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Brexit: Top EU official expresses doubts backstop assurances would persuade MPs to pass deal - Politics live Brexit: EU official doubts backstop assurances will persuade MPs – Politics live
(35 minutes later)
Here is Jeremy Cliffe, the Economist’s Charelemagne columnist, on the Martin Selmayr tweet quoted earlier. (See 1.26pm.)
This exchange is such a good illustration of the trait that has most marked the Brexit talks: mutual misunderstanding, and especially British misunderstanding of EU positions. https://t.co/qdvCWH359D
In 2016, after the Brexit vote, Nissan announced that it would be building Qashqai and X-Trail models at its factory in Sunderland. At the time it was revealed that the company had received assurances from the government, in the form of a letter from Greg Clark, the business secretary, but the precise nature of those assurances was never revealed because the letter was not published.In 2016, after the Brexit vote, Nissan announced that it would be building Qashqai and X-Trail models at its factory in Sunderland. At the time it was revealed that the company had received assurances from the government, in the form of a letter from Greg Clark, the business secretary, but the precise nature of those assurances was never revealed because the letter was not published.
The Nissan announcement at the weekend reversed part of what was promised by the company in 2016.The Nissan announcement at the weekend reversed part of what was promised by the company in 2016.
And the Financial Times has now got hold of the Clark letter. As Peter Campbell reports (paywall), the government promised Nissan that its operations would not be “adversely affected” by Brexit.And the Financial Times has now got hold of the Clark letter. As Peter Campbell reports (paywall), the government promised Nissan that its operations would not be “adversely affected” by Brexit.
The government also promised the firm £80m towards investment at the site, but the letter said that money was “contingent too on a positive decision by the Nissan board to allocate production of the Qashqai and X-Trail models to the Sunderland plant”, the FT reports.The government also promised the firm £80m towards investment at the site, but the letter said that money was “contingent too on a positive decision by the Nissan board to allocate production of the Qashqai and X-Trail models to the Sunderland plant”, the FT reports.
The FT story goes on:The FT story goes on:
The government made no specific promise on the UK’s future trading relationship with the EU — such as remaining in the bloc’s customs union — but vowed to protect car manufacturers in the UK. They would be a “critical priority of our negotiations” with the EU, the letter said.The government made no specific promise on the UK’s future trading relationship with the EU — such as remaining in the bloc’s customs union — but vowed to protect car manufacturers in the UK. They would be a “critical priority of our negotiations” with the EU, the letter said.
“The government fully recognises the significance of the EU markets to your presence in Sunderland,” the letter stated. “It will be a critical priority of our negotiations to support UK car manufacturers, and ensure their ability to export to and from the EU is not adversely affected by the UK’s future relationship with the EU.”“The government fully recognises the significance of the EU markets to your presence in Sunderland,” the letter stated. “It will be a critical priority of our negotiations to support UK car manufacturers, and ensure their ability to export to and from the EU is not adversely affected by the UK’s future relationship with the EU.”
On the World at One John Whittingdale, the Brexiter former culture secretary and a member of the Commons Brexit committee, said that after the committee met Martin Selmayr, the European commission’s secretary general, he came away with the impression that the PM woud not secure meaningful change to the Brexit deal. He explained:On the World at One John Whittingdale, the Brexiter former culture secretary and a member of the Commons Brexit committee, said that after the committee met Martin Selmayr, the European commission’s secretary general, he came away with the impression that the PM woud not secure meaningful change to the Brexit deal. He explained:
Selmaryr told us what we have heard from others in the commission, that basically they regard the deal as having been finalised ... and they don’t wish to reopen it.Selmaryr told us what we have heard from others in the commission, that basically they regard the deal as having been finalised ... and they don’t wish to reopen it.
They did say that the political declaration is open for discussion in the future. But they said that they could not reopen the withdrawal agreement.They did say that the political declaration is open for discussion in the future. But they said that they could not reopen the withdrawal agreement.
They did talk about legal assurances, in the form of the letter that we have already had from Jean-Claude Juncker and Donald Tusk. I have to say that, for those of us who couldn’t support the withdrawal agreement, I certainly didn’t hear anything that gave me great hope that the prime minister would come back with a change to the withdrawal agreement.They did talk about legal assurances, in the form of the letter that we have already had from Jean-Claude Juncker and Donald Tusk. I have to say that, for those of us who couldn’t support the withdrawal agreement, I certainly didn’t hear anything that gave me great hope that the prime minister would come back with a change to the withdrawal agreement.
I think what we have also made plain to [Selmayr is that] unless that happens, it is very unlikely that the House of Commons will agree to it.I think what we have also made plain to [Selmayr is that] unless that happens, it is very unlikely that the House of Commons will agree to it.
