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Brexit vote: Gove tells Tories they can 'improve' outcome if May's deal passed - Politics live Brexit vote: Gove tells Tories they can 'improve' outcome if May's deal passed - Politics live
(35 minutes later)
Here is some briefing from today’s cabinet.
From the Sun’s Tom Newton Dunn
I hear the PM just told Cabinet she will push on with her Brexit deal, no matter the size of tonight's defeat, as "it’s the only option". A big push from Rudd/Clark/Gauke/Perry to open talks with moderate Labour MPs, but rejected by Hunt/Javid/Fox/Lewis/Truss/Williamson.
Also: Greg Clark pushed the PM hard to formally rule out No Deal if the vote is lost, citing the “devastating” effect it would have on the car industry. She gave no firm reply.
Most striking contribution in Cabinet came from Brandon Lewis, someone in the room tells me. Tory chairman came down very hard on opening talks with Labour: “The party wouldn’t wear it,” he said.
From the Telegraph’s Steven Swinford
New from Cabinet:Told Amber Rudd called for an indicative vote on a motion to formally rule out no deal if PM is defeated this evening. She was supported by Clark, Gauke and Lidington. But there was strong pushback from Williamson, Javid , Leadsom, Hunt, Truss and Wright.
Greg Clark made a lengthy intervention on the potential impact of a no-deal Brexit on just in time deliveries. Some of his colleagues felt like they'd heard it before. 'It went on for some time,' said one.
Both Brandon Lewis and Jeremy Wright - Theresa May loyalists - intervened against Amber Rudd's idea of having an indicative vote to rule out a no-deal Brexit.
Also at Cabinet:The PM was warned not to reach out to the Labour Party in a bid to get her deal through.Eurosceptic ministers said the Govt should be using energy if defeated to secure further concessions from the EU, particularly on the backstop.
From the Mirror’s Pippa Crerar
NEW: No 10 says the PM told her cabinet that “the Government is the servant of the people” and she believes “passionately” that they must deliver on the result of the referendum.
Asked if they discussed Plan B, the PM’s official spokesman said: “Cabinet discussed the build up to the vote, the vote itself and what would happen after the vote”. So that’s a yes.
Once vote has taken place PM will respond “quickly” to the result. Read for that: immediately. Different reports on whether she told Cabinet she was planning to stick to her Plan A.
Will she accept vote of Parliament tonight? Her official spokesman says: “Yes”. But then adds PM is determined to deliver on result of referendum. She’s unlikely to be able to do both.
Another question from BTL.
@Andrew, Is an immediate election really inevitable if the Commons passes a vote of no confidence in Mrs May's government? Could not, under the terms of the Fixed Term Parliaments Act, the Privy Council be asked to recommend to the Queen someone to be an interim PM leading a government which promised to resolve the current impasse, legislate to annul the fixed term act and then call and then call a general election. That might just focus some minds, for an immediate election would surely be extremely fractious and unpopular.
If May lost a confidence motion, a general election would not be inevitable. It would only happen if no alternative PM was able to win a confidence motion within 14 days. The Fixed-term Parliaments Act does not say who should get a chance at forming a government, or in what order, but in practice May would stay as PM until she was able to recommend a successor to the Queen, and she would only do that when she had an assurance that someone - Boris Johnson? Jeremy Corbyn? Someone else entirely? - had the numbers to win a confidence motion.
Here is Nikki da Costa, who until recently was director of legislative affairs at Downing Street, on the possible significance of John Bercow’s decision not to give people in the Commons advance warning of the decision he will announce about what amendments he will call. (See 11.55am.)
Usually we'd know by now which amdts had been selected. I hear he intends to make announcement from the Chair. Just another moment in the spotlight, or far easier to make a controversial decision? The argument then has to happen on the floor of the House.
Nathalie Loiseau, the French Europe minister, has said it is up to the UK to come up with a Brexit back-up plan, not the EU, the BBC’s Adam Fleming reports.Nathalie Loiseau, the French Europe minister, has said it is up to the UK to come up with a Brexit back-up plan, not the EU, the BBC’s Adam Fleming reports.
