to put their priorities first.But, while delivering Brexit is important, we also need to focus on the other issues that people feel are vital to them, that matter to them to day to day – the issues that we came into politics to deal with. Building a stronger economy, delivering first-class public services, building the homes that families need. We owe it to the people who put us here to put their priorities first.
So, here is our renewed mission: Delivering the Brexit that people voted for, bringing the country back together and building a country that truly works for everyone.So, here is our renewed mission: Delivering the Brexit that people voted for, bringing the country back together and building a country that truly works for everyone.
She ignored a shouted question about whether or not she would actually be able to get her Brexit deal through parliament – something her own hard-Brexit supporting MPs are openly predicting she will fail to do.She ignored a shouted question about whether or not she would actually be able to get her Brexit deal through parliament – something her own hard-Brexit supporting MPs are openly predicting she will fail to do.
This is what political journalists and commentators are saying about what the result means for Theresa May.This is what political journalists and commentators are saying about what the result means for Theresa May.
From the BBC’s Laura KuenssbergFrom the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg
1. PM safe for tonight - % support higher than in 20162. But concerns far wider than organised ERG Brexiteer group3. Leadership can't pretend it's only 'headbangers' to use MP s word - who want her out -bigger loss than supporters expected4. Tory party stuck in Brexit gridlock1. PM safe for tonight - % support higher than in 20162. But concerns far wider than organised ERG Brexiteer group3. Leadership can't pretend it's only 'headbangers' to use MP s word - who want her out -bigger loss than supporters expected4. Tory party stuck in Brexit gridlock
From the Spectator’s James ForsythFrom the Spectator’s James Forsyth
Think 117 against has to be considered a disappointing result for her. It is a win, but weakens her authority still further especially given that this came after a pledge not to fight the next election https://t.co/DDTvwsaGxFThink 117 against has to be considered a disappointing result for her. It is a win, but weakens her authority still further especially given that this came after a pledge not to fight the next election https://t.co/DDTvwsaGxF
From ITV’s Robert PestonFrom ITV’s Robert Peston
Well over half of independent Tory MPs voted against her - and even then she had to concede she would not lead party into next election.Well over half of independent Tory MPs voted against her - and even then she had to concede she would not lead party into next election.
From Sky’s Lewis GoodallFrom Sky’s Lewis Goodall
May isn't safe. She is now beholden to her cabinet. They saved her today. With her position in the parliamentary party so parlous she is absolutely vulnerable to a visitation from the men and women in grey suits.May isn't safe. She is now beholden to her cabinet. They saved her today. With her position in the parliamentary party so parlous she is absolutely vulnerable to a visitation from the men and women in grey suits.
From the New Statesman’s George EatonFrom the New Statesman’s George Eaton
Given how May squandered the Tory majority, it’s arguably surprising 200 Conservative MPs still have confidence 18 months later.Given how May squandered the Tory majority, it’s arguably surprising 200 Conservative MPs still have confidence 18 months later.
From the Sun’s Nick GutteridgeFrom the Sun’s Nick Gutteridge
The EU will look at these numbers and doubtless wonder why it should offer May any significant new assurances on the backstop. They lay brutally bare how minimal her chances are of getting the current deal, or anything that looks even remotely like it, through Parliament. https://t.co/lymkIquSclThe EU will look at these numbers and doubtless wonder why it should offer May any significant new assurances on the backstop. They lay brutally bare how minimal her chances are of getting the current deal, or anything that looks even remotely like it, through Parliament. https://t.co/lymkIquScl
From the Daily Mirror’s Pippa CrerarFrom the Daily Mirror’s Pippa Crerar
The PM wins by 200 votes to 117 - that is a HUGE chunk of her own party to vote against her. There will be more trouble ahead.The PM wins by 200 votes to 117 - that is a HUGE chunk of her own party to vote against her. There will be more trouble ahead.
From the New Statesman’s Jason CowleyFrom the New Statesman’s Jason Cowley
May can't get her signature Brexit deal through the House and 117 of her MPs have no confidence in her - in normal times, they'd be a general election, but these are seriously abnormal times ...May can't get her signature Brexit deal through the House and 117 of her MPs have no confidence in her - in normal times, they'd be a general election, but these are seriously abnormal times ...
From the Sun’s Tom Newton DunnFrom the Sun’s Tom Newton Dunn
Result's significance: not to even to carry two thirds of her MPs' support (63%) is a blow. She limps on, but wounded.Result's significance: not to even to carry two thirds of her MPs' support (63%) is a blow. She limps on, but wounded.
From ITV’s Chris ShipFrom ITV’s Chris Ship
I just listened to Jacob Rees-Mogg calling this a ‘terrible result’ for the PM. 37% against v 63% for. I’m no mathematician, but that’s a bigger margin than the referendum’s 48% v 52%, no??I just listened to Jacob Rees-Mogg calling this a ‘terrible result’ for the PM. 37% against v 63% for. I’m no mathematician, but that’s a bigger margin than the referendum’s 48% v 52%, no??
That is all from me.That is all from me.
My colleague Kevin Rawlinson is now taking over.My colleague Kevin Rawlinson is now taking over.
Theresa May has just been speaking outside Downing Street. She acknowledged that a “significant number” of her MPs voted against her and says she is listening to them. But, she said, she is going to get on with Brexit.Theresa May has just been speaking outside Downing Street. She acknowledged that a “significant number” of her MPs voted against her and says she is listening to them. But, she said, she is going to get on with Brexit.
And May adopted the language Corbyn has used in recent days – highlighting that Brexit is not the only issue that faces the UK.And May adopted the language Corbyn has used in recent days – highlighting that Brexit is not the only issue that faces the UK.
Jacob Rees-Mogg, the chair of the ERG, who led the push for a confidence vote, says he accepts the result, but that Theresa May should resign.Jacob Rees-Mogg, the chair of the ERG, who led the push for a confidence vote, says he accepts the result, but that Theresa May should resign.
I accept the confidence vote result but Theresa May should still meet the Queen and resign, says leading Conservative Brexiteer Jacob Rees-MoggLatest updates: https://t.co/eU9qe2rnbG pic.twitter.com/RyhydqNFmmI accept the confidence vote result but Theresa May should still meet the Queen and resign, says leading Conservative Brexiteer Jacob Rees-MoggLatest updates: https://t.co/eU9qe2rnbG pic.twitter.com/RyhydqNFmm
From Philip Hammond, the chancellorFrom Philip Hammond, the chancellor
Tonight's vote of confidence in the Prime Minister @theresa_may, is the right one. Now is the time to focus on the future. Her deal means we will honour the referendum result while safeguarding jobs and maintaining business confidence.Tonight's vote of confidence in the Prime Minister @theresa_may, is the right one. Now is the time to focus on the future. Her deal means we will honour the referendum result while safeguarding jobs and maintaining business confidence.
Andrew Bridgen, one of May’s most vocal critics, says the party has just “kicked the can down the road”.Andrew Bridgen, one of May’s most vocal critics, says the party has just “kicked the can down the road”.
Andrew Bridgen MP - “The Parliamentary Party has just kicked the can down the road.”Andrew Bridgen MP - “The Parliamentary Party has just kicked the can down the road.”