Whittingdale also said that he gave Selmayr a copy of the so-called Malthouse compromise and told him he thought it was the one version of the deal that might get through the Commons. Asked how Selmayr responded, Whittingdale said: “He is still of a view that the deal has been done and it is now up to the British parliament to ratify it.”Whittingdale also said that he gave Selmayr a copy of the so-called Malthouse compromise and told him he thought it was the one version of the deal that might get through the Commons. Asked how Selmayr responded, Whittingdale said: “He is still of a view that the deal has been done and it is now up to the British parliament to ratify it.”
Whittingdale also said Selmayr was sceptical about extending article 50 if it was not clear what purpose extension would serve. He said:Whittingdale also said Selmayr was sceptical about extending article 50 if it was not clear what purpose extension would serve. He said:
[Selmayr] made the fair point that there was no point extending article 50 if one did not know what we were seeking to do in the period of the extension.[Selmayr] made the fair point that there was no point extending article 50 if one did not know what we were seeking to do in the period of the extension.
Whittingdale also said that the committee met Selmayr because, although Michel Barnier was the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, if the deal that Barnier negotiated fell through, Selmayr would then become the key person to deal with.Whittingdale also said that the committee met Selmayr because, although Michel Barnier was the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, if the deal that Barnier negotiated fell through, Selmayr would then become the key person to deal with.
But Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, has said that “with creativity” a solution to the backstop problem could still be found.But Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, has said that “with creativity” a solution to the backstop problem could still be found.
"We can use the remaining time to perhaps remove all the obstacles that have so far stood in the way and find an agreement - if everybody is willing."👉 Chancellor Merkel this morning said that 'with creativity' Northern Ireland solution might be possible. 🤞 #Brexit pic.twitter.com/AgSsEwCcr3"We can use the remaining time to perhaps remove all the obstacles that have so far stood in the way and find an agreement - if everybody is willing."👉 Chancellor Merkel this morning said that 'with creativity' Northern Ireland solution might be possible. 🤞 #Brexit pic.twitter.com/AgSsEwCcr3
This is from Martin Selmayr, the European commission’s secretary general.This is from Martin Selmayr, the European commission’s secretary general.
On the EU side, nobody is considering this. Asked whether any assurance would help to get the Withdrawal Agreement through the Commons, the answers of MPs were ... inconclusive .... The meeting confirmed that the EU did well to start its no deal preparations in December 2017.On the EU side, nobody is considering this. Asked whether any assurance would help to get the Withdrawal Agreement through the Commons, the answers of MPs were ... inconclusive .... The meeting confirmed that the EU did well to start its no deal preparations in December 2017.
Michelle O’Neill, the Sinn Fein leader in Northern Ireland, has welcomed Labour’s commitment to the backstop. (See 1.11pm.) Speaking after meeting Sir Keir Starmer, the shadow Brexit secretary, at the Europa Hotel in Belfast, O’Neill said:Michelle O’Neill, the Sinn Fein leader in Northern Ireland, has welcomed Labour’s commitment to the backstop. (See 1.11pm.) Speaking after meeting Sir Keir Starmer, the shadow Brexit secretary, at the Europa Hotel in Belfast, O’Neill said:
It was important today to put to Keir Starmer that we need to see clarity from the Labour party on the backstop. He did say in the meeting that the backstop is inevitable and that is the Labour position. It’s their position because they understand the need to ensure there’s no hard border on this island.It was important today to put to Keir Starmer that we need to see clarity from the Labour party on the backstop. He did say in the meeting that the backstop is inevitable and that is the Labour position. It’s their position because they understand the need to ensure there’s no hard border on this island.
O’Neill said that it was important to hear from Starmer on this because in the past Labour had not been clear and consistent on the backstop. The party has argued in the past that there would be no need for one under its plan for Brexit because it would keep the UK in the customs union (even though that alone would not obviate the need for the backstop if Northern Ireland were outside the single market). O’Neill said:O’Neill said that it was important to hear from Starmer on this because in the past Labour had not been clear and consistent on the backstop. The party has argued in the past that there would be no need for one under its plan for Brexit because it would keep the UK in the customs union (even though that alone would not obviate the need for the backstop if Northern Ireland were outside the single market). O’Neill said:
The words [Starmer] used to ourselves in the meeting today were clearly that a backstop is inevitable - that is the Labour position in order to protect, or guard against a hard border and I can only say that that’s what he’s relayed to us.The words [Starmer] used to ourselves in the meeting today were clearly that a backstop is inevitable - that is the Labour position in order to protect, or guard against a hard border and I can only say that that’s what he’s relayed to us.
And Sir Keir Starmer, the shadow Brexit secretary, has also said that attempts to find an alternative to the backstop will fail. Speaking on a visit to Northern Ireland, he said:And Sir Keir Starmer, the shadow Brexit secretary, has also said that attempts to find an alternative to the backstop will fail. Speaking on a visit to Northern Ireland, he said:
The prime minister and her team have spent over 12 months trying to find an alternative to the backstop.The prime minister and her team have spent over 12 months trying to find an alternative to the backstop.
We have only got the backstop because they couldn’t find an alternative.We have only got the backstop because they couldn’t find an alternative.