On further #Brexit concessions French Europe minister @NathalieLoiseau says: “It’s up to the British Parliament and the British government to have a back-up plan in case. It’s not up to us, we have given everything we can give.”On further #Brexit concessions French Europe minister @NathalieLoiseau says: “It’s up to the British Parliament and the British government to have a back-up plan in case. It’s not up to us, we have given everything we can give.”
There is much attention focused on which of the dozen or so amendments to the deal will be accepted by the speaker, John Bercow to be voted on from 7pm. However, it seems we’re going to have to wait for the start of today’s debate at about 12.45pm.There is much attention focused on which of the dozen or so amendments to the deal will be accepted by the speaker, John Bercow to be voted on from 7pm. However, it seems we’re going to have to wait for the start of today’s debate at about 12.45pm.
News on what amendments have been accepted usually leak out in advance, But today, I’m told Bercow is keeping his plans close to his chest.News on what amendments have been accepted usually leak out in advance, But today, I’m told Bercow is keeping his plans close to his chest.
Everyone at Westminster is agreed that Theresa May will lose tonight by a wide margin. But there is no consensus as to quite huge her defeat will be, partly because we don’t know yet what amendments will be put to a vote, partly because some MPs change their mind at the last moment, and partly because Tory MPs who have said publicly that they will not support May’s deal can either vote against or abstain - making a big difference to the size of the overall defeat.Everyone at Westminster is agreed that Theresa May will lose tonight by a wide margin. But there is no consensus as to quite huge her defeat will be, partly because we don’t know yet what amendments will be put to a vote, partly because some MPs change their mind at the last moment, and partly because Tory MPs who have said publicly that they will not support May’s deal can either vote against or abstain - making a big difference to the size of the overall defeat.
But the Guardian, and other news organisations, have been crunching the numbers, and trying to predict what might happen. Here is a summary of the main forecasts available.But the Guardian, and other news organisations, have been crunching the numbers, and trying to predict what might happen. Here is a summary of the main forecasts available.
The GuardianThe Guardian
Our tally has 426 MPs committed to voting against the deal and 213 committed to voting in favour. That points to a government defeat by 213 votes, but these figures don’t include several dozen unconfirmed MPs who may well back May.Our tally has 426 MPs committed to voting against the deal and 213 committed to voting in favour. That points to a government defeat by 213 votes, but these figures don’t include several dozen unconfirmed MPs who may well back May.
How will your MP vote on Theresa May's Brexit deal?How will your MP vote on Theresa May's Brexit deal?
Sky NewsSky News
Sky News has May heading for a potential defeat by 200 votes or more. They have counted 423 MPs planning to vote against, and 185 MPs planning to vote in favour - which would point to a defeat by 238 votes - but, again, these figures do not include MPs who have not declared their intention.Sky News has May heading for a potential defeat by 200 votes or more. They have counted 423 MPs planning to vote against, and 185 MPs planning to vote in favour - which would point to a defeat by 238 votes - but, again, these figures do not include MPs who have not declared their intention.
The magic number that the prime minister needs to win the crucial Commons vote on 11 December is 318.The magic number that the prime minister needs to win the crucial Commons vote on 11 December is 318.
ConservativeHomeConservativeHome
The ConservativeHome website, a specialist website for Tory members, says 75 Conservative MP will definitely vote against May’s deal, another 26 will probably oppose it, and a further 10 May support it.The ConservativeHome website, a specialist website for Tory members, says 75 Conservative MP will definitely vote against May’s deal, another 26 will probably oppose it, and a further 10 May support it.
The Press AssociationThe Press Association
The Press Association has 256 MPs planning to vote in favour of the deal, and 383 planning to vote against. Those numbers would deliver a defeat by 127 votes.The Press Association has 256 MPs planning to vote in favour of the deal, and 383 planning to vote against. Those numbers would deliver a defeat by 127 votes.
