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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
(about 1 hour later)
You can read the speeches from today’s Brexit debate on Hansard online, at least those delivered until 1pm, here. The rest will come online a bit later.
It wasn’t an especially memorable debate, but here are some of the highlights not already featured.
The Labour former minister Jim Fitzpatrick said he was close to backing Theresa May’s deal. He said:
I’m talking myself into supporting the prime minister’s deal next Tuesday against no deal and against further delay. I’m not quite there yet but I’m not far away.
It seems the House isn’t yet there at all but at some point we need to recognise the danger of no deal is still there and the only real alternative on the table is the prime minister’s deal.
Labour’s Mike Gapes mocked his own party’s stance on Brexit. He said:
According to the brief from the PLP [parliamentary Labour party] this week we’re going for a sensible Brexit - whatever that is.
The reality is all over the country we know there is no such thing as a jobs-first Brexit, it is entirely about mitigating the damage ...
There’s no socialist Brexit, there’s no jobs-first Brexit, there’s no better Brexit.
The Conservative Michael Tomlinson said he would not support May’s deal even though he considered himself a “serial loyalist”. He said:
I have never rebelled against the government in my three-and-a-half years in this place, and I do so with a heavy heart but with a clear head that this is not the right deal.
Sir Mike Penning, the Conservative Brexiter and former minister, recalled John Bercow’s Eurosceptic youth. He recalled campaigning against the EU some years ago.
I remember vividly being in Blackpool in the Odeon for a fringe meeting. There was some chap called Norman Tebbit on that platform and a young upstart called John Bercow, and John Bercow made Mr Tebbit look a bit left wing. I think I’m absolutely right about that.
Following that excellent fringe meeting which was packed to the gunnels, mostly by Government whips trying to find out what we were up to, I got a phone call from the then said John Bercow, ‘could you make sure I’m on your fringe next year?’, I remember this very vividly, it’s in my diaries for future publication.
Peter Grant, the SNP’s Brexit spokesman, said that Michael Gove, the environment secretary, admitted in the debate yesterday that the “free movement” of race horses could be curtailed by a no-deal Brexit, affecting the Grand National. Grant went on:
I find it astonishing from the comments from the secretary of state for environment yesterday that this party of government seems more concerned about the welfare and free movement of race horses than they are about the welfare and free movement of people.
Bernard Jenkin, the Conservative Brexiter, said a no-deal Brexit would be better than extending article 50 or May’s deal. He went on:
The leadership of this country, and that includes the government and the opposition, should stop reinforcing weakness and start talking up our strengths and building up our confidence.
History has proved that our country can always rise to the challenge and our people will never forgive the politicians who allow the EU to inflict defeat, and it saddens me greatly that even some in my own party are promoting such a defeat.
Mark Francois, another Tory Brexiter and vice chair of the pro-Brexit European Research Group, said May’s deal would leave the UK a “vassal state”. He explained:
This treaty, if we were to approve it, would involve us giving up £39bn for nothing, would leave us as a rule-taker, would potentially lead us into a backstop from which there’s no escape, would threaten the break-up of the UK, and would still leave us under the suzerainty of the European Court of Justice - a vassal state.
This country has never bowed the knee to anyone in almost 1,000 years and I don’t believe we should start now.
We have never surrendered to anyone in this House and we never, ever will, including next Tuesday night.
According to Sam McBride, political editor of the Belfast News Letter, the civil service in Northern Ireland has contingency plans for fuel rationing. Officials have been asked to volunteer should it be necessary to set up 75 “strategically located” filling stations supplying “priority” vehicles if there is a major oil supply emergency. According to Stormont, this is routine planning, rather than Brexit-related, McBride reports.
The BBC’s Europe editor, Katya Adler, has a useful Twitter thread on what the EU might, or might not, do to help Theresa May get her deal through the Commons. It starts here.The BBC’s Europe editor, Katya Adler, has a useful Twitter thread on what the EU might, or might not, do to help Theresa May get her deal through the Commons. It starts here.
1) Pres Juncker just said on #Brexit "Don't force me to speculate, let me do what I can" (original in French: "laissez moi faire")1) Pres Juncker just said on #Brexit "Don't force me to speculate, let me do what I can" (original in French: "laissez moi faire")
The Commons debate is now over.The Commons debate is now over.
Hunt says leave-voting Labour voters will never forgive the party if it uses parliamentary procedures to stop Brexit.Hunt says leave-voting Labour voters will never forgive the party if it uses parliamentary procedures to stop Brexit.
Holding a second referendum would undermine trust in politics, he says.Holding a second referendum would undermine trust in politics, he says.
Labour’s Jo Stevens intervenes. She asks Hunt if he accepts that the false claims and cheating by the leave campaign in the referendum undermined trust.Labour’s Jo Stevens intervenes. She asks Hunt if he accepts that the false claims and cheating by the leave campaign in the referendum undermined trust.