So, for her to go back now saying ‘I don’t want the backstop, I want an alternative’ is to stand the last 12 months on its head.So, for her to go back now saying ‘I don’t want the backstop, I want an alternative’ is to stand the last 12 months on its head.
And I think that’s what is causing the anxiety because nobody realistically thinks she’s going to succeed in that objective.And I think that’s what is causing the anxiety because nobody realistically thinks she’s going to succeed in that objective.
Starmer also said that Labour had “concerns” about the backstop, but that it accepted there had to be one.Starmer also said that Labour had “concerns” about the backstop, but that it accepted there had to be one.
And this is what Hilary Benn, the chair of the Commons Brexit committee, told reporters after his committee’s meeings with Martin Selmayr. (See 12.57pm.) He said the proposals in the so-called Malthouse compromise for alternatives to the backstop (see 9.20am) would not work. He explained:And this is what Hilary Benn, the chair of the Commons Brexit committee, told reporters after his committee’s meeings with Martin Selmayr. (See 12.57pm.) He said the proposals in the so-called Malthouse compromise for alternatives to the backstop (see 9.20am) would not work. He explained:
A lot of it to me, I have to say, personally, looks very familiar if you go back to last summer when people looked at technology and trusted traders and all of that, and a great deal of effort was put into examining those as a possible way forward.A lot of it to me, I have to say, personally, looks very familiar if you go back to last summer when people looked at technology and trusted traders and all of that, and a great deal of effort was put into examining those as a possible way forward.
The conclusion that was reached I think on behalf of the British government and the European Union was that well, it’s not going to work.The conclusion that was reached I think on behalf of the British government and the European Union was that well, it’s not going to work.
And I personally, but others will have a different view, personally I don’t see how it can work particularly in the very short amount of time that there is left.And I personally, but others will have a different view, personally I don’t see how it can work particularly in the very short amount of time that there is left.
These are from the BBC’s Adam Fleming on the meeting the Commons Brexit committee had this morning with Martin Selmayr, the European commission’s secretary general.These are from the BBC’s Adam Fleming on the meeting the Commons Brexit committee had this morning with Martin Selmayr, the European commission’s secretary general.
After a 90-minute meeting with @MartinSelmayr in Brussels this morning MPs from @CommonsEUexit say the EU would consider legally-binding assurances on the Withdrawal Agreement if it helped get the deal through Parliament., (1)After a 90-minute meeting with @MartinSelmayr in Brussels this morning MPs from @CommonsEUexit say the EU would consider legally-binding assurances on the Withdrawal Agreement if it helped get the deal through Parliament., (1)
One idea floated in the meeting was turning the letter to the PM in January from Presidents Tusk and Juncker into a legally-binding attachment to the Withdrawal Agreement. (2)One idea floated in the meeting was turning the letter to the PM in January from Presidents Tusk and Juncker into a legally-binding attachment to the Withdrawal Agreement. (2)
The chair @hilarybennmp made a personal suggestion that Article 50 be extended to allow details of the future UK/EU relationship to be negotiated so that the backstop was less likely to be needed. (3)The chair @hilarybennmp made a personal suggestion that Article 50 be extended to allow details of the future UK/EU relationship to be negotiated so that the backstop was less likely to be needed. (3)
There are two urgent questions in the Commons today. That means the Greg Clark Nissa statement won’t start until about 5pm.There are two urgent questions in the Commons today. That means the Greg Clark Nissa statement won’t start until about 5pm.
There are two urgent questions in the Commons today.1. @Vernon_Coaker - Knife Crime Prevention Orders2. @FabianLeedsNE - US withdrawal from nuclear treatiesOne oral ministerial statement@GregClarkMP - Nissan in Sunderland pic.twitter.com/vGUvVrmIATThere are two urgent questions in the Commons today.1. @Vernon_Coaker - Knife Crime Prevention Orders2. @FabianLeedsNE - US withdrawal from nuclear treatiesOne oral ministerial statement@GregClarkMP - Nissan in Sunderland pic.twitter.com/vGUvVrmIAT
Here are the main points from the Number 10 lobby briefing.Here are the main points from the Number 10 lobby briefing.
Theresa May will visit Northern Ireland tomorrow where she will give a speech stressing the government’s commitment to avoiding a hard border, the prime minister’s spokesman said.Theresa May will visit Northern Ireland tomorrow where she will give a speech stressing the government’s commitment to avoiding a hard border, the prime minister’s spokesman said.
Greg Clark, the business secretary, will make a statement to MPs about Nissan after 3.30pm this afternoon. The spokesman refused to comment on a report in today’s Times (paywall) saying the government is “considering withdrawing a £60 million package of support for Nissan after it broke a pledge to build the latest version of one of its sports utility vehicles in Britain”. Clark would take questions on this during his statement, the spokesman said.Greg Clark, the business secretary, will make a statement to MPs about Nissan after 3.30pm this afternoon. The spokesman refused to comment on a report in today’s Times (paywall) saying the government is “considering withdrawing a £60 million package of support for Nissan after it broke a pledge to build the latest version of one of its sports utility vehicles in Britain”. Clark would take questions on this during his statement, the spokesman said.
