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Brexit: Hunt claims Commons votes this week have made staying in EU more likely - Politics live Brexit: Hunt claims Commons votes this week have made staying in EU more likely - Politics live
(35 minutes later)
In an interview for the Telegraph’s Brexit podcast, the pro-European Conservative Nicky Morgan says Theresa May should give up trying to win the supporter of hardline Tory Brexiters and the DUP and instead try to get Labour MPs to support her deal. According to Christopher Hope’s write-up (paywall), Morgan said:
The prime minister will have to decide – and some of us have been urging her for months – she either carries on trying to win over the DUP and some of the hardest Brexiteers in the Conservative party, or she builds a cross party consensus ...
Brexit should be a non-party political issue … At the end of the day if we want to deliver this and get the right result for the country then it should be a cross party effort.
What we have seen in the past few months is backbenchers talking to each other, that is now in the open because amendments are being signed on a cross party basis.
Anti-Brexit campaigners have been speaking in London at an event called The Convention: Another Vote is Possible. One of the highlights was a speech from Caroline Lucas, the Green MP, who began with a tribute to the 17.4m people who voted to leave - “I also want to say a genuine thank you to the 17.4m people who gave the establishment such a well-deserved kicking in 2016” - and who went on to set out a blueprint for running a radical, remain campaign in a second referendum. The full speech is here, and it is well worth reading. Here are the key points.
Lucas said there was a valid message behind the leave vote in 2016.
Many people took the question they were being asked to mean “Should the country go on being run in the way that it is?’
And they voted “NO!” with a collective howl of rage.
That response was justified then - and it’s justified now.
For some, it might have been mixed up with fear, even bigotry, and an impossible longing for the past.
But there was - and is - a core message at the heart of the Brexit vote.
That the status quo in this country is intolerable for huge numbers of people.
That the social contract is broken and the power game is rigged.
It is right and reasonable to be furious.
She said the reluctance of the remain campaign in 2016 to make the case for free movement amounted to a “moral failure”.
Changing the Brexit conversation means proudly celebrating free movement - and the opportunities it’s given to individuals and to our country.
It was not just a political failure, but a moral failure, that saw the Remain campaign hide away from talking about migration in 2016 - preferring instead to bandy about economic threats, rather than engage in a serious debate on this pressing issue.
It also means making those opportunities of free movement genuinely available to all - when for vast swathes of people today they’re not even imaginable.
She said the “lie” at the heart of the leave campaign was the claim that Brexit would address inequality.
As inequality spins out of control, people in all classes feel helpless. That’s why the slogan “Take back control” had such resonance.
It promised agency in a system in which the rich and powerful, who clearly do have agency, were telling us that the market rules, and there’s nothing anyone can do.
In short, this is a country where what dictates your success isn’t how hard you work, or how much you care.
It’s not your passion or your commitment.
No. This is a country where your success is dictated by your postcode, the income of your parents, the year in which you were born.
She said any new referendum campaign could not be won by a “Project Fear” approach.
The 2016 result should tell us that “project fear” won’t win people over.
They want hope ...
To stand any chance of winning a People’s Vote, we have to abandon all association with a vapid centrism that has failed to deliver for so many people, and would fail again.
We have to think and act anew.
To start using the ideas and language now that will set the tone for a very different kind of referendum campaign.
One that’s hopeful, inclusive, energetic and radical. One we can all feel part of and one that appeals to our hearts as well as our heads.
She said that parliament should be moved out of London as part of sweeping programme of constitutional change intended to “genuinely democratise the UK”.
One of the best ways to “take back control” is to rid ourselves of a winner takes all politics, and an outdated electoral system that systematically shuts people out ...
No democratic renewal is complete without proportional representation.
And let’s seriously explore ideas like parliament moving out of London to a city such as Leeds or Manchester – with the chance to rebalance our economy as well as our politics.
The Palace of Westminster, Gothic, rat-infested, and crumbling into the Thames, has become a powerful symbol of political decay.
If we mean what we say about changing this country for good, then why not make moving parliament out of London the first in a series of changes which turn the UK into a 21st century democracy?
Let’s learn from the inspiring way in which citizens assemblies have been used in Ireland, for example, to facilitate informed debate on contentious topics and build deep consensus and understanding.
