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Brexit: May to whip Tory MPs to try to prevent further indicative votes debates after tonight - live news Brexit: May to whip Tory MPs to try to prevent further indicative votes debates after tonight - live news
(30 minutes later)
Here is the message sent to Tory MPs from the chief whip, Julian Smith, saying there will be a free vote tonight. This is from Sky’s Aubrey Allegretti.
Confirmed: Free vote for Tory MPs to see off the threat of resignations. Here’s the message sent by chief whip to Tory MPs confirming it. pic.twitter.com/9ePwb32Jy8
Back in the Common, Letwin is still speaking, and defending the constitutional propriety of his business motion. Jacob Rees-Mogg says he objects to today’s procedure. The government should be in charge, he says, citing the role played by privy counsellors in Tudor parliaments overseeing the Queen’s business. Letwin says the Commons has the final say over its own procedures.
And here is my colleague Jessica Elgot on the Labour whipping arrangements.
New - Labour will whip to support F&J - Snell/Clarke on Customs UnionK - Labour’s Brexit planM - Beckett on second referendumThey are also “encouraging support” D - Common Market 2.0Not whipped because not technically party policy but implication is Corbyn will support
This is from the Conservative MP James Cartlidge.
Whips just confirmed #indicativevotes will be free votes with Cabinet abstaining.
Theresa May made it clear on Monday and again at PMQs, that she will not necessarily accept any Brexit plan that emerges from the indicative votes process.
But she was under strong pressure to give Tory MPs a free vote, not least from pro-Europeans in the government, and so she is going to let Tory MPs vote for what they want, even though the government is opposed to many of the proposals on the menu.
MPs are now debating the business motion for today’s debate.
Often business motions (which set the timetable for a debate) go through on the nod. But today’s is quite complicated, and the debate on the business motion could go on until 3pm.
Sir Oliver Letwin, the Conservative former cabinet minister who moved the amendment setting up the indicative votes procedure, is moving the motion. Normally it would be the leader of the Commons moving the business motion, but the government is not in charge today, and so Letwin is moving the motion from the government backbenches.
Told by an MP that Twitter is reporting that the government will vote against the business motion, Letwin at first says he does not take any notice of Twitter. Then he goes on to say that it is not a surprise that the government is whipping against the business motion.
Kate Hoey, the Labour Brexiter, intervenes. She says the business motion today is not the same as the amendment passed on Monday. She says it is setting aside Monday for another indicative votes on Monday.
Letwin concedes that he wants to “book a slot” for Monday. He says he does not expect the votes today to produce a majority for one proposal. That is why he wants another round of voting on Monday.
These are from the Downing Street post-PMQs briefing.These are from the Downing Street post-PMQs briefing.
From my colleague Heather StewartFrom my colleague Heather Stewart
NEW - Downing St spox says the government will whip *against* the business motion for this afternoon’s indicative votes - If it wins, the whole thing will be off. “Obviously we oppose the principle,” a spox says.NEW - Downing St spox says the government will whip *against* the business motion for this afternoon’s indicative votes - If it wins, the whole thing will be off. “Obviously we oppose the principle,” a spox says.
What is significant about this is that the business motion does not just set out the procedures to be followed today; it also says that Monday next week should also be set aside for another indicative votes debate, instead of being set aside for government business, as is usual under standing order 14. If the government were to win this vote, the indicative votes process would end tonight - before it has been fully concluded.What is significant about this is that the business motion does not just set out the procedures to be followed today; it also says that Monday next week should also be set aside for another indicative votes debate, instead of being set aside for government business, as is usual under standing order 14. If the government were to win this vote, the indicative votes process would end tonight - before it has been fully concluded.
The votes tonight will show which Brexit alternative is most popular. But Oliver Letwin plans some sort of run-off procedure on Monday, to clarify an ultimate winner. See 9.33am.The votes tonight will show which Brexit alternative is most popular. But Oliver Letwin plans some sort of run-off procedure on Monday, to clarify an ultimate winner. See 9.33am.
From the Mirror’s Pippa CrerarFrom the Mirror’s Pippa Crerar
No 10 spox confirms Tories will OPPOSE business motion for indicative votes. If enough MPs change their mind whole process would be off. Not sure this is exactly the PM “engaging constructively” with Commons as promised.No 10 spox confirms Tories will OPPOSE business motion for indicative votes. If enough MPs change their mind whole process would be off. Not sure this is exactly the PM “engaging constructively” with Commons as promised.
PM again told House that meaningful vote would be “this week”. But her spox clarifies “we’ll only seek to bring back a meaningful vote when we believe we have a realistic prospect of success”.PM again told House that meaningful vote would be “this week”. But her spox clarifies “we’ll only seek to bring back a meaningful vote when we believe we have a realistic prospect of success”.
Downing Street not being drawn on what PM will say at ‘22 later. “This is obviously a big week for Brexit. Talking to her colleagues in the ‘22 is the sort of thing you would expect her to do”.Downing Street not being drawn on what PM will say at ‘22 later. “This is obviously a big week for Brexit. Talking to her colleagues in the ‘22 is the sort of thing you would expect her to do”.