A modest projection, maybe, but it's based on MPs who have so far said - on the record - they intend to vote against the deal. pic.twitter.com/TBLAxy34rbA modest projection, maybe, but it's based on MPs who have so far said - on the record - they intend to vote against the deal. pic.twitter.com/TBLAxy34rb
The TelegraphThe Telegraph
The Telegraph has counted 114 Tory MPs who will vote against the deal.The Telegraph has counted 114 Tory MPs who will vote against the deal.
BuzzFeedBuzzFeed
BuzzFeed also come up with 114 Tory MPs planning to vote against the deal, although their list does not seem to have been updated recently.BuzzFeed also come up with 114 Tory MPs planning to vote against the deal, although their list does not seem to have been updated recently.
Business leaders have given a last minute warning to MPs about the impact of a no-deal Brexit, saying the future of hundreds of thousands of jobs is in their hands, the Press Association reports. Industry groups have been calling for clarity over the UK leaving the EU, making it clear that the years of uncertainty have already affected investment plans.Business leaders have given a last minute warning to MPs about the impact of a no-deal Brexit, saying the future of hundreds of thousands of jobs is in their hands, the Press Association reports. Industry groups have been calling for clarity over the UK leaving the EU, making it clear that the years of uncertainty have already affected investment plans.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said:Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said:
As MPs prepare to vote on the government’s Brexit deal, we urge them to remember they hold the future of the British automotive industry - and the hundreds and thousands of jobs it supports - in their hands.As MPs prepare to vote on the government’s Brexit deal, we urge them to remember they hold the future of the British automotive industry - and the hundreds and thousands of jobs it supports - in their hands.
Brexit is already causing us damage, in output, costs and jobs, but this does not compare with the catastrophic consequences of being cut adrift from our biggest trading partner overnight.Brexit is already causing us damage, in output, costs and jobs, but this does not compare with the catastrophic consequences of being cut adrift from our biggest trading partner overnight.
The just-in-time nature of automotive means the impact of ‘no deal’ will be felt, not in months or weeks, but hours.The just-in-time nature of automotive means the impact of ‘no deal’ will be felt, not in months or weeks, but hours.
A managed ‘no deal’ is a fantasy - we would face immediate delivery shortages, disruption, additional costs and uncertainty.A managed ‘no deal’ is a fantasy - we would face immediate delivery shortages, disruption, additional costs and uncertainty.
Both government and parliament have a responsibility to take ‘no deal’ off the table or risk destroying this vital UK industry.Both government and parliament have a responsibility to take ‘no deal’ off the table or risk destroying this vital UK industry.
And Colin Stanbridge, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive, said:And Colin Stanbridge, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive, said:
It is staggering that we are now weeks away from leaving the EU and businesses still don’t know the terms of that departure and what preparations they require.It is staggering that we are now weeks away from leaving the EU and businesses still don’t know the terms of that departure and what preparations they require.
We simply should not be at this point this late in the day.We simply should not be at this point this late in the day.
Our most recent survey of over 500 London businesses showed all business confidence and economic indicators falling, some to their lowest recorded levels.Our most recent survey of over 500 London businesses showed all business confidence and economic indicators falling, some to their lowest recorded levels.
Businesses in the capital are seeing measurable damage from this uncertainty. Parliament must provide clarity on the terms of our exit from the EU.Businesses in the capital are seeing measurable damage from this uncertainty. Parliament must provide clarity on the terms of our exit from the EU.
The German government has denied a report in the Sun that chancellor Angela Merkel offered concessions to Theresa May after Tuesday’s vote. (See 10.40am.) “The German chancellor has given no assurances beyond those that were discussed by the European council in December and what is set out in the letter from [European commission president] Jean-Claude Juncker and [European council president] Donald Tusk,” a government spokesman said.The German government has denied a report in the Sun that chancellor Angela Merkel offered concessions to Theresa May after Tuesday’s vote. (See 10.40am.) “The German chancellor has given no assurances beyond those that were discussed by the European council in December and what is set out in the letter from [European commission president] Jean-Claude Juncker and [European council president] Donald Tusk,” a government spokesman said.