TIMES SCOTLAND Front #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/kbn24mqnWQTIMES SCOTLAND Front #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/kbn24mqnWQ
May will hold a conference call today with business leaders from the European round table of industrialists. She will stress the importance of reaching a deal with the EU on Brexit, the spokesman said.May will hold a conference call today with business leaders from the European round table of industrialists. She will stress the importance of reaching a deal with the EU on Brexit, the spokesman said.
The spokesman would not say if May would be travelling to Brussels later this week for talks with the EU about Brexit.The spokesman would not say if May would be travelling to Brussels later this week for talks with the EU about Brexit.
The spokesman said that the alternative arrangements working group announced by Number 10 yesterday (see 9.20am), to consider alternatives to the backstop, would be looking at the issue “as a matter of urgency”. The government was taking the work seriously, he insisted, in response to questions about why five MPs in three days would be able to come up with a solution to the backstop issue that had eluded the best civil servants in London and Brussels for the last two years. The spokesman also said that, although the group’s talks are only scheduled to last until Wednesday, they could go on beyond that.The spokesman said that the alternative arrangements working group announced by Number 10 yesterday (see 9.20am), to consider alternatives to the backstop, would be looking at the issue “as a matter of urgency”. The government was taking the work seriously, he insisted, in response to questions about why five MPs in three days would be able to come up with a solution to the backstop issue that had eluded the best civil servants in London and Brussels for the last two years. The spokesman also said that, although the group’s talks are only scheduled to last until Wednesday, they could go on beyond that.
The spokesman refused to say whether May saw Wednesday 13 February, when she is due to make a statement to MPs about Brexit, as a deadline for the government to reach a new deal on the backstop. Asked what deadline the government was working to, the spokesman replied “as soon as possible”. These questions were partly triggered by what Greg Clark, the business secretary, told the Times at the end of last week. Clark said mid February as the effective deadline. He told the paper (paywall):The spokesman refused to say whether May saw Wednesday 13 February, when she is due to make a statement to MPs about Brexit, as a deadline for the government to reach a new deal on the backstop. Asked what deadline the government was working to, the spokesman replied “as soon as possible”. These questions were partly triggered by what Greg Clark, the business secretary, told the Times at the end of last week. Clark said mid February as the effective deadline. He told the paper (paywall):
An engineering employer said to me yesterday, ‘Actually D-Day is much closer for us — it’s the middle to the end of February if you are shipping to the Far East.’ The reason for that is if you are sending a consignment of goods to Japan or South Korea, it’s going to take six weeks for it to arrive. Both countries have free-trade agreements with the EU, which will fall if we have no deal. So you don’t know whether the goods that you’ve had to embark on the ocean, when they arrive there will be admitted and if so what tariffs are going to be paid. People say ‘Things are always decided at the 59th minute of the 11th hour’. But it’s important to understand where ‘the wire’ is. The wire is not the 29th of March.An engineering employer said to me yesterday, ‘Actually D-Day is much closer for us — it’s the middle to the end of February if you are shipping to the Far East.’ The reason for that is if you are sending a consignment of goods to Japan or South Korea, it’s going to take six weeks for it to arrive. Both countries have free-trade agreements with the EU, which will fall if we have no deal. So you don’t know whether the goods that you’ve had to embark on the ocean, when they arrive there will be admitted and if so what tariffs are going to be paid. People say ‘Things are always decided at the 59th minute of the 11th hour’. But it’s important to understand where ‘the wire’ is. The wire is not the 29th of March.
The spokesman said that claims in the Sunday newspapers that the government was drawing up plans to evacuate the Queen from London in the event of disorder after a no-deal Brexit were “simply not true”.The spokesman said that claims in the Sunday newspapers that the government was drawing up plans to evacuate the Queen from London in the event of disorder after a no-deal Brexit were “simply not true”.
SUNDAY TIMES: Brexit plan to evacuate the Queen #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/BqGYo6cyK6SUNDAY TIMES: Brexit plan to evacuate the Queen #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/BqGYo6cyK6
The spokesman also said that reports in the Sunday papers claiming that the government was drawing up plans for a general election on 6 June were “categorically untrue”.The spokesman also said that reports in the Sunday papers claiming that the government was drawing up plans for a general election on 6 June were “categorically untrue”.
