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

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2019/jan/16/brexit-vote-theresa-may-faces-no-confidence-vote-after-crushing-defeat

The article has changed 27 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 19 Version 20
May keen to start alternative Brexit talks after no-confidence motion fails – Politics live May keen to start alternative Brexit talks after no-confidence motion fails – Politics live
(about 1 hour later)
Now that Theresa May's botched deal has been decisively rejected, the starting point for talks to break the Brexit deadlock must be that No Deal is taken off the table. pic.twitter.com/io3fRHOznO
Vince Cable is likely to meet with Theresa May tonight, along with Liz Saville Roberts who is apparently set to demand a people’s vote from the PM face-to-face, according to the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg.
Vince Cable is likely to meet the PM tonight, and Plaid Cymru leader Liz Saville Roberts will meet her to to 'tell her to her face take no deal off the table and give us a people's vote'
Earlier she tweeted that the secretary of state for international trade Liam Fox has told her he has “consistently opposed a customs union”.
Liam Fox tells me that he has consistently opposed a customs union and would fight anything like that that isn't really Brexit - no getting away from all of Theresa May's other problems is a cabinet as split as they were two years ago
Richard Branson, the business magnate, has urged Theresa May to abandon her red lines.
As business leaders, we know the catastrophe a no-deal #Brexit would cause for Britain. Theresa May should abandon red lines and work with other parties in the best interests of Britain.
Ian Lavery, the Labour party chairman, says May’s offer of talks and a degree of rapprochement on Brexit in the national interest is “a little too late” and that “she hasn’t listened until now”.
Its two years since these negotiations started, and for the prime minister to make a claim to meet with the leaders of the party’s is a little too late. She hasn’t at any stage .. sought to seek the advice .. of the opposition parties at all. I find that very distasteful. Its probably why we’ve ended up in this situation.
He went on to call May’s deal “the worst possible from Brussels” and that Labour will look to see what the government’s plan B will be on Monday. “We want to see some sort of remedy to this situation.”
After obfuscating in his response to what has a credible chance of getting through the house, Lavery was asked whether there is any possible scenario where Labour could help get Brexit through. He reiterated Labour’s opposition to no deal and said:
We want to ensure that there’s a Brexit for the people, we want to make sure that whatever Brexit is there for jobs, for the economy, for businesses.
We will have one red line in these discussions with Theresa May, and that will be an absolute guarantee that there will not be a no-deal Brexit. So, everything’s on the table, it’ll be up to Theresa May to accept what the Labour party might wish to put forward. I hope she listens because she hasn’t listened until now.
Christopher Hope, The Telegraph’s chief political correspondent, has tweeted:
LATEST on Brexit chaos: Jeremy Corbyn is now refusing to meet for substantive talks with Theresa May unless she takes "no deal" off the table. But she can't. This game of brinkmanship starts tonight. At stake is the future of this country. #Brexit
Here’s a reminder of Corbyn’s demand earlier:
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn calls on UK government to remove "once and for all the prospect of the catastrophe of a no-deal #Brexit" after PM Theresa May wins confidence votehttps://t.co/sQNa5Vp7Tu pic.twitter.com/aekre2xqwD
Vince Cable, the Liberal Democrat leader, has said tonight’s vote was a “big rejection” of Jeremy Corbyn, and that the Labour leader must change his position on the principle of a people’s vote.
“It’s a big rejection of Jeremy Corbyn,” he told the Press Association. “Just as last night was a big rejection of her [Theresa May’s] Brexit. I think we are narrowing the options. I think the one step forward that we are looking for from Jeremy Corbyn is he has got to change his position and accept some movement on the principle of a ‘people’s vote’.”
On Brexit talks with May, Cable said: “If she wants to reach out we are up for it.”
Cable also told the BBC that while he would meet May he would have conditions on Brexit.
“As I said in parliament this afternoon of course we will talk to the prime minister,” he said.
“But I will make it absolutely clear that no deal has to be taken off the table and there has to be a sensible discussion about the ‘people’s vote’.”
Theresa May’s spokesman has told reporters that the Westminster leaders of Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the SNP and Plaid Cymru have been invited to meet the prime minister later this evening.Theresa May’s spokesman has told reporters that the Westminster leaders of Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the SNP and Plaid Cymru have been invited to meet the prime minister later this evening.