Here is the Conservative MP Nick Boles, who is now leading parliamentary efforts to stop a no-deal Brexit, on his colleagues from the European Research Group, which represents Tory MPs pushing for a harder Brexit.Here is the Conservative MP Nick Boles, who is now leading parliamentary efforts to stop a no-deal Brexit, on his colleagues from the European Research Group, which represents Tory MPs pushing for a harder Brexit.
Even Robespierre ends up getting consumed by the revolution. Read Hilary Mantel’s Place of Greater Safety and weep, citoyens of the ERG https://t.co/HnDTxfLKggEven Robespierre ends up getting consumed by the revolution. Read Hilary Mantel’s Place of Greater Safety and weep, citoyens of the ERG https://t.co/HnDTxfLKgg
This, from Reuters, comes as no great surprise ...This, from Reuters, comes as no great surprise ...
JUST IN: German Foreign Minister Maas says if May's Brexit deal is rejected by parliament today there could be new talks with the EU pic.twitter.com/yAuNFzOnwMJUST IN: German Foreign Minister Maas says if May's Brexit deal is rejected by parliament today there could be new talks with the EU pic.twitter.com/yAuNFzOnwM
Another question from BTL.Another question from BTL.
Andrew. Would it be possible if Corbyn won the vote of no confidence to run a GE and a referendum on the same day?Andrew. Would it be possible if Corbyn won the vote of no confidence to run a GE and a referendum on the same day?
So we could solve the election/referendum dilemma by holding both - thereby satisfying both Jeremy Corbyn and Chuka Umunna? In theory parliament can legislate for whatever it wants, but the Electoral Commission has always strongly opposed the idea of holding referendums on the same day as other elections, because the different issues might get muddled. So that’s not going to happen. Also, the timetables don’t overlap. An election can be held relatively quickly, but referendum campaigns take longer, mainly because a minimum of 10 weeks is allocated under legislation to enable the Electoral Commission to designate lead campaign groups on either side.So we could solve the election/referendum dilemma by holding both - thereby satisfying both Jeremy Corbyn and Chuka Umunna? In theory parliament can legislate for whatever it wants, but the Electoral Commission has always strongly opposed the idea of holding referendums on the same day as other elections, because the different issues might get muddled. So that’s not going to happen. Also, the timetables don’t overlap. An election can be held relatively quickly, but referendum campaigns take longer, mainly because a minimum of 10 weeks is allocated under legislation to enable the Electoral Commission to designate lead campaign groups on either side.
The German government has denied a story in today’s Sun claiming that Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, has given Theresa May an assurance that the EU will offer the UK new assurances if May loses the vote.The German government has denied a story in today’s Sun claiming that Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, has given Theresa May an assurance that the EU will offer the UK new assurances if May loses the vote.
The paper says:The paper says:
It has emerged that the PM has been given fresh hope of eventual success from a last minute offer of help from Angela Merkel ...It has emerged that the PM has been given fresh hope of eventual success from a last minute offer of help from Angela Merkel ...
A senior Government figure said the PM and Mrs Merkel agreed there needs to be “a blood-letting moment” first.A senior Government figure said the PM and Mrs Merkel agreed there needs to be “a blood-letting moment” first.
Dubbing the pair’s phone call on Sunday morning as “very positive”, the source added: “Merkel believes there is more the EU can do once the vote is over as no deal would be a disaster for everyone, and they agreed to talk after it”.Dubbing the pair’s phone call on Sunday morning as “very positive”, the source added: “Merkel believes there is more the EU can do once the vote is over as no deal would be a disaster for everyone, and they agreed to talk after it”.
This is from the BBC’s Berlin correspondent, Jenny Hill.This is from the BBC’s Berlin correspondent, Jenny Hill.