In tomorrow’s EXPLOSIVE Mail on Sunday... 💥D-DAY FOR MAY - Downing Street eye June 6 election. 💥CCHQ go on war footing with tripling if online add spend and deselection strategy meeting. 💥 Gavin B channels Jeb Bartlett as Gavin W goes full Nelson... pic.twitter.com/0deDdUJ3l9In tomorrow’s EXPLOSIVE Mail on Sunday... 💥D-DAY FOR MAY - Downing Street eye June 6 election. 💥CCHQ go on war footing with tripling if online add spend and deselection strategy meeting. 💥 Gavin B channels Jeb Bartlett as Gavin W goes full Nelson... pic.twitter.com/0deDdUJ3l9
The spokesman said the government was considering using sanctions against Venezuela to try to bring down the Maduro regime. May spoke about Venezuela to Pedro Sanchez, her Spanish opposite number, about this on Sunday, the spokesman said. He went on:The spokesman said the government was considering using sanctions against Venezuela to try to bring down the Maduro regime. May spoke about Venezuela to Pedro Sanchez, her Spanish opposite number, about this on Sunday, the spokesman said. He went on:
Venezuelan people deserve a better future. They have suffered enough and the Maduro regime must end. It is time for free and fair elections.Venezuelan people deserve a better future. They have suffered enough and the Maduro regime must end. It is time for free and fair elections.
As the foreign secretary said this morning [see 9.51am], those who continue to violate the human rights of ordinary Venezuelans under an illegitimate regime will be called to account.As the foreign secretary said this morning [see 9.51am], those who continue to violate the human rights of ordinary Venezuelans under an illegitimate regime will be called to account.
We are looking at what further steps we can take to ensure peace and democracy in Venezuela, including through sanctions.We are looking at what further steps we can take to ensure peace and democracy in Venezuela, including through sanctions.
The spokesman declined to say what form any sanctions might take. While the UK remains a member of the European Union any such actions would be implemented at an EU level.The spokesman declined to say what form any sanctions might take. While the UK remains a member of the European Union any such actions would be implemented at an EU level.
I’m just back from the Number 10 lobby briefing. And there was one announcement.I’m just back from the Number 10 lobby briefing. And there was one announcement.
Theresa May will visit Northern Ireland tomorrow where she will give a speech stressing the government’s commitment to avoiding a hard border, the prime minister’s spokesman said.Theresa May will visit Northern Ireland tomorrow where she will give a speech stressing the government’s commitment to avoiding a hard border, the prime minister’s spokesman said.
I will post more from the briefing soon.I will post more from the briefing soon.
This is from the Conservative MP Anna Soubry. She seems to be encouraging pro-European ministers to resign if Theresa May does not soon rule out a no-deal Brexit.This is from the Conservative MP Anna Soubry. She seems to be encouraging pro-European ministers to resign if Theresa May does not soon rule out a no-deal Brexit.
4 days out of Westminster bubble & I’ve no doubt vast majority of people are demanding leadership & clarity on #Brexit Instead there’s confusion & can kicking from both main parties. Sensible Ministers must show courage or will be complicit in a diasterous no deal #Brexit4 days out of Westminster bubble & I’ve no doubt vast majority of people are demanding leadership & clarity on #Brexit Instead there’s confusion & can kicking from both main parties. Sensible Ministers must show courage or will be complicit in a diasterous no deal #Brexit
I’m off to the Number 10 lobby briefing now. I will post again after 11.30am.I’m off to the Number 10 lobby briefing now. I will post again after 11.30am.
And while we’re on the subject of Jacob Rees-Mogg (but not to the delight of everyone BTL, I see), it is worth pointing out that he was more interesting in what he said in an article in the Sun on Sunday yesterday than he was on LBC.And while we’re on the subject of Jacob Rees-Mogg (but not to the delight of everyone BTL, I see), it is worth pointing out that he was more interesting in what he said in an article in the Sun on Sunday yesterday than he was on LBC.
Rees-Mogg and his ERG colleagues are normally seen as hardline absolutists. But in his article, explaining his support for the so-called Malthouse compromise, Rees-Mogg said that Brexiters had to be willing to give a little because otherwise there was a risk of remainers blocking Brexit. He said:Rees-Mogg and his ERG colleagues are normally seen as hardline absolutists. But in his article, explaining his support for the so-called Malthouse compromise, Rees-Mogg said that Brexiters had to be willing to give a little because otherwise there was a risk of remainers blocking Brexit. He said:
In my view, an extra 33 months of vassalage after 46 years is an unwelcome but not unaffordable price to pay. Critics may ask why Brexiteers want to lessen the chance of a no deal departure — and the reason is simple.In my view, an extra 33 months of vassalage after 46 years is an unwelcome but not unaffordable price to pay. Critics may ask why Brexiteers want to lessen the chance of a no deal departure — and the reason is simple.
Regardless of the folly of project fear, which becomes more preposterous by the day, the parliamentary arithmetic means we must either lessen the prospect by compromise or it will be done by sharp practice in the House of Commons.Regardless of the folly of project fear, which becomes more preposterous by the day, the parliamentary arithmetic means we must either lessen the prospect by compromise or it will be done by sharp practice in the House of Commons.
This could lead to delay or even no Brexit at all. This would destroy any remaining trust of politicians in our constitutional settlement, it would show reckless contempt for voters, yet the Brexit-denying amendment put forward by Yvette Cooper last week was only defeated by 23 votes.This could lead to delay or even no Brexit at all. This would destroy any remaining trust of politicians in our constitutional settlement, it would show reckless contempt for voters, yet the Brexit-denying amendment put forward by Yvette Cooper last week was only defeated by 23 votes.
