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 http://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2019/mar/13/brexit-mps-to-vote-on-leaving-the-eu-with-no-deal-politics-live

The article has changed 33 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 14 Version 15
Brexit: May makes new free vote concession ahead of no-deal debate – Politics live Brexit: May makes new free vote concession ahead of no-deal debate – Politics live
(32 minutes later)
At the end of his spring statement speech Philip Hammond, the chancellor, urged MPs to build a “consensus” around Brexit. He said:
Last night’s events mean we are not where I hoped we would be today. Our economy is fundamentally robust. But the uncertainty that I hoped we would lift last night, still hangs over us. We cannot allow that to continue.
It is damaging our economy and it is damaging our standing and reputation in the world.
Tonight, we have a choice: we can remove the threat of an imminent no-deal exit hanging over our economy.
Tomorrow, we will have the opportunity to start to map out a way forward towards building a consensus across this House for a deal we can, collectively support, to exit the EU in an orderly way.
Hammond referred to “a deal” that MPs could support, not “the deal” put forward by Theresa May. It was a very strong hint that he would like the government to pivot towards a softer Brexit, which would potentially involve a Norway-style Brexit passing with Labour support.
Hammond has also managed a Brexit joke. Announcing money for a new super-computer at Edinburgh University, five times faster than existing one, he says with the right algorithms, it might even be able to come up with a solution to the backstop.
Here is some Twitter comment on Philip Hammond’s no-deal warnings.
From the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg
Hammond says everyone in house needs to put aside differences and find a compromise - leaving without deal not what people voted for ,he says - interesting he hasn’t yet explicitly argued for May’s deal
From CityAM’s Owen Bennett
If this is Philip Hammond’s final set piece as chancellor, he’s going down all guns blazing. Says a no deal would lead to higher prices in the shops and a smaller economy. No quick fix to cope with no deal impact. This is going to rile up many Tories. #springstatement
Interesting that @CCHQPress hasn’t tweeted out any of Hammond’s no deal warnings in his speech. https://t.co/WQdVNqlgru
From the Sun’s Tom Newton Dunn
Philip Hammond calls for Commons to “put aside our differences and seek a compromise in the national interest”; ie, a softer Brexit deal. This is pointedly not MV3, which is why PM has a face like thunder behind him.
From the Guardian’s Richard Partington
Hammond takes a dig at Brexiters: “The idea there is some readily available fix to avoid the consequences of a no-deal Brexit is just wrong” -- any fiscal or monetary response would need to be temporary to avoid inflation
From Sky’s Beth Rigby
Jeers as Chancellor claims Tories the party of business against backdrop of Brexit meltdown. 16 days to go until B-day & still no clear path thru on May's Deal, No Deal and No Brexit. This speech to implore Tories to fall into line. Hammond the last one they'd listen to
In his spring statement Philip Hammond, the chancellor, says that if there is a Brexit deal, he will launch a three-year spending review before the summer.In his spring statement Philip Hammond, the chancellor, says that if there is a Brexit deal, he will launch a three-year spending review before the summer.
“I intend to launch a full three-year Spending Review before the summer recess, to be concluded alongside an Autumn Budget.” - @PhilipHammondUK #SpringStatement pic.twitter.com/4TIHxUJN0Y“I intend to launch a full three-year Spending Review before the summer recess, to be concluded alongside an Autumn Budget.” - @PhilipHammondUK #SpringStatement pic.twitter.com/4TIHxUJN0Y
But he says a no-deal Brexit would deliver “a significant short to medium-term reduction in the productive capacity of the the British economy”.But he says a no-deal Brexit would deliver “a significant short to medium-term reduction in the productive capacity of the the British economy”.
He says it would lead to lower growth, higher unemployment and higher prices.He says it would lead to lower growth, higher unemployment and higher prices.
During PMQs Theresa May accused Jeremy Corbyn of not referring to Labour’s second referendum commitment in the Commons yesterday.During PMQs Theresa May accused Jeremy Corbyn of not referring to Labour’s second referendum commitment in the Commons yesterday.
Labour’s Dawn Butler has accused her of lying, because Corbyn did refer to the policy in his main speech.Labour’s Dawn Butler has accused her of lying, because Corbyn did refer to the policy in his main speech.
The Prime Minister has just lied to the house. @jeremycorbyn spoke and edorsed #PeoplesVote in yesterday's debate. I've located the text below. #Brexit #Brexitvote @BBCPolitics @SkyNews @SkyNewsBreak @Channel4News @channel5_tv @itvnews pic.twitter.com/ORF26oYZI7The Prime Minister has just lied to the house. @jeremycorbyn spoke and edorsed #PeoplesVote in yesterday's debate. I've located the text below. #Brexit #Brexitvote @BBCPolitics @SkyNews @SkyNewsBreak @Channel4News @channel5_tv @itvnews pic.twitter.com/ORF26oYZI7
But, as HuffPost’s Paul Waugh points out, May seemed to be referring to the fact that Corbyn did not mention a public vote in his statement to MPs after May’s deal was defeated.But, as HuffPost’s Paul Waugh points out, May seemed to be referring to the fact that Corbyn did not mention a public vote in his statement to MPs after May’s deal was defeated.