German govt tells BBC ‘content of a telephone conversation between the Chancellor & the PM has been wrongly reported by the Sun. The Chancellor made no assurances beyond what European Council agreed in Dec & what was laid out in the letter by Jean Claude Juncker & Donald Tusk’German govt tells BBC ‘content of a telephone conversation between the Chancellor & the PM has been wrongly reported by the Sun. The Chancellor made no assurances beyond what European Council agreed in Dec & what was laid out in the letter by Jean Claude Juncker & Donald Tusk’
This is from Arlene Foster, the DUP leader.This is from Arlene Foster, the DUP leader.
Tonight will be historic but for the wrong reasons. We will oppose the toxic backstop & vote against the WA. It’s time for a sensible deal which governs our exit from the EU & supports all parts of the UK.Tonight will be historic but for the wrong reasons. We will oppose the toxic backstop & vote against the WA. It’s time for a sensible deal which governs our exit from the EU & supports all parts of the UK.
A question from BTL, from JohnnyTheSailor.A question from BTL, from JohnnyTheSailor.
@Andrew. Is a Royal Commission a way out of this? That is, could Theresa May (or some other Prime Minister) withdraw Article 50 for the time being and call a cross-party Royal Commission to come up a solution that everybody can get behind?@Andrew. Is a Royal Commission a way out of this? That is, could Theresa May (or some other Prime Minister) withdraw Article 50 for the time being and call a cross-party Royal Commission to come up a solution that everybody can get behind?
No one is suggesting that, not least because royal commissions go on for ever (or “take minutes and last years”, as Harold Wilson put it). But Gordon Brown and Sir John Major are both among those arguing that deliberative democracy - ie, some form of citizens’ assembly - should be used to come up with a compromise proposal acceptable to the country as a whole. (The Guardian has also backed the idea in its main Brexit leader.) Citizens’ assemblies are probably the 21st century equivalent of royal commissions - ie preferred solutions to problems that party politics cannot solve. But neither Theresa May or Jeremy Corbyn are interested at the moment, and without one or both of them coming out in favour, the idea is probably a non-starter.No one is suggesting that, not least because royal commissions go on for ever (or “take minutes and last years”, as Harold Wilson put it). But Gordon Brown and Sir John Major are both among those arguing that deliberative democracy - ie, some form of citizens’ assembly - should be used to come up with a compromise proposal acceptable to the country as a whole. (The Guardian has also backed the idea in its main Brexit leader.) Citizens’ assemblies are probably the 21st century equivalent of royal commissions - ie preferred solutions to problems that party politics cannot solve. But neither Theresa May or Jeremy Corbyn are interested at the moment, and without one or both of them coming out in favour, the idea is probably a non-starter.
David Mundell, the Scottish secretary, told the BBC’s Good Morning Scotland that, if the government loses the vote, MPs should be asked to consider the matter again. He said:David Mundell, the Scottish secretary, told the BBC’s Good Morning Scotland that, if the government loses the vote, MPs should be asked to consider the matter again. He said:
My feeling now is that there’s a significant number of MPs who feel that they need to - in this initial vote - vote against the deal.My feeling now is that there’s a significant number of MPs who feel that they need to - in this initial vote - vote against the deal.
Asked what should happen if the government lost, he went on:Asked what should happen if the government lost, he went on:
I think that everybody has to reflect on the outcome of the vote.I think that everybody has to reflect on the outcome of the vote.
I’ve said before, and I’m still very clear, that the obvious option following this vote - if it wasn’t to go through - is to revisit the vote.I’ve said before, and I’m still very clear, that the obvious option following this vote - if it wasn’t to go through - is to revisit the vote.
I don’t want to see a situation where there are repeat votes.I don’t want to see a situation where there are repeat votes.
I do see that there are a number of people who clearly want in the vote tonight to register their position and view on the deal, but I hope that if there is another vote on this their actual thought process will be one of: ‘What are the alternatives?’I do see that there are a number of people who clearly want in the vote tonight to register their position and view on the deal, but I hope that if there is another vote on this their actual thought process will be one of: ‘What are the alternatives?’
Fourteen amendments to the government’s main Brexit motion are on the order paper this morning. You can read them all here (pdf).Fourteen amendments to the government’s main Brexit motion are on the order paper this morning. You can read them all here (pdf).