So Rees-Mogg is now saying he would prefer to avoid a no-deal Brexit, because he thinks the prospect of that could lead to MPs voting to delay Brexit. That is quite a shift. Only two weeks ago, in his Bruges Group speech, he suggested he was quite happy with the prospect of no deal.So Rees-Mogg is now saying he would prefer to avoid a no-deal Brexit, because he thinks the prospect of that could lead to MPs voting to delay Brexit. That is quite a shift. Only two weeks ago, in his Bruges Group speech, he suggested he was quite happy with the prospect of no deal.
Here are some lines from Jacob Rees-Mogg’s LBC phone-on.Here are some lines from Jacob Rees-Mogg’s LBC phone-on.
Rees-Mogg, the Conservative MP and chair of the European Research Group, which is pushing for a harder Brexit, dismissed claims that the Nissan decision to abandon plans to produce its new X-Trail SUV at its Sunderland factory reflected badly on Brexit. He told the programme:Rees-Mogg, the Conservative MP and chair of the European Research Group, which is pushing for a harder Brexit, dismissed claims that the Nissan decision to abandon plans to produce its new X-Trail SUV at its Sunderland factory reflected badly on Brexit. He told the programme:
As far as one can tell, Brexit is far from being the primary reason Nissan has made this decision.As far as one can tell, Brexit is far from being the primary reason Nissan has made this decision.
Rees-Mogg said that various reasons specific to the car industry explained the decision, including falling demand for diesel. He went on:Rees-Mogg said that various reasons specific to the car industry explained the decision, including falling demand for diesel. He went on:
So Brexit is one of those what I might call BBC answers; all bad news is because of Brexit, and all good news is in spite of Brexit. All Nissan has said is that the uncertainty around Brexit and the future hasn’t helped. That is not the main reason why they’ve done this.So Brexit is one of those what I might call BBC answers; all bad news is because of Brexit, and all good news is in spite of Brexit. All Nissan has said is that the uncertainty around Brexit and the future hasn’t helped. That is not the main reason why they’ve done this.
He played down claims that businesses need certainty - a key argument made at the moment by business leaders and MPs arguing for a softer Brexit. When it was put to him that uncertainty about the UK’s future after Brexit was bad for business, he replied:He played down claims that businesses need certainty - a key argument made at the moment by business leaders and MPs arguing for a softer Brexit. When it was put to him that uncertainty about the UK’s future after Brexit was bad for business, he replied:
The truth is, business is all about uncertainty ...The truth is, business is all about uncertainty ...
There is no certainty in business. The whole art of business is trying to manage uncertainty. Investment decisions aren’t made for certain facts. You can’t be certain that anyone will buy your car when you have built it. All business is based on uncertainty, and managing uncertainty.There is no certainty in business. The whole art of business is trying to manage uncertainty. Investment decisions aren’t made for certain facts. You can’t be certain that anyone will buy your car when you have built it. All business is based on uncertainty, and managing uncertainty.
He said he was opposed to using investment in leave-voting, Labour-supporting deprived areas as a possible means of getting Labour MPs to back Theresa May’s Brexit deal. The government has been talking to Labour MPs about possible investment in their communities, although it has dismissed claims that these payments would amount to bribes. Asked about the tactic, Rees-Mogg said:He said he was opposed to using investment in leave-voting, Labour-supporting deprived areas as a possible means of getting Labour MPs to back Theresa May’s Brexit deal. The government has been talking to Labour MPs about possible investment in their communities, although it has dismissed claims that these payments would amount to bribes. Asked about the tactic, Rees-Mogg said:
I don’t think pork barrel politics has a place in the UK ... I was a bit surprised by these stories. It is not how British government normally works ...I don’t think pork barrel politics has a place in the UK ... I was a bit surprised by these stories. It is not how British government normally works ...
I think to start giving lots of money in individual constituencies, as happens in the United States - it is commonplace in the United States; a congressman who didn’t get some pork for his constituency would not be thought of as a very good congressman - is something we are best without in this country.I think to start giving lots of money in individual constituencies, as happens in the United States - it is commonplace in the United States; a congressman who didn’t get some pork for his constituency would not be thought of as a very good congressman - is something we are best without in this country.
When it was put to him that the government has bought the support of the DUP with a commitment to spend £1bn in Northern Ireland, Rees-Mogg said that “the DUP money was actually slightly less than it had got in the previous five years”.When it was put to him that the government has bought the support of the DUP with a commitment to spend £1bn in Northern Ireland, Rees-Mogg said that “the DUP money was actually slightly less than it had got in the previous five years”.