However, a no-deal Brexit will not be taken off the table, despite Corbyn’s insistence it was a prerequisite for talks, he added.However, a no-deal Brexit will not be taken off the table, despite Corbyn’s insistence it was a prerequisite for talks, he added.
The spokesman said: “The prime minister has been very clear that the British public voted to leave the European Union.The spokesman said: “The prime minister has been very clear that the British public voted to leave the European Union.
“We want to leave with a deal but she is determined to deliver on the verdict of the British public and that is to leave the EU on 29 March this year.”“We want to leave with a deal but she is determined to deliver on the verdict of the British public and that is to leave the EU on 29 March this year.”
A Number 10 source told the Press Association: “What we are talking about tonight is party leader-level talks between the prime minister and her opposite numbers in other parties, should they wish to accept that.”A Number 10 source told the Press Association: “What we are talking about tonight is party leader-level talks between the prime minister and her opposite numbers in other parties, should they wish to accept that.”
It is understood that the prime minister will be making a further statement at 10pm tonight. It is unclear what will be said. She may well reprise parts of her earlier speeches today, but the party talks – if they do indeed happen – could prove crucial in shaping her approach going forward.It is understood that the prime minister will be making a further statement at 10pm tonight. It is unclear what will be said. She may well reprise parts of her earlier speeches today, but the party talks – if they do indeed happen – could prove crucial in shaping her approach going forward.
Caroline Lucas, the former Green party leader, has urged Jeremy Corbyn to hold a second referendum after his confidence motion was voted down.Caroline Lucas, the former Green party leader, has urged Jeremy Corbyn to hold a second referendum after his confidence motion was voted down.
In a clip posted to Twitter, the Brighton Pavilion MP said: “The leader of the opposition was right to try to bring down this toxic, failing government. But now MPs have had their say on the Brexit deal, he needs to give the people a say over our future relationship with our nearest neighbours.”In a clip posted to Twitter, the Brighton Pavilion MP said: “The leader of the opposition was right to try to bring down this toxic, failing government. But now MPs have had their say on the Brexit deal, he needs to give the people a say over our future relationship with our nearest neighbours.”
PM hangs on by 19 votes. So disappointing that MPs failed to remove this cruel & incompetent Govt with tonight's #NoConfidenceMotionParliament has now had its say both on the #Brexit deal & on the Government.It's time to extend that right to the people with a #PeoplesVote pic.twitter.com/dSNZuginmhPM hangs on by 19 votes. So disappointing that MPs failed to remove this cruel & incompetent Govt with tonight's #NoConfidenceMotionParliament has now had its say both on the #Brexit deal & on the Government.It's time to extend that right to the people with a #PeoplesVote pic.twitter.com/dSNZuginmh
Lucas added that to do otherwise would be a “betrayal” of the “majority of his party’s members” and young supporters who were unable to vote in the referendum two years ago.Lucas added that to do otherwise would be a “betrayal” of the “majority of his party’s members” and young supporters who were unable to vote in the referendum two years ago.
Earlier this evening in parliament, she said:Earlier this evening in parliament, she said:
PM has failed to tackle any of underlying injustices & inequalities that drove #Brexit vote, so very glad to support #NoConfidenceMotionBut general election between 2 parties who support Brexit won't resolve this crisis.So we also need to listen to country with #PeoplesVote pic.twitter.com/qZESZKQly3PM has failed to tackle any of underlying injustices & inequalities that drove #Brexit vote, so very glad to support #NoConfidenceMotionBut general election between 2 parties who support Brexit won't resolve this crisis.So we also need to listen to country with #PeoplesVote pic.twitter.com/qZESZKQly3
Nigel Dodds, the DUP deputy leader, has highlighted the fact the government would have been unable to command half the support of the Commons tonight without the support of the Northern Irish unionist party, with whom the Conservatives have a confidence and supply agreement.Nigel Dodds, the DUP deputy leader, has highlighted the fact the government would have been unable to command half the support of the Commons tonight without the support of the Northern Irish unionist party, with whom the Conservatives have a confidence and supply agreement.