And let’s ensure that democracy can no longer be undermined by fake news and post-truth advertising by introducing new ground-breaking digital democracy laws.
Here is Channel 4 News’ Michael Crick on what the Unite general secretary Len McCluskey is saying about his telephone call with Theresa May about Brexit yesterday.Here is Channel 4 News’ Michael Crick on what the Unite general secretary Len McCluskey is saying about his telephone call with Theresa May about Brexit yesterday.
Len McCluskey tells it was the first time he had ever spoken to Theresa May (he never ever had a conversation with Cameron). "There was nothing acrimonious or disrespectful" about it, he says. He explained Unite & Labour view there should be a general election. https://t.co/bP9VkItelbLen McCluskey tells it was the first time he had ever spoken to Theresa May (he never ever had a conversation with Cameron). "There was nothing acrimonious or disrespectful" about it, he says. He explained Unite & Labour view there should be a general election. https://t.co/bP9VkItelb
On a visit to Romania, which currently has the presidency of the EU, Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European commission, said the EU would be offering the UK “clarifications” relating to the Brexit deal, but not a renegotiation. He said:On a visit to Romania, which currently has the presidency of the EU, Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European commission, said the EU would be offering the UK “clarifications” relating to the Brexit deal, but not a renegotiation. He said:
We are checking with Downing Street what the clarifications could amount to. They should not be confused with a renegotiation.We are checking with Downing Street what the clarifications could amount to. They should not be confused with a renegotiation.
He added:He added:
I don’t like the prospect of a no-deal. It would be a catastrophe.I don’t like the prospect of a no-deal. It would be a catastrophe.
Richard Leonard, the Scottish Labour leader, has sidestepped a question about whether the party would be for or against Brexit in a general election camapaign. On the BBC’s Good Morning Scotland this morning, he was asked directly about what the party’s stance would be if a general election was to be called. He replied:Richard Leonard, the Scottish Labour leader, has sidestepped a question about whether the party would be for or against Brexit in a general election camapaign. On the BBC’s Good Morning Scotland this morning, he was asked directly about what the party’s stance would be if a general election was to be called. He replied:
It’s not a matter of campaigning for or against Brexit.It’s not a matter of campaigning for or against Brexit.
There has been a referendum in which people overall decided that we should leave the European Union and I have said repeatedly that I think the job of elected politicians is to look at the best way of extracting the best deal under those circumstances.There has been a referendum in which people overall decided that we should leave the European Union and I have said repeatedly that I think the job of elected politicians is to look at the best way of extracting the best deal under those circumstances.
Our policy on Brexit so far has been to try to secure the best deal. The manifesto of the Labour party will be decided by the Labour Party and we’ve got a process for determining that.Our policy on Brexit so far has been to try to secure the best deal. The manifesto of the Labour party will be decided by the Labour Party and we’ve got a process for determining that.
My view is that we had a referendum in 2016, our job has been to try to get the best deal.My view is that we had a referendum in 2016, our job has been to try to get the best deal.
In response the SNP deputy leader Keith Brown described Labour’s position on Brexit as “laughable”. He said:In response the SNP deputy leader Keith Brown described Labour’s position on Brexit as “laughable”. He said:
Labour have proved that they are gearing up, once again, to sell-out the people of Scotland - this time on Brexit. Their members must be in despair.Labour have proved that they are gearing up, once again, to sell-out the people of Scotland - this time on Brexit. Their members must be in despair.
Demanding a general election without a position on the biggest political issue of the day is the height of incompetence. In fact, it’s laughable.Demanding a general election without a position on the biggest political issue of the day is the height of incompetence. In fact, it’s laughable.
Downing Street has responded to Jeremy Hunt’s remarks on Today this morning. (See 9.35am.) A spokeswoman insisted to journalists at the lobby briefing that the foreign secretary had not said parliament would block no deal - but that it would “try very hard” to do so.Downing Street has responded to Jeremy Hunt’s remarks on Today this morning. (See 9.35am.) A spokeswoman insisted to journalists at the lobby briefing that the foreign secretary had not said parliament would block no deal - but that it would “try very hard” to do so.
The default position is that if the deal is not voted for, the UK will leave without one, and the only way to avoid that is to vote for her deal, she added.The default position is that if the deal is not voted for, the UK will leave without one, and the only way to avoid that is to vote for her deal, she added.