John Bercow, the speaker, will announce at the start of the debate which ones he will put to a vote, although we will probably learn about his decision before the debate starts at around 12.45pm, because the whips do get warning about what he has decided.John Bercow, the speaker, will announce at the start of the debate which ones he will put to a vote, although we will probably learn about his decision before the debate starts at around 12.45pm, because the whips do get warning about what he has decided.
One of the most important ones is the amendment tabled by the Conservative Sir Hugo Swire. This is intended to impose conditions on the operation of the backstop, and the government is backing it, although there is a debate about how much impact some of its clauses would have in practice.One of the most important ones is the amendment tabled by the Conservative Sir Hugo Swire. This is intended to impose conditions on the operation of the backstop, and the government is backing it, although there is a debate about how much impact some of its clauses would have in practice.
On the Today programme this morning Swire explained why he thought his amendment was needed.On the Today programme this morning Swire explained why he thought his amendment was needed.
The fact is that I think without movement on this part of the withdrawal bill, the chances of it getting through this evening are nil.The fact is that I think without movement on this part of the withdrawal bill, the chances of it getting through this evening are nil.
Despite the EU’s insistence that it will not accept a time limit on the backstop, Swire said his amendment and a similar one tabled by Andrew Murrison would give Theresa May “elbow room to go back to Brussels and say, ‘It is in this area that there can be movement’.”Despite the EU’s insistence that it will not accept a time limit on the backstop, Swire said his amendment and a similar one tabled by Andrew Murrison would give Theresa May “elbow room to go back to Brussels and say, ‘It is in this area that there can be movement’.”
On Sky’s All Out Politics Sir Vince Cable, the Lib Dem leader, said that if Theresa May lost the vote tonight, Labour should table a motion of no confidence in the government tonight or tomorrow. Many people think Jeremy Corbyn will announce one tonight, but Andy McDonald, the shadow transport secretary, told the same programme that it would happen “soon”.On Sky’s All Out Politics Sir Vince Cable, the Lib Dem leader, said that if Theresa May lost the vote tonight, Labour should table a motion of no confidence in the government tonight or tomorrow. Many people think Jeremy Corbyn will announce one tonight, but Andy McDonald, the shadow transport secretary, told the same programme that it would happen “soon”.
Here are some more lines from Michael Gove’s interview on Today.Here are some more lines from Michael Gove’s interview on Today.
Gove, the Brexiter environment secretary, refused to say that he expected Theresa May to win tonight’s vote.Gove, the Brexiter environment secretary, refused to say that he expected Theresa May to win tonight’s vote.
He said there were MPs in the Commons determined to prevent Brexit. He said:He said there were MPs in the Commons determined to prevent Brexit. He said:
The real danger is if people do not vote for the government this evening, we face either a no-deal Brexit, with the short-term economic damage that would bring, or worse: no Brexit at all.The real danger is if people do not vote for the government this evening, we face either a no-deal Brexit, with the short-term economic damage that would bring, or worse: no Brexit at all.
We know there are people in the House of Commons and outside who have never made their peace with this decision, who want to overturn it.We know there are people in the House of Commons and outside who have never made their peace with this decision, who want to overturn it.
He said the backstop amounted to “a trap for the EU” and “a whole bowl of glistening cherries” for the UK. He explained:He said the backstop amounted to “a trap for the EU” and “a whole bowl of glistening cherries” for the UK. He explained:
I think the whole point about the backstop is that it’s deeply uncomfortable for the EU.I think the whole point about the backstop is that it’s deeply uncomfortable for the EU.
If it is a trap for anyone, it’s a trap for the EU. Why? Because the European Union said at the very beginning of this process that there would be no cherry-picking, the four freedoms of the single market were indivisible.If it is a trap for anyone, it’s a trap for the EU. Why? Because the European Union said at the very beginning of this process that there would be no cherry-picking, the four freedoms of the single market were indivisible.