In this context, it is worth pointing that government plans to increase spending in deprived areas after Brexit seem to be little more than a restatement of what was in the Conservative party’s 2017 manifesto (pdf). It said:In this context, it is worth pointing that government plans to increase spending in deprived areas after Brexit seem to be little more than a restatement of what was in the Conservative party’s 2017 manifesto (pdf). It said:
We will use the structural fund money that comes back to the UK following Brexit to create a United Kingdom shared prosperity fund, specifically designed to reduce inequalities between communities across our four nations. The money that is spent will help deliver sustainable, inclusive growth based on our modern industrial strategy. We will consult widely on the design of the fund, including with the devolved administrations, local authorities, businesses and public bodies. The UK shared prosperity fund will be cheap to administer, low in bureaucracy and targeted where it is needed most.We will use the structural fund money that comes back to the UK following Brexit to create a United Kingdom shared prosperity fund, specifically designed to reduce inequalities between communities across our four nations. The money that is spent will help deliver sustainable, inclusive growth based on our modern industrial strategy. We will consult widely on the design of the fund, including with the devolved administrations, local authorities, businesses and public bodies. The UK shared prosperity fund will be cheap to administer, low in bureaucracy and targeted where it is needed most.
Rees-Mogg said that most Conservative MPs did not want an early election. They would be happy to wait until 2022, he said.Rees-Mogg said that most Conservative MPs did not want an early election. They would be happy to wait until 2022, he said.
Britain and other European allies have recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as the interim president of Venezuela, Jeremy Hunt, the foreign secretary, has said.Britain and other European allies have recognised opposition leader Juan Guaido as the interim president of Venezuela, Jeremy Hunt, the foreign secretary, has said.
Nicolas Maduro has not called Presidential elections within 8 day limit we have set. So UK alongside European allies now recognises @jguaido as interim constitutional president until credible elections can be held. Let’s hope this takes us closer to ending humanitarian crisisNicolas Maduro has not called Presidential elections within 8 day limit we have set. So UK alongside European allies now recognises @jguaido as interim constitutional president until credible elections can be held. Let’s hope this takes us closer to ending humanitarian crisis
With 53 days to go until Brexit, and the EU and the UK still unable to agree a deal that will avoid the return of a hard border in Ireland, today a new body starts work charged with coming up with a solution. It is the alternative arrangements working group, announced by Downing Street last night. Number 10 has named five Conservatives who will take part - the hardline Brexiters Steve Baker, Marcus Fysh and Owen Paterson, and the compromise-minded remainers Damian Green and Nicky Morgan - who will hold meetings today, tomorrow and Wednesday with Stephen Barclay, the Brexit secretary, at the Cabinet Office.With 53 days to go until Brexit, and the EU and the UK still unable to agree a deal that will avoid the return of a hard border in Ireland, today a new body starts work charged with coming up with a solution. It is the alternative arrangements working group, announced by Downing Street last night. Number 10 has named five Conservatives who will take part - the hardline Brexiters Steve Baker, Marcus Fysh and Owen Paterson, and the compromise-minded remainers Damian Green and Nicky Morgan - who will hold meetings today, tomorrow and Wednesday with Stephen Barclay, the Brexit secretary, at the Cabinet Office.
The group will focus on trying to establish the viability of plans to use technology as means of avoiding a hard border in Ireland, as an alternative to the backstop. It will develop ideas set out in the so-called Malthouse compromise. That in turn was based on ideas for the border set out in a paper published in September last year by the European Research Group, The Border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland post-Brexit (pdf).The group will focus on trying to establish the viability of plans to use technology as means of avoiding a hard border in Ireland, as an alternative to the backstop. It will develop ideas set out in the so-called Malthouse compromise. That in turn was based on ideas for the border set out in a paper published in September last year by the European Research Group, The Border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland post-Brexit (pdf).
There are two problems with this.There are two problems with this.
First, we’ve have been here before. The alternative arrangements working group initiative sounds remarkably similar to one announced by Theresa May in May last year, when she set up two cabinet working groups to look at alternative, post-Brexit customs plans. One of the ideas on the table, “max fac” or maximum facilitation, was quite similar to what the ERG is proposing. The cabinet working group failed to come up with ideas that would impress the EU.First, we’ve have been here before. The alternative arrangements working group initiative sounds remarkably similar to one announced by Theresa May in May last year, when she set up two cabinet working groups to look at alternative, post-Brexit customs plans. One of the ideas on the table, “max fac” or maximum facilitation, was quite similar to what the ERG is proposing. The cabinet working group failed to come up with ideas that would impress the EU.
Second, the EU has restated its belief that new technology won’t solve the problem. Yesterday afternoon Sabine Weyand, the EU’s deputy chief Brexit negotiator, retweeted a BBC Reality Check article saying no technological solution would be available in the next few years.Second, the EU has restated its belief that new technology won’t solve the problem. Yesterday afternoon Sabine Weyand, the EU’s deputy chief Brexit negotiator, retweeted a BBC Reality Check article saying no technological solution would be available in the next few years.