Asked whether article 50 might have to be extended to allow time to pass all the necessary legislation, either in the event of Theresa May’s deal being passed, or a no deal, the spokeswoman said:Asked whether article 50 might have to be extended to allow time to pass all the necessary legislation, either in the event of Theresa May’s deal being passed, or a no deal, the spokeswoman said:
We are obviously making progress with the legislation required in either scenario, and we will ensure that either way, we will have passed the necessary legislation - we will make sure the time is made available.We are obviously making progress with the legislation required in either scenario, and we will ensure that either way, we will have passed the necessary legislation - we will make sure the time is made available.
Pressed on an extension, she said: “It’s government policy that that’s not something we’re going to do.”Pressed on an extension, she said: “It’s government policy that that’s not something we’re going to do.”
The spokeswoman added that MPs could still expect to hear from the EU27 before next Tuesday’s meaningful vote.The spokeswoman added that MPs could still expect to hear from the EU27 before next Tuesday’s meaningful vote.
I think in terms of the assurances that the PM has said will be forthcoming, that will happen in the lead-up to the vote.I think in terms of the assurances that the PM has said will be forthcoming, that will happen in the lead-up to the vote.
Government sources suggest that is likely to happen on Monday.Government sources suggest that is likely to happen on Monday.
In the comments rscnrscn asks this. It’s a fair question and merits a reply.In the comments rscnrscn asks this. It’s a fair question and merits a reply.
Can I plead ignorance and ask someone to please answer a burning question I have:Can I plead ignorance and ask someone to please answer a burning question I have:
If (as expected) Jeremy Corbyn does not come out in favour of a People’s Vote, what is the likelihood of a vote being put before the house by another party or Labour backbencher and of this commanding enough support in the house in order to achieve a majority?If (as expected) Jeremy Corbyn does not come out in favour of a People’s Vote, what is the likelihood of a vote being put before the house by another party or Labour backbencher and of this commanding enough support in the house in order to achieve a majority?
Essentially, I am asking that in the event Corbyn does not give his personal backing, is there still a chance of a People’s Vote happening?Essentially, I am asking that in the event Corbyn does not give his personal backing, is there still a chance of a People’s Vote happening?
Thanks!Thanks!
The Lib Dems have already tabled two amendments to the Brexit deal motion being put to a vote next Tuesday calling for a people’s vote. One is an amendment to the Labour amendment, and another is an amendment to the motion in its own right.The Lib Dems have already tabled two amendments to the Brexit deal motion being put to a vote next Tuesday calling for a people’s vote. One is an amendment to the Labour amendment, and another is an amendment to the motion in its own right.
We don’t know yet whether they will be put to a vote.We don’t know yet whether they will be put to a vote.
One possibility is that the Lib Dems might withdraw them (ie, choose voluntarily not to put them to a vote if given the chance). The People’s Vote campaign want them to do that. That’s because People’s Vote don’t want the vote on this issue to take place until Labour is committed to whipping its MPs in favour, and they fear that if the vote happens on Tuesday, and the second referendum option gets defeated (perhaps by a large majority), then the campaign will lose momentum. People’s Vote would like to see a vote on a no confidence motion soon, because if the government were to win that, then at that point Jeremy Corbyn would come under pressure to formally back a second referendum.One possibility is that the Lib Dems might withdraw them (ie, choose voluntarily not to put them to a vote if given the chance). The People’s Vote campaign want them to do that. That’s because People’s Vote don’t want the vote on this issue to take place until Labour is committed to whipping its MPs in favour, and they fear that if the vote happens on Tuesday, and the second referendum option gets defeated (perhaps by a large majority), then the campaign will lose momentum. People’s Vote would like to see a vote on a no confidence motion soon, because if the government were to win that, then at that point Jeremy Corbyn would come under pressure to formally back a second referendum.
Another possibility is that the Lib Dem amendments won’t get called anyway.Another possibility is that the Lib Dem amendments won’t get called anyway.
But if there is no vote on a second referendum next week, then it is quite likely we will get one soon, following the vote which means MPs would have to debate ‘plan B’ options by Monday week.But if there is no vote on a second referendum next week, then it is quite likely we will get one soon, following the vote which means MPs would have to debate ‘plan B’ options by Monday week.