Corbyn did keep the option of PV open in his opening statement in debate (having not done so earlier in week). It was his failure to mention it after May defeat last night that some MPs objected to.Corbyn did keep the option of PV open in his opening statement in debate (having not done so earlier in week). It was his failure to mention it after May defeat last night that some MPs objected to.
The Brexit debate is due to start at around 3.30pm. Theresa May will be opening it. It will run until 7pm, when MPs will vote.The Brexit debate is due to start at around 3.30pm. Theresa May will be opening it. It will run until 7pm, when MPs will vote.
There are six amendments on the order paper (pdf). And two more manuscript amendments have been tabled.There are six amendments on the order paper (pdf). And two more manuscript amendments have been tabled.
Two manuscript amendments tabled for the no-deal debate. pic.twitter.com/toIW9B6qz3Two manuscript amendments tabled for the no-deal debate. pic.twitter.com/toIW9B6qz3
PMQs is now over. And Philip Hammond, the chancellor, is about to deliver his spring statement.PMQs is now over. And Philip Hammond, the chancellor, is about to deliver his spring statement.
I will cover any Brexit-related news from the statement, but our main coverage of the statement will be on my colleague Graeme Wearden’s business live blog.I will cover any Brexit-related news from the statement, but our main coverage of the statement will be on my colleague Graeme Wearden’s business live blog.
Spring statement: Philip Hammond reveals state of UK's economy and finances - liveSpring statement: Philip Hammond reveals state of UK's economy and finances - live
The Tory MP Alberto Costa says the media call his place a failing parliament. But there was nothing failing when it passed his amendment on the rights of British citizens in the EU three weeks ago. What has May done to get EU leaders to agree to this?The Tory MP Alberto Costa says the media call his place a failing parliament. But there was nothing failing when it passed his amendment on the rights of British citizens in the EU three weeks ago. What has May done to get EU leaders to agree to this?
May says she has spoken to a number of EU leaders about this.May says she has spoken to a number of EU leaders about this.
Mark Pawsey, a Conservative, asks about Rugby council’s housebuilding programme. May says she is please to hear it is providing more homes.Mark Pawsey, a Conservative, asks about Rugby council’s housebuilding programme. May says she is please to hear it is providing more homes.
Mark Francois, the Tory Brexiter, says on 29 January the Commons, and most Tory MPs, voted for the Brady amendment (saying the backstop should be replaced). Brady was designed to facilitate the Malthouse compromise. If the Malthouse compromise amendment is called later, will Tories get a free vote, and how will May herself vote?Mark Francois, the Tory Brexiter, says on 29 January the Commons, and most Tory MPs, voted for the Brady amendment (saying the backstop should be replaced). Brady was designed to facilitate the Malthouse compromise. If the Malthouse compromise amendment is called later, will Tories get a free vote, and how will May herself vote?
May says she addressed this earlier. (See 12.33pm.) She says her agreement with the EU says alternative arrangements for the backstop should be worked up. That is what Malthouse was asking for, she says.May says she addressed this earlier. (See 12.33pm.) She says her agreement with the EU says alternative arrangements for the backstop should be worked up. That is what Malthouse was asking for, she says.
The Tory MP David Tredinnick asks May if Labour should allow a free vote on no deal tonight.The Tory MP David Tredinnick asks May if Labour should allow a free vote on no deal tonight.
May says it would be better if all MPs had a free vote.May says it would be better if all MPs had a free vote.
The Tory MP Peter Bone asked May about the Malthouse compromise amendment. In her response, May said the government had already accepted two of its four demands (1 and 4 - see 11.22am for the full text) and that MPs were getting a vote on an article 50 extension. But on the key demand (number 3), she said it was unacceptable to the EU.The Tory MP Peter Bone asked May about the Malthouse compromise amendment. In her response, May said the government had already accepted two of its four demands (1 and 4 - see 11.22am for the full text) and that MPs were getting a vote on an article 50 extension. But on the key demand (number 3), she said it was unacceptable to the EU.