But we have picked a whole bowl of glistening cherries, we have free access to the European market with no tariffs and no quotas but at the same time we say that European citizens have no freedom of movement.But we have picked a whole bowl of glistening cherries, we have free access to the European market with no tariffs and no quotas but at the same time we say that European citizens have no freedom of movement.
We don’t pay a penny for that access, if we are worried about money after we leave and when we are in the backstop, and at the same time we can say to European nations, ‘Do you know what? Access to our territorial waters for fishing, access to our exclusive economic zone, forget about it’.We don’t pay a penny for that access, if we are worried about money after we leave and when we are in the backstop, and at the same time we can say to European nations, ‘Do you know what? Access to our territorial waters for fishing, access to our exclusive economic zone, forget about it’.
We are in a stronger position in the backstop.We are in a stronger position in the backstop.
This, of course, begs the question, if the backstop really amounts to such a positive outcome for the UK, why Gove and his cabinet colleagues also insist that they hope it will never be needed.This, of course, begs the question, if the backstop really amounts to such a positive outcome for the UK, why Gove and his cabinet colleagues also insist that they hope it will never be needed.
The Press Association has also filed its own explanation of what the Game of Thrones “winter is coming” catchphrase, that Gove also quoted in his interview (see 9.11am), refers to. It is a warning about how “cold weather heralds the arrival of an apocalyptic army of the frozen undead on the borders of the fictional land of Westeros”, the Press Association says. They are led by this chap, the Night King.The Press Association has also filed its own explanation of what the Game of Thrones “winter is coming” catchphrase, that Gove also quoted in his interview (see 9.11am), refers to. It is a warning about how “cold weather heralds the arrival of an apocalyptic army of the frozen undead on the borders of the fictional land of Westeros”, the Press Association says. They are led by this chap, the Night King.
My colleague Patrick Wintour just thinks Gove has got his seasons muddled.My colleague Patrick Wintour just thinks Gove has got his seasons muddled.
Michael Gove, adapting John Snow, says “ If we don’t vote for the deal tonight, winter is coming”. It’s January, so in truth Spring is coming. The British Spring.Michael Gove, adapting John Snow, says “ If we don’t vote for the deal tonight, winter is coming”. It’s January, so in truth Spring is coming. The British Spring.
“To govern is to choose,” the French prime minister Pierre Mendes-France once famously said, and today the UK faces the most important choice moment since it voted to leave the European Union almost three years ago. But tonight we expected to find that what parliament chooses doesn’t match what the government has already chosen. And both the legislature and the executive are trying implement what the public chose in a crude, binary referendum that subverted the normal system of parliamentary democracy. It’s all a horrible mess, and quite where it will end up remains anyone’s guess.“To govern is to choose,” the French prime minister Pierre Mendes-France once famously said, and today the UK faces the most important choice moment since it voted to leave the European Union almost three years ago. But tonight we expected to find that what parliament chooses doesn’t match what the government has already chosen. And both the legislature and the executive are trying implement what the public chose in a crude, binary referendum that subverted the normal system of parliamentary democracy. It’s all a horrible mess, and quite where it will end up remains anyone’s guess.
Michael Gove, the Brexiter environment secretary, was on the Today programme earlier making a last-minute bid to persuade MPs to back Theresa May’s Brexit deal and he argued that, if it passes, there will be an opportunity to “improve” Brexit in the next stage of the talks (the trade negotiations due to start after the EU has left). He told the programme:Michael Gove, the Brexiter environment secretary, was on the Today programme earlier making a last-minute bid to persuade MPs to back Theresa May’s Brexit deal and he argued that, if it passes, there will be an opportunity to “improve” Brexit in the next stage of the talks (the trade negotiations due to start after the EU has left). He told the programme:
I’m saying [to MPs] look fairly at this deal. This is the door through which we can walk in order to ensure that we are outside the European Union and we can determine our future ... This deal is stage one. We can improve this process because in stage two, as we negotiate the final status of our trade and other relationships with the European Union, we can choose, and we are in a stronger position. That is the critical question which faces the House of Commons today. Do we walk through that door? Or do we lock it?I’m saying [to MPs] look fairly at this deal. This is the door through which we can walk in order to ensure that we are outside the European Union and we can determine our future ... This deal is stage one. We can improve this process because in stage two, as we negotiate the final status of our trade and other relationships with the European Union, we can choose, and we are in a stronger position. That is the critical question which faces the House of Commons today. Do we walk through that door? Or do we lock it?