If there is a vote in the Commons before MPs have voted on a no confidence motion (which could conceivably trigger a general election - Corbyn’s preferred option), then I expect Labour to order its MPs to abstain. That is what happened when there was a vote on a second referendum amendment to the EU withdrawal bill in December 2017. Only nine Labour MPs rebelled, and backed the amendment, and it was defeated by 319 votes to 23.If there is a vote in the Commons before MPs have voted on a no confidence motion (which could conceivably trigger a general election - Corbyn’s preferred option), then I expect Labour to order its MPs to abstain. That is what happened when there was a vote on a second referendum amendment to the EU withdrawal bill in December 2017. Only nine Labour MPs rebelled, and backed the amendment, and it was defeated by 319 votes to 23.
If there were a vote now, then I would expect dozens of Labour MPs to defy a whip to abstain and to vote in favour, and perhaps a dozen or more Tories. But even with the Lib Dems, the SNP, Plaid Cymru and the Green Caroline Lucas also voting for a second referendum, I can’t see the People’s Vote camp having any chance of winning, or even coming close, without Labour whipping its MPs in favour. There is much more support for the idea now than there was in December 2017, but MPs do not rebel against the party whip lightly, and it is important to remember than many MPs in the party - remainers as well as the relatively small number of leavers - have deep reservations about a second referendum.If there were a vote now, then I would expect dozens of Labour MPs to defy a whip to abstain and to vote in favour, and perhaps a dozen or more Tories. But even with the Lib Dems, the SNP, Plaid Cymru and the Green Caroline Lucas also voting for a second referendum, I can’t see the People’s Vote camp having any chance of winning, or even coming close, without Labour whipping its MPs in favour. There is much more support for the idea now than there was in December 2017, but MPs do not rebel against the party whip lightly, and it is important to remember than many MPs in the party - remainers as well as the relatively small number of leavers - have deep reservations about a second referendum.
(It is also worth pointing out that some in Labour claim that, even if the party did whip its MPs in favour, there is no guarantee a second referendum motion would pass because a large number of Labour MPs opposed to a second referendum would abstain, or vote against.)(It is also worth pointing out that some in Labour claim that, even if the party did whip its MPs in favour, there is no guarantee a second referendum motion would pass because a large number of Labour MPs opposed to a second referendum would abstain, or vote against.)
Even if MPs were to pass a motion calling for a second referendum, it would still not happen without legislation. And for that to happen you would need a government willing to draft a bill, allow time for it to be debated, and whip its MPs to vote for it. Personally, I find it almost impossible to imagine Theresa May, or any other Conservative leader, doing all of that. I also find it almost fairly hard imagine Corbyn going through that process too, although if the Labour party membership had him in an armlock, in those circumstances it could happen. At least he leads a party that wants a second referendum. But only around 10% of Conservative members support the idea, according to one survey, which is why it is such a remote possibility.Even if MPs were to pass a motion calling for a second referendum, it would still not happen without legislation. And for that to happen you would need a government willing to draft a bill, allow time for it to be debated, and whip its MPs to vote for it. Personally, I find it almost impossible to imagine Theresa May, or any other Conservative leader, doing all of that. I also find it almost fairly hard imagine Corbyn going through that process too, although if the Labour party membership had him in an armlock, in those circumstances it could happen. At least he leads a party that wants a second referendum. But only around 10% of Conservative members support the idea, according to one survey, which is why it is such a remote possibility.
Sir Nicholas Soames, the Conservative former defence minister, is speaking in the Brexit debate now. He starts by questioning Diane Abbott’s decision to raise the Dearlove/Guthrie letter. (See 10.15am and 10.26am.) He says he has looked into the claims very carefully and concluded that the letter is “not only incorrect but ... also inappropriate”. He says he deeply regrets the fact that it was written.Sir Nicholas Soames, the Conservative former defence minister, is speaking in the Brexit debate now. He starts by questioning Diane Abbott’s decision to raise the Dearlove/Guthrie letter. (See 10.15am and 10.26am.) He says he has looked into the claims very carefully and concluded that the letter is “not only incorrect but ... also inappropriate”. He says he deeply regrets the fact that it was written.