The result of tonight's vote shows the importance of our C&S Agreement.DUP votes once again make the difference.The result of tonight's vote shows the importance of our C&S Agreement.DUP votes once again make the difference.
Its worth mentioning here that the DUP have 10 MPs, and the result of tonight’s vote was 325 to 306, out of 650 MPs overall.Its worth mentioning here that the DUP have 10 MPs, and the result of tonight’s vote was 325 to 306, out of 650 MPs overall.
Vince Cable, the Liberal Democrat leader, has renewed calls for a “people’s vote” and criticised Jeremy Corbyn for sitting on the fence. He tweeted:Vince Cable, the Liberal Democrat leader, has renewed calls for a “people’s vote” and criticised Jeremy Corbyn for sitting on the fence. He tweeted:
Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party cannot procrastinate any longer. Either he backs Brexit or he backs the people. He has a responsibility to get off the fence and provide some effective opposition.Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party cannot procrastinate any longer. Either he backs Brexit or he backs the people. He has a responsibility to get off the fence and provide some effective opposition.
The only serious option is what the Liberal Democrats have been calling for since the 24th June 2016: a People’s Vote with the option to remain in the EU.#NoConfidenceMotionThe only serious option is what the Liberal Democrats have been calling for since the 24th June 2016: a People’s Vote with the option to remain in the EU.#NoConfidenceMotion
James Brokenshire, the communities secretary, is the first cabinet minister to give an interview to the BBC News channel following this evening’s vote. He said that tonight’s events show that Theresa May commands the “profound” confidence of the majority of MPs.
Well the prime minister said yesterday that she wanted to test the opinion of the house, to see that we have the confidence of the House of Commons, which we profoundly do - that’s the vote we’ve had tonight. And therefore now to move on to discussions with other party leaders. As the prime minister said, wanted to work with other parties, parliamentarians, to test the support on the things that need to happen so we can ensure we make Brexit happen, and therefore following through as she said she would do.
He then criticised Jeremy Corbyn, suggesting he does not want to act in the national interest, and saying that its “extraordinary” that the Labour leader sought to “attach some conditionality” to the prime minister’s offer of talks, beginning this evening. “I hope he reflects on that because otherwise it looks like this is all about party political manoeuvring, rather than acting in the national interest. That is what the prime minister is determined to do.”
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has tweeted:
Deeply disappointed that Conservative MPs have put political interest above the national interest tonight.The Govt needs to withdraw Article 50 immediately. If we cannot have a general election - the British public must have the final say - with the option to stay in the EU. https://t.co/RYK0KT0I8o
Here are the remarks Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn made in the House of Commons following the confidence vote, in full.
The prime minister said:
I’m pleased that this house has expressed its confidence in the government tonight. I do not take this responsibility lightly and our government will continue its work to increase our prosperity, guarantee our security and to strengthen our union. And yes we will also continue to work on the solemn promise we made to the people of this country to deliver on the result of the referendum and leave the European Union. I believe this duty is shared by every member of this house and we have a responsibility to identify a way forward that can secure the backing of the house.
To that end I’ve proposed a series of meetings between senior parliamentarians and representatives of the government over the coming days and I would like to invite the leaders of parliamentary parties to meet with me individually and I would like to start these meetings tonight. Mr Speaker, the government approach is to hold these meetings in a constructive spirit and I urge others to do the same but we must find solutions that are negotiable and command sufficient support in this house.
And I’ve said we will return to the house on Monday to table an amendable motion and to make a statement about the way forward. The house has put its confidence in this government, I stand ready to work with any member of this house to deliver on Brexit and to ensure this house retains the confidence of the British people.
The leader of the opposition said:
Thank you Mr Speaker. Last night the house rejected the government’s conclusion of its negotiations with the European Union.
Heckles from Tory MP’s prompted an intervention from the Speaker, who said May was listened to in “relative tranquility”, suggesting Corbyn was not extended the same courtesy.
Corbyn continued:
Last night the house rejected the government’s deal, emphatically. A week ago the house voted to condemn the idea of a no-deal Brexit. Before there can be any positive discussions about the way forward the government must remove, clearly and once and for all, the prospect of the catastrophe of no deal and all the chaos that would come as a result of that, and I invite the prime minister to confirm now that the government will not countenance a no-deal Brexit from the European Union.