Hunt says the allegations about broken rules are a matter for the Electoral Commission. But there were false claims on both sides of the campaign, he says.Hunt says the allegations about broken rules are a matter for the Electoral Commission. But there were false claims on both sides of the campaign, he says.
Jeremy Hunt, the foreign secretary, is speaking now.Jeremy Hunt, the foreign secretary, is speaking now.
He says Thornberry confirmed that Labour wants to end free movement. But he says Labour also wants frictionless trade, as if it were still in the single market. Both of those will not be possible, he says.He says Thornberry confirmed that Labour wants to end free movement. But he says Labour also wants frictionless trade, as if it were still in the single market. Both of those will not be possible, he says.
Hunt intervenes again: does Labour want end free movement?Hunt intervenes again: does Labour want end free movement?
Thornberry says, when the UK leaves the EU, free movement will end. What Labour wants after that is a fair migration system and managed migration, she says.Thornberry says, when the UK leaves the EU, free movement will end. What Labour wants after that is a fair migration system and managed migration, she says.
In the Commons we’re now on the frontbench winding up speeches. Emily Thornberry, the shadow foreign secretary, is speaking for Labour.In the Commons we’re now on the frontbench winding up speeches. Emily Thornberry, the shadow foreign secretary, is speaking for Labour.
She says Jeremy Hunt told the Today programme this morning that the government wanted assurances from the EU on the backstop with legal force. She challenges Hunt to confirm this when he speaks after her, and says, if there are legally binding changes to the withdrawal agreement, the government should be tabling amendments to the EU Withdrawal Act.She says Jeremy Hunt told the Today programme this morning that the government wanted assurances from the EU on the backstop with legal force. She challenges Hunt to confirm this when he speaks after her, and says, if there are legally binding changes to the withdrawal agreement, the government should be tabling amendments to the EU Withdrawal Act.
But there won’t be legally binding changes to the agreement, she says.But there won’t be legally binding changes to the agreement, she says.
She says at various times Hunt has appeared to dismiss a no-deal Brexit as unaccepable, and at other times he has said it might be necessary.She says at various times Hunt has appeared to dismiss a no-deal Brexit as unaccepable, and at other times he has said it might be necessary.
Hunt intervenes. He says he has always been consistent. He says he does not want no deal, but he thinks that in the end, even if there were one, the UK would be able to prosper.Hunt intervenes. He says he has always been consistent. He says he does not want no deal, but he thinks that in the end, even if there were one, the UK would be able to prosper.
And Dominic Grieve, one of the few Conservatives publicly calling for a second referendum on Brexit, is also urging Theresa May to delay Brexit, the BBC reports. Grieve was one one of the speakers at the second referendum convention this morning also addressed by Caroline Lucas. (See 1.37pm.)And Dominic Grieve, one of the few Conservatives publicly calling for a second referendum on Brexit, is also urging Theresa May to delay Brexit, the BBC reports. Grieve was one one of the speakers at the second referendum convention this morning also addressed by Caroline Lucas. (See 1.37pm.)
Some cabinet ministers think it is increasingly likely that Brexit will have to be delayed, Joe Murphy and Nicholas Cecil report in the Evening Standard, because there is not enough time to pass all the legislation required by 29 March. Their report goes on:Some cabinet ministers think it is increasingly likely that Brexit will have to be delayed, Joe Murphy and Nicholas Cecil report in the Evening Standard, because there is not enough time to pass all the legislation required by 29 March. Their report goes on:
A backlog of at least six essential bills that must be passed before Britain leaves the European Union has left ministers convinced the timetable will be extended.A backlog of at least six essential bills that must be passed before Britain leaves the European Union has left ministers convinced the timetable will be extended.
They include the much-delayed immigration bill.They include the much-delayed immigration bill.
Even asking MPs to sit at weekends and cancel their half-term holiday in February may not provide enough time to avoid asking for a delay, several sources have disclosed.Even asking MPs to sit at weekends and cancel their half-term holiday in February may not provide enough time to avoid asking for a delay, several sources have disclosed.
Today’s ⁦@EveningStandard⁩ exclusive - Ministers preparing to delay Brexit date as volume of legislation builds up & Murray bows out pic.twitter.com/yUFAFlh7HeToday’s ⁦@EveningStandard⁩ exclusive - Ministers preparing to delay Brexit date as volume of legislation builds up & Murray bows out pic.twitter.com/yUFAFlh7He
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: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 ...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.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.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.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.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?’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.And they voted “NO!” with a collective howl of rage.
That response was justified then - and it’s justified now.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.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.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 status quo in this country is intolerable for huge numbers of people.
That the social contract is broken and the power game is rigged.That the social contract is broken and the power game is rigged.
It is right and reasonable to be furious.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”.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.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 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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.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.The 2016 result should tell us that “project fear” won’t win people over.
They want hope ...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.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.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.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.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”.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 ...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.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.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.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?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.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.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.