He is now backing the deal. He says the public are getting fed up with this debate and want MPs to make a decision. He praises Theresa May’s deal as a clever compromise and he says if MPs reject it, “they will with absolute certainty be voting for chaos, with the outcome very likely the opposite of what they intended.”He is now backing the deal. He says the public are getting fed up with this debate and want MPs to make a decision. He praises Theresa May’s deal as a clever compromise and he says if MPs reject it, “they will with absolute certainty be voting for chaos, with the outcome very likely the opposite of what they intended.”
Abbott is still speaking, but the Conservative MP Peter Heaton-Jones intervenes to raise a point about the Dearlove/Guthrie letter. (See 10.15am.) He quotes this tweet from Lord Ricketts, a former national security adviser, saying the claims in their letter are wrong.Abbott is still speaking, but the Conservative MP Peter Heaton-Jones intervenes to raise a point about the Dearlove/Guthrie letter. (See 10.15am.) He quotes this tweet from Lord Ricketts, a former national security adviser, saying the claims in their letter are wrong.
The claims in this letter are nonsense. Our intelligence links with the US have nothing to do with the EU and w’d be unaffected by the deal. Law enforcement cooperation is in our national interest. If we wanted to join an EU military mission that would be our sovereign choice. https://t.co/oWztTksqpyThe claims in this letter are nonsense. Our intelligence links with the US have nothing to do with the EU and w’d be unaffected by the deal. Law enforcement cooperation is in our national interest. If we wanted to join an EU military mission that would be our sovereign choice. https://t.co/oWztTksqpy
Sajid Javid, the home secretary, also intervenes. He says he has a lot of respect for Sir Richard Dearlove and Lord Guthrie, but that their claims in this letter “are wrong”. He says there is nothing in the withdrawal agreement that affects the UK’s membership of Nato, or its security alliance with the US and its other “five eyes” partners.Sajid Javid, the home secretary, also intervenes. He says he has a lot of respect for Sir Richard Dearlove and Lord Guthrie, but that their claims in this letter “are wrong”. He says there is nothing in the withdrawal agreement that affects the UK’s membership of Nato, or its security alliance with the US and its other “five eyes” partners.
In response, Abbott does not defend the arguments in the letter fully, but she says that these issues are at least debatable and that the Brexit deal does not provide enough assurances. She also says that one of Labour’s six tests for the Brexit deal relates to security (“does it protect national security and our capacity to tackle cross-border crime?”). She says the deal fails this test, because it does not necessarily protect national security and maintain the UK’s ability to deal with cross-border crime.In response, Abbott does not defend the arguments in the letter fully, but she says that these issues are at least debatable and that the Brexit deal does not provide enough assurances. She also says that one of Labour’s six tests for the Brexit deal relates to security (“does it protect national security and our capacity to tackle cross-border crime?”). She says the deal fails this test, because it does not necessarily protect national security and maintain the UK’s ability to deal with cross-border crime.
In the Commons Abbott has just raised this letter, from Sir Richard Dearlove, the former head of MI6, and Lord Guthrie, the former head of the army, saying Theresa May’s withdrawal agreement would threaten national security.In the Commons Abbott has just raised this letter, from Sir Richard Dearlove, the former head of MI6, and Lord Guthrie, the former head of the army, saying Theresa May’s withdrawal agreement would threaten national security.
Devastating warning from former head of MI6 Sir Richard Dearlove and former Chief of the Defence Staff Lord Guthrie. “The Withdrawal Agreement...would place control of aspects of our national security in foreign hands” pic.twitter.com/HGTWHggQesDevastating warning from former head of MI6 Sir Richard Dearlove and former Chief of the Defence Staff Lord Guthrie. “The Withdrawal Agreement...would place control of aspects of our national security in foreign hands” pic.twitter.com/HGTWHggQes
Abbott says Dearlove and Guthrie “know a lot more about security” than either Sajid Javid, the home secretary, or indeed herself.Abbott says Dearlove and Guthrie “know a lot more about security” than either Sajid Javid, the home secretary, or indeed herself.
In the Commons Diane Abbott, the shadow home secretary, is speaking now. She says that Labour wants to “honour the referendum vote”.In the Commons Diane Abbott, the shadow home secretary, is speaking now. She says that Labour wants to “honour the referendum vote”.