Theresa May has comfortably won the no-confidence vote, by 325 to 306 - a majority of 19. The vote came after a debate in which Jeremy Corbyn accused her of leading “a zombie government”, and Tom Watson, the deputy Labour leader, closed the debate with a powerful speech saying May does not “possess the necessary political skills, empathy, ability, and most crucially the policy, to lead this country any longer”. (See 7.23pm.)
Opposition party leaders have refused an invitation from May to join her for talks about an alternative approach to Brexit until she abandons some of her red lines. After the vote May said she would like talks to start tonight. But Corbyn and the Lib Dems said they would not engage with her until she ruled out a no-deal Brexit. And the SNP said she would have to be willing to discuss extending article 50 and holding a second referendum before they agreed to participate.
Downing Street has flatly ruled out customs union membership, before the cross-party Brexit talks Theresa May promised on Tuesday night have even begun. May also delivered the same message in her speech in the debate. (See 4.14pm.)
Michel Barnier has said Brexit is at a standstill after the crushing rejection of Theresa May’s deal by MPs but offered to return to the negotiating table if parliament forces Theresa May to shift her “red lines”.
Business leaders have suggested the UK resembles a “supertanker heading for the rocks” that will not be saved unless factions in the Conservative party drop their own “red lines” for a Brexit deal.
Investors expect a delay to Britain’s exit from the EU following the crushing defeat of the prime minister’s Brexit deal, the Bank of England governor has said.
Half a dozen Labour MPs came out in support of a second referendum for the first time at a Westminster photocall, arguing it was the “the only logical option” if the party could not secure a general election.
Jacob Rees-Mogg hosted a champagne party for Brexiter colleagues on Tuesday night following the Commons vote that inflicted the worst defeat in modern history upon a UK prime minister, it has emerged.
That is all from me for tonight. My colleague Mattha Busby is taking over now.
Tom Watson’s speech was one of the most gently damning anyone has delivered about Theresa May since she became prime minister. Here are some key extracts.
First let me say very clearly that I am not one of those people who questioned [May’s] motives.
I agree with [Tory MP Stephen Kerr] who claimed she was motivated by public duty.
I don’t doubt that she has sincerely attempted to fulfil the task given to us by the voters in the referendum.
I have no doubt that she has tried her best and given it her all. But she has failed. And I’m afraid the failure is hers. Hers alone ...
Throughout history prime ministers have tried their best and failed. There is no disgrace in that. That’s politics.
But this prime minister has chosen one last act of defiance – not just defying the laws of politics, but defying the laws of mathematics.
It was a Disraeli who said “a majority is always better than the best repartee”. She is a prime minister without a majority for her flagship policy, with no authority and no plan B.
Mr Speaker … that’s not a mere flesh wound.
No one doubts her determination, which is generally an admirable quality, but misapplied it can be toxic.
And the cruellest truth of all is that she doesn’t possess the necessary political skills, empathy, ability, and most crucially the policy, to lead this country any longer ...
We know [May] has worked hard. But the truth is she is too set in her ways, too aloof to lead.
She lacks the imagination and agility to bring people with her.
She lacks the authority on the world stage to negotiate this deal.
Ultimately she has failed. It is not through lack of effort. It is not through a lack of dedication.
And I think the country recognises that effort. In fact the country feels genuinely sorry for the prime minister.
I feel sorry for the prime minister. But she cannot confuse pity for political legitimacy, sympathy for sustainable support.
Sir Ed Davey, the Lib Dem MP, says the Lib Dems also want May to rule out a no-deal Brexit before talks can start.
Ian Blackford, the SNP leader at Westminster, says he will only engage in talks with May if she is prepared to have extending article 50 and holding a “people’s vote” as options.
Jeremy Corbyn says he does not want to start talks with Theresa May until she rules out a no-deal Brexit.
Theresa May has just announced, on a point of order, that she wants to start talks with the leaders of the opposition parties tonight about a way forward on Brexit.
The government has won by 325 votes to 306 - a majority of 19.