Fact-checking « alternative arrangements » re #Brexit backstop: Can technology solve the Irish border problem? Short answer: not in the next few years. https://t.co/9xBhSGhntrFact-checking « alternative arrangements » re #Brexit backstop: Can technology solve the Irish border problem? Short answer: not in the next few years. https://t.co/9xBhSGhntr
And here is an extract from the BBC article she commended.And here is an extract from the BBC article she commended.
So could a future technological solution to the backstop work?So could a future technological solution to the backstop work?
“Theoretically, I believe it could be done,” said David Hening, director of the UK Trade Policy Project think tank.“Theoretically, I believe it could be done,” said David Hening, director of the UK Trade Policy Project think tank.
“However, it would require huge amounts of trust and money. What happens if a lorry driver doesn’t register? And in any event, it certainly couldn’t be delivered in the next few years.”“However, it would require huge amounts of trust and money. What happens if a lorry driver doesn’t register? And in any event, it certainly couldn’t be delivered in the next few years.”
This solution also doesn’t get round the fact that EU law requires physical inspections of some products.This solution also doesn’t get round the fact that EU law requires physical inspections of some products.
So what about another “alternative” - simply time limiting the backstop so that it automatically ends?So what about another “alternative” - simply time limiting the backstop so that it automatically ends?
This would defeat the whole purpose of the backstop, according to Katy Hayward, an expert in border studies, at Queen’s University Belfast.This would defeat the whole purpose of the backstop, according to Katy Hayward, an expert in border studies, at Queen’s University Belfast.
“What happens when that time limit expires? Time limiting the backstop pretty much kicks the can down the road and doesn’t face up to the reality of what to do about the Irish border after the transition period,” she said.“What happens when that time limit expires? Time limiting the backstop pretty much kicks the can down the road and doesn’t face up to the reality of what to do about the Irish border after the transition period,” she said.
And yesterday, on the Andrew Marr Show, the home secretary, Sajid Javid, also claimed that technology offered a solution to the border issue, provided the EU showed “a bit of goodwill”. He said:And yesterday, on the Andrew Marr Show, the home secretary, Sajid Javid, also claimed that technology offered a solution to the border issue, provided the EU showed “a bit of goodwill”. He said:
In my own department I’ve got Border Force. And I asked Border Force months ago to advise me, to look at what alternative arrangements are possible, and they’ve shown me quite clearly you can have no hard border on the island of Ireland and you can use existing technology. It’s perfectly possible. The only thing that’s missing is a bit of goodwill on the EU side.In my own department I’ve got Border Force. And I asked Border Force months ago to advise me, to look at what alternative arrangements are possible, and they’ve shown me quite clearly you can have no hard border on the island of Ireland and you can use existing technology. It’s perfectly possible. The only thing that’s missing is a bit of goodwill on the EU side.
In a tweet a bit later, Weyand rubbished that claim too.In a tweet a bit later, Weyand rubbished that claim too.
👇That would not be « goodwill » but a dereliction of duty by public authorities in the EU that have a duty to ensure public health and safety of consumers, protect against unfair competition and enforce public policies and international agreements. https://t.co/fpX2ibGzAP👇That would not be « goodwill » but a dereliction of duty by public authorities in the EU that have a duty to ensure public health and safety of consumers, protect against unfair competition and enforce public policies and international agreements. https://t.co/fpX2ibGzAP
Here is the agenda for the day.Here is the agenda for the day.
9am: Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Conservative MP who chairs the European Research Group, which represents the most hardline Tory Brexiters, hosts his LBC phone-in.9am: Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Conservative MP who chairs the European Research Group, which represents the most hardline Tory Brexiters, hosts his LBC phone-in.
11am: Downing Street lobby briefing.11am: Downing Street lobby briefing.
11.30am: The Commons Brexit committee visits Brussels. Among others, the committee will be meeting Martin Selmayr, the European commission’s secretary general.11.30am: The Commons Brexit committee visits Brussels. Among others, the committee will be meeting Martin Selmayr, the European commission’s secretary general.
After 3.30pm: Greg Clark, the business secretary, is expected to make a statement to MPs about Nissan’s decision not to build its new X-Trail SUV at its Sunderland plant.After 3.30pm: Greg Clark, the business secretary, is expected to make a statement to MPs about Nissan’s decision not to build its new X-Trail SUV at its Sunderland plant.
And at some point today Stephen Barclay, the Brexit secretary, will be meeting members of the new working group set up by Number 10 to consider the viability of the so-called Malthouse compromise, a Brexit proposal that includes plans to avoid a hard border in Ireland through technological solutions as an alternative to the backstop.And at some point today Stephen Barclay, the Brexit secretary, will be meeting members of the new working group set up by Number 10 to consider the viability of the so-called Malthouse compromise, a Brexit proposal that includes plans to avoid a hard border in Ireland through technological solutions as an alternative to the backstop.
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, but I expect to be focusing mostly on Brexit. I plan to post a summary at lunchtime and another when I finish, at around 6pm.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, but I expect to be focusing mostly on Brexit. I plan to post a summary at lunchtime and another when I finish, at around 6pm.
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.