Amber Rudd, the work and pensions secretary, has become the third cabinet minister in recent days to signal that she would resign rather than support a government implementing a no-deal Brexit.Amber Rudd, the work and pensions secretary, has become the third cabinet minister in recent days to signal that she would resign rather than support a government implementing a no-deal Brexit.
In an interview on the Today programme this morning Rudd said she was “committed” to ensuring the UK does not leave the EU without a deal. Asked whether she agreed with a previous claim from Jeremy Hunt, the foreign secretary, that the UK could thrive in the event of a no-deal Brexit, she replied:In an interview on the Today programme this morning Rudd said she was “committed” to ensuring the UK does not leave the EU without a deal. Asked whether she agreed with a previous claim from Jeremy Hunt, the foreign secretary, that the UK could thrive in the event of a no-deal Brexit, she replied:
This is a strong and great country, we will find a way to succeed, but I do not think that no deal would be good for this country and I’m committed to making sure we find an alternative.This is a strong and great country, we will find a way to succeed, but I do not think that no deal would be good for this country and I’m committed to making sure we find an alternative.
Rudd declined three times to say that she would remain in the government if it opted for a no-deal Brexit. On the final occasion, when Today’s Justin Webb asked if she would quit if Theresa May implemented a no-deal Brexit, Rudd cut him short by saying: “Thank you very much, Justin.”Rudd declined three times to say that she would remain in the government if it opted for a no-deal Brexit. On the final occasion, when Today’s Justin Webb asked if she would quit if Theresa May implemented a no-deal Brexit, Rudd cut him short by saying: “Thank you very much, Justin.”
Yesterday Greg Clark, the business secretary, signalled that he would resign if the government opted for no deal. And David Gauke, the justice secretary, has also effectively said the same thing.Yesterday Greg Clark, the business secretary, signalled that he would resign if the government opted for no deal. And David Gauke, the justice secretary, has also effectively said the same thing.
Labour’s Mike Gapes intervenes. He asks Javid to admit that the claim by Vote Leave in the EU referendum, that 75m Turks could come to the UK if the UK stayed in the EU and Turkey joined, was wrong.Labour’s Mike Gapes intervenes. He asks Javid to admit that the claim by Vote Leave in the EU referendum, that 75m Turks could come to the UK if the UK stayed in the EU and Turkey joined, was wrong.
Javid says it was wrong. He says people from Vote Leave have admitted as much.Javid says it was wrong. He says people from Vote Leave have admitted as much.
That seems to be a reference to Michael Gove, the environment secretary, who has spoken about his reservations about this aspect of the Vote Leave campaign.That seems to be a reference to Michael Gove, the environment secretary, who has spoken about his reservations about this aspect of the Vote Leave campaign.
Sajid Javid, the home secretary, is opening the debate now.Sajid Javid, the home secretary, is opening the debate now.
He says people voted in the referendum to take back control of immigration policy and to ensure immigration is reduced to sustainable levels. The policy announced in the immigration white paper at the end of last year will achieve that, he says.He says people voted in the referendum to take back control of immigration policy and to ensure immigration is reduced to sustainable levels. The policy announced in the immigration white paper at the end of last year will achieve that, he says.
The Commons Brexit debate is about to start.The Commons Brexit debate is about to start.
But, first, there are a series of points of order. Labour MPs are complaining about the fact that Amber Rudd, the work and pensions secretary, is announcing changes to her policy on universal credit in a speech outside the Commons, not in a statement to MPs. John Bercow, the speaker, has just effectively reprimanded her, saying major policy changes should be announced to parliament first.But, first, there are a series of points of order. Labour MPs are complaining about the fact that Amber Rudd, the work and pensions secretary, is announcing changes to her policy on universal credit in a speech outside the Commons, not in a statement to MPs. John Bercow, the speaker, has just effectively reprimanded her, saying major policy changes should be announced to parliament first.
Jeremy Hunt, the foreign secretary, was on the Today programme this morning and he made an interesting assertion. The chances of Brexit being halted are going up, he claimed. Here are the key points.Jeremy Hunt, the foreign secretary, was on the Today programme this morning and he made an interesting assertion. The chances of Brexit being halted are going up, he claimed. Here are the key points.