He also invoked the Game of Thrones to convey a sense of how awful it would be if May’s deal were voted down.He also invoked the Game of Thrones to convey a sense of how awful it would be if May’s deal were voted down.
I think if we don’t vote for the deal tonight, in the words of Jon Snow, “winter is coming.” I think if we don’t vote for the deal tonight we will do damage to our democracy by saying to people that we are not going to implement Brexit, and the opportunity that all of us have to live up to our democratic obligations is clear.I think if we don’t vote for the deal tonight, in the words of Jon Snow, “winter is coming.” I think if we don’t vote for the deal tonight we will do damage to our democracy by saying to people that we are not going to implement Brexit, and the opportunity that all of us have to live up to our democratic obligations is clear.
(If you’re not familiar with it, Game of Thrones is an epic TV drama in which a bunch of mostly sociopathic members of the ruling class constantly feud with each other, resulting in them wrecking havoc on a country loosely modelled on the UK. Comparisons with Brexit are, of course, coincidental, but Gove is a big fan.)(If you’re not familiar with it, Game of Thrones is an epic TV drama in which a bunch of mostly sociopathic members of the ruling class constantly feud with each other, resulting in them wrecking havoc on a country loosely modelled on the UK. Comparisons with Brexit are, of course, coincidental, but Gove is a big fan.)
Gove’s intervention is unlikely to help May much. As we report in our overnight preview, she is facing a crushing defeat.Gove’s intervention is unlikely to help May much. As we report in our overnight preview, she is facing a crushing defeat.
May faces crushing Brexit defeat despite last-minute plea to MPsMay faces crushing Brexit defeat despite last-minute plea to MPs
And her position has not been helped by the fact that the Labour MP Hilary Benn has this morning announced that he has withdrawn an amendment that, had it been put to a vote, might have minimised the apparent scale of May’s defeat. My colleague Jessica Elgot explains all here.And her position has not been helped by the fact that the Labour MP Hilary Benn has this morning announced that he has withdrawn an amendment that, had it been put to a vote, might have minimised the apparent scale of May’s defeat. My colleague Jessica Elgot explains all here.
Labour's Hilary Benn withdraws amendment to May’s Brexit dealLabour's Hilary Benn withdraws amendment to May’s Brexit deal
Here is the agenda for the day.Here is the agenda for the day.
9.30am: Theresa May chairs cabinet.9.30am: Theresa May chairs cabinet.
After 12.45pm: Geoffrey Cox, the attorney general, opens the final day of the Brexit debate.After 12.45pm: Geoffrey Cox, the attorney general, opens the final day of the Brexit debate.
After 6pm: Jeremy Corbyn and Theresa May wind up the Brexit debate.After 6pm: Jeremy Corbyn and Theresa May wind up the Brexit debate.
7pm: MPs start voting. Quite how long the process takes depends on how many amendments John Bercow, the speaker, calls, but with each vote taking 15 minutes, and there being a good chance there could be half a dozen or more votes, it is possible that the final vote on the main motion may not come until nearer 9pm. If, as expected, May loses, MPs will expect her to give some sort of immediate response in the Commons chamber, as a point of order. At this point Corbyn could also use a point of order to announce that he will be tabling a motion of no confidence in the government.7pm: MPs start voting. Quite how long the process takes depends on how many amendments John Bercow, the speaker, calls, but with each vote taking 15 minutes, and there being a good chance there could be half a dozen or more votes, it is possible that the final vote on the main motion may not come until nearer 9pm. If, as expected, May loses, MPs will expect her to give some sort of immediate response in the Commons chamber, as a point of order. At this point Corbyn could also use a point of order to announce that he will be tabling a motion of no confidence in the government.
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.