PMQs - Snap verdict: Profoundly uninspiring. There are times when a nation is in crisis when parliamentarians rise to the occasion. But there was no sign of that in those PMQs exchanges. Jeremy Corbyn was absolutely right, of course, when he said that Theresa May’s plan has been decisively rejected, but he did not get very far in challenging May to adopt Labour’s plan and he sounded relatively unengaged considering the seriousness of what’s at stake. Although he highlighted some of the horrors of a no-deal Brexit, if anything he probably understated the potential problems, and he sounded less passionate about the extent of the mess than he does when he is talking about issues like, say, homelessness or poverty. He restated the case for Labour’s Brexit, but he did not sound like someone poised to drive it through the House of Commons. But he had a a better case than May who, partly because of her problems with her voice, was literally pitiful. She had a carefully crafted soundbite (I may have lost my voice, but I understand the voice of the country), but it was not enough to restore her credibility. In the past May has frequently accused Corbyn of wanting to stop Brexit (a surprise to those who have actually studied his record.) But, interestingly, today she seemed to have dropped that line of attack, criticising him at one point for not restating his referendum policy yesterday and at another point highlighting his own Eurosceptic credentials.PMQs - Snap verdict: Profoundly uninspiring. There are times when a nation is in crisis when parliamentarians rise to the occasion. But there was no sign of that in those PMQs exchanges. Jeremy Corbyn was absolutely right, of course, when he said that Theresa May’s plan has been decisively rejected, but he did not get very far in challenging May to adopt Labour’s plan and he sounded relatively unengaged considering the seriousness of what’s at stake. Although he highlighted some of the horrors of a no-deal Brexit, if anything he probably understated the potential problems, and he sounded less passionate about the extent of the mess than he does when he is talking about issues like, say, homelessness or poverty. He restated the case for Labour’s Brexit, but he did not sound like someone poised to drive it through the House of Commons. But he had a a better case than May who, partly because of her problems with her voice, was literally pitiful. She had a carefully crafted soundbite (I may have lost my voice, but I understand the voice of the country), but it was not enough to restore her credibility. In the past May has frequently accused Corbyn of wanting to stop Brexit (a surprise to those who have actually studied his record.) But, interestingly, today she seemed to have dropped that line of attack, criticising him at one point for not restating his referendum policy yesterday and at another point highlighting his own Eurosceptic credentials.
Corbyn says Owen Paterson said during the referendum “Only a madman would leave the single market.” With May’s deal decisively rejected, what is May now for. Labour’s plan is the only credible show in town.Corbyn says Owen Paterson said during the referendum “Only a madman would leave the single market.” With May’s deal decisively rejected, what is May now for. Labour’s plan is the only credible show in town.
May says Corbyn says he opposes no deal, but he votes to bring it closer. Labour’s plan has been rejected several times by this house. She says she may not have her own voice, but she understands the voice of the country. People want to leave the EU, end free movement, have their own trade policy, and ensure laws are made in UK courts. Corbyn used to believe in this too. Why is he now against it?May says Corbyn says he opposes no deal, but he votes to bring it closer. Labour’s plan has been rejected several times by this house. She says she may not have her own voice, but she understands the voice of the country. People want to leave the EU, end free movement, have their own trade policy, and ensure laws are made in UK courts. Corbyn used to believe in this too. Why is he now against it?
Corbyn says May no longer has the ability to lead. It is rudderless. He says, where the PM has failed, the house needs to listen to the country. He says British citizens face uncertainty. May needs to show leadership. So what is her plan?Corbyn says May no longer has the ability to lead. It is rudderless. He says, where the PM has failed, the house needs to listen to the country. He says British citizens face uncertainty. May needs to show leadership. So what is her plan?
May says MPs will vote on no deal today, and then on extending article 50 tomorrow if no deal is rejected. MPs have to make choices. He says Corbyn does not agree with government policy, or even Labour policy. He has nothing to offer this country.May says MPs will vote on no deal today, and then on extending article 50 tomorrow if no deal is rejected. MPs have to make choices. He says Corbyn does not agree with government policy, or even Labour policy. He has nothing to offer this country.
Corbyn says the CBI have described a no-deal Brexit as as sledgehammer to the economy. Manufacturing is now in recession. May’s deal has been decisively rejected. When will May accept that there must be a negotiated customs union with the EU.Corbyn says the CBI have described a no-deal Brexit as as sledgehammer to the economy. Manufacturing is now in recession. May’s deal has been decisively rejected. When will May accept that there must be a negotiated customs union with the EU.
May says the CBI says Labour’s policies would lead to a drop in living standards. Corbyn claims to be in favour of a second referendum. But he did not even refer to that last night.May says the CBI says Labour’s policies would lead to a drop in living standards. Corbyn claims to be in favour of a second referendum. But he did not even refer to that last night.
Corbyn says May’s answer will not reassure people worried about their jobs. Food producers are also in despair. Will she now back close alignment to the single market to back their industry?Corbyn says May’s answer will not reassure people worried about their jobs. Food producers are also in despair. Will she now back close alignment to the single market to back their industry?
May says her deal does include access to the EU on the basis of no tariffs. It would help if Corbyn had read it.May says her deal does include access to the EU on the basis of no tariffs. It would help if Corbyn had read it.
Jeremy Corbyn also sends his condolences to those affected by the crash in Ethiopia.Jeremy Corbyn also sends his condolences to those affected by the crash in Ethiopia.
He says May says the only choice is between her deal and no deal. Last night her deal was finished off. And she will not whip her MPs on no deal. How will she vote?He says May says the only choice is between her deal and no deal. Last night her deal was finished off. And she will not whip her MPs on no deal. How will she vote?
May says she will vote for the government motion.May says she will vote for the government motion.
May confirms she will vote to rule out a no-deal Brexit on 29 March.May confirms she will vote to rule out a no-deal Brexit on 29 March.
Corbyn asks why May is still ambivalent about a no-deal outcome.Corbyn asks why May is still ambivalent about a no-deal outcome.
May says she wants a deal. Businesses want that too. One thing they worry about more than no deal is a Corbyn government.May says she wants a deal. Businesses want that too. One thing they worry about more than no deal is a Corbyn government.