Hunt claimed that events in the Commons this week showed the chances of Brexit being stopped are rising. Speaking about the vote on Theresa May’s Brexit deal next Tuesday, he said:Hunt claimed that events in the Commons this week showed the chances of Brexit being stopped are rising. Speaking about the vote on Theresa May’s Brexit deal next Tuesday, he said:
The parliamentary arithmetic is challenging. But, also, the choices are very clear. And I think after this week things have changed. Up till now I think people have quite rightly been worrying about the prospects of no deal. Now there is another possibility coming into sight, which is actually no Brexit.The parliamentary arithmetic is challenging. But, also, the choices are very clear. And I think after this week things have changed. Up till now I think people have quite rightly been worrying about the prospects of no deal. Now there is another possibility coming into sight, which is actually no Brexit.
And why is that? We have a government that is committed to delivering Brexit. But it doesn’t have a majority.And why is that? We have a government that is committed to delivering Brexit. But it doesn’t have a majority.
He also claimed that, if Brexit were halted, the consequences for democracy would be very severe.He also claimed that, if Brexit were halted, the consequences for democracy would be very severe.
If this deal is rejected, ultimately what we may end up with is not a different type of Brexit but Brexit paralysis. And Brexit paralysis ultimately could lead to no Brexit.If this deal is rejected, ultimately what we may end up with is not a different type of Brexit but Brexit paralysis. And Brexit paralysis ultimately could lead to no Brexit.
I’m saying this would be [an] incredibly damaging breach of trust and it would also be very bad for Britain’s reputation abroad, having decided to leave the EU, if we in the end for whatever reasons found we weren’t able to do it.I’m saying this would be [an] incredibly damaging breach of trust and it would also be very bad for Britain’s reputation abroad, having decided to leave the EU, if we in the end for whatever reasons found we weren’t able to do it.
If we were, as a political class, not to deliver Brexit, that would be a fundamental breach of trust between the people and the politicians. I think that is something that we would regret for many, many generations.If we were, as a political class, not to deliver Brexit, that would be a fundamental breach of trust between the people and the politicians. I think that is something that we would regret for many, many generations.
For many Guardian readers, the claim that the odds on Britain staying in the EU are shortening may come as a welcome piece of good news. But it was fairly obvious that Hunt was not speaking with the intention of cheering remainers. Instead, he wants to scare Tory Brexiters into supporting May’s deal.For many Guardian readers, the claim that the odds on Britain staying in the EU are shortening may come as a welcome piece of good news. But it was fairly obvious that Hunt was not speaking with the intention of cheering remainers. Instead, he wants to scare Tory Brexiters into supporting May’s deal.
This is not the first time the government has talked about the possibility of Brexit being halted. Theresa May explicitly raised this as one of three possible Brexit outcomes when she addressed the nation after the five-hour cabinet meeting that approved her Brexit plan. But she since she has been wary about repeating the claim, sometimes admitting that Brexit could be stopped and at other times declaring that the the UK will leave the EU on 29 March come what may. ITV’s Robert Peston suspects that she may not be happy with Hunt saying the choice is now just her deal or remain.This is not the first time the government has talked about the possibility of Brexit being halted. Theresa May explicitly raised this as one of three possible Brexit outcomes when she addressed the nation after the five-hour cabinet meeting that approved her Brexit plan. But she since she has been wary about repeating the claim, sometimes admitting that Brexit could be stopped and at other times declaring that the the UK will leave the EU on 29 March come what may. ITV’s Robert Peston suspects that she may not be happy with Hunt saying the choice is now just her deal or remain.
.@Jeremy_Hunt now framing the choice as @theresa_may’s Brexit or a referendum and no Brexit. This feels like quite a big moment. I am not sure @theresa_may will thank him.@Jeremy_Hunt now framing the choice as @theresa_may’s Brexit or a referendum and no Brexit. This feels like quite a big moment. I am not sure @theresa_may will thank him
Hunt said John Bercow, the speaker, was now actively working against the government. He said:Hunt said John Bercow, the speaker, was now actively working against the government. He said:
And we have seen this week that there is a speaker who is willing to frustrate the government at every opportunity.And we have seen this week that there is a speaker who is willing to frustrate the government at every opportunity.
He cited this as one reason why remaining in the EU has become more likely.He cited this as one reason why remaining in the EU has become more likely.
Hunt claimed parliament was not likely to allow a no-deal Brexit. He said:Hunt claimed parliament was not likely to allow a no-deal Brexit. He said:
I think it’s now looking much less likely that parliament would allow a no-deal outcome anyway. We have seen from this week that parliament has the ability to assert itself and to shape outcomes.I think it’s now looking much less likely that parliament would allow a no-deal outcome anyway. We have seen from this week that parliament has the ability to assert itself and to shape outcomes.
I think parliament is very committed to try to stop no-deal, but I think we have to recognise that there is a deal on the table, it does broadly deliver the Brexit people voted for, and if we don’t find a way to get this through, we are taking some very big risks.I think parliament is very committed to try to stop no-deal, but I think we have to recognise that there is a deal on the table, it does broadly deliver the Brexit people voted for, and if we don’t find a way to get this through, we are taking some very big risks.
This was another part of Hunt’s argument as to why Brexit being abandoned has become more likely. His claim is arguable, although not wholly persuasive. Although the Commons has flexed his muscles this week, it is still a mistake to think that, just because a majority of MPs oppose a no-deal Brexit, a no-deal Brexit cannot happen. I explained why in a lengthy post here towards the end of last year.This was another part of Hunt’s argument as to why Brexit being abandoned has become more likely. His claim is arguable, although not wholly persuasive. Although the Commons has flexed his muscles this week, it is still a mistake to think that, just because a majority of MPs oppose a no-deal Brexit, a no-deal Brexit cannot happen. I explained why in a lengthy post here towards the end of last year.
Here is the agenda for the day.Here is the agenda for the day.
9.30am: Sajid Javid, the home secretary, opens day three of the Brexit debate. Jeremy Hunt, the foreign secretary, will close the debate at about 2pm.9.30am: Sajid Javid, the home secretary, opens day three of the Brexit debate. Jeremy Hunt, the foreign secretary, will close the debate at about 2pm.
9.30am: Caroline Lucas, the Green MP, speaks at a convention on a second EU referendum. Other speakers include Dominic Grieve, the Conservative pro-European, and the singer Jarvis Cocker.9.30am: Caroline Lucas, the Green MP, speaks at a convention on a second EU referendum. Other speakers include Dominic Grieve, the Conservative pro-European, and the singer Jarvis Cocker.
10.15am: Amber Rudd, the work and pensions secretary, gives a speech. As my colleague Peter Walker reports, she will announce a partial rollback to the two-child limit on universal credit payments.10.15am: Amber Rudd, the work and pensions secretary, gives a speech. As my colleague Peter Walker reports, she will announce a partial rollback to the two-child limit on universal credit payments.
As usual, I will also be covering breaking political news as it happens, as well as bringing you the best reaction, comment and analysis from the web. I plan to post a summary when I finish, after 4pm.As usual, I will also be covering breaking political news as it happens, as well as bringing you the best reaction, comment and analysis from the web. I plan to post a summary when I finish, after 4pm.
You can read all the latest Guardian politics articles here. Here is the Politico Europe round-up of this morning’s political news. And here is the PoliticsHome list of today’s top 10 must-reads.You can read all the latest Guardian politics articles here. Here is the Politico Europe round-up of this morning’s political news. And here is the PoliticsHome list of today’s top 10 must-reads.
If you want to follow me or contact me on Twitter, I’m on @AndrewSparrow.If you want to follow me or contact me on Twitter, I’m on @AndrewSparrow.
I try to monitor the comments BTL but it is impossible to read them all. If you have a direct question, do include “Andrew” in it somewhere and I’m more likely to find it. I do try to answer questions, and if they are of general interest, I will post the question and reply ATL, although I can’t promise to do this for everyone.I try to monitor the comments BTL but it is impossible to read them all. If you have a direct question, do include “Andrew” in it somewhere and I’m more likely to find it. I do try to answer questions, and if they are of general interest, I will post the question and reply ATL, although I can’t promise to do this for everyone.
If you want to attract my attention quickly, it is probably better to use Twitter.If you want to attract my attention quickly, it is probably better to use Twitter.