On whether the PM was hinting in the Commons that she was standing down, her spox says: “The PM is totally focused on the job at hand and will remain so”. But won’t say for how long.On whether the PM was hinting in the Commons that she was standing down, her spox says: “The PM is totally focused on the job at hand and will remain so”. But won’t say for how long.
From ITV’s Carl DinnenFrom ITV’s Carl Dinnen
BREAKING Downing Street confirm they will start the process for allowing the Commons to sit on Friday IN CASE they want to go ahead with the third Meaningful Vote then.BREAKING Downing Street confirm they will start the process for allowing the Commons to sit on Friday IN CASE they want to go ahead with the third Meaningful Vote then.
PMQs - Snap verdict: PMQs used to be one of the political highlights of the week. Increasingly that has become less and less true (partly because Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn are both relatively uninspiring performers in this arena), but today it felt like a particularly diminished event, that did not shed much light on the crisis facing the country, or even resonate with much drama. With the exception of Scottish questions, it may be the most boring half hour in the Commons today. Corbyn devoted all his questions to Brexit, and he started by challenging May to explain what was wrong with a customs union - a pertinent question given that is where the indicative votes process may lead. But May rebutted his question without much difficulty, and his attack on the government over its unwillingness to commit to accepting the result of the indicative votes process did not get very far because May was able to reply, correctly, that Labour’s position is much the same. The most awkward question for May on Brexit came from her own colleague Andrew Bridgen, who declared that she had now forfeited the trust of his constituents. (See 12.05am.) But even that did not discomfort May much, and some observers were left speculating that perhaps a private decision to stand down soon has lightened her mood.PMQs - Snap verdict: PMQs used to be one of the political highlights of the week. Increasingly that has become less and less true (partly because Theresa May and Jeremy Corbyn are both relatively uninspiring performers in this arena), but today it felt like a particularly diminished event, that did not shed much light on the crisis facing the country, or even resonate with much drama. With the exception of Scottish questions, it may be the most boring half hour in the Commons today. Corbyn devoted all his questions to Brexit, and he started by challenging May to explain what was wrong with a customs union - a pertinent question given that is where the indicative votes process may lead. But May rebutted his question without much difficulty, and his attack on the government over its unwillingness to commit to accepting the result of the indicative votes process did not get very far because May was able to reply, correctly, that Labour’s position is much the same. The most awkward question for May on Brexit came from her own colleague Andrew Bridgen, who declared that she had now forfeited the trust of his constituents. (See 12.05am.) But even that did not discomfort May much, and some observers were left speculating that perhaps a private decision to stand down soon has lightened her mood.
PM joking in the chamber and at other moments being more forthright than usual. Could this be a sign that Theresa May has made a decision about her future in office? Weight lifted? Notably didn’t deny SNP Q about her departure.PM joking in the chamber and at other moments being more forthright than usual. Could this be a sign that Theresa May has made a decision about her future in office? Weight lifted? Notably didn’t deny SNP Q about her departure.
May on spiky, punchy #PMQs form today, looks more relaxed than she has been in weeks. Is this cos she's mentally liberated herself with a departure timetable to be announced at '22 later? Or cos Boris, Moggy and all her critics are eating huge slices of humble pie?May on spiky, punchy #PMQs form today, looks more relaxed than she has been in weeks. Is this cos she's mentally liberated herself with a departure timetable to be announced at '22 later? Or cos Boris, Moggy and all her critics are eating huge slices of humble pie?
May’s response to the SNP leader at Westminster, Ian Blackford, also fuelled speculation that she is not planning to stay in office for long.May’s response to the SNP leader at Westminster, Ian Blackford, also fuelled speculation that she is not planning to stay in office for long.
Intriguing response to @IanBlackfordMP’s pre-accusation May about to abandon ship. She insisted “my sense of duty means I have kept working...”. No future tense in her response #PMQsIntriguing response to @IanBlackfordMP’s pre-accusation May about to abandon ship. She insisted “my sense of duty means I have kept working...”. No future tense in her response #PMQs
Crikey. @theresa_may does not knock back @IanBlackfordMP suggestion she will be stepping down soonCrikey. @theresa_may does not knock back @IanBlackfordMP suggestion she will be stepping down soon
For the record, this is what Blackford asked:For the record, this is what Blackford asked:
It is becoming increasingly clear that the cost the prime minister will pay to force her disastrous deal through is the price of her departure. Yet again another Tory prime minister is willing to ride off into the sunset and saddle us with a crisis in the UK and an extreme right-wing Brexiteer coming into Downing Street. Does the prime minister feel no sense of responsibility for what she is about to do?It is becoming increasingly clear that the cost the prime minister will pay to force her disastrous deal through is the price of her departure. Yet again another Tory prime minister is willing to ride off into the sunset and saddle us with a crisis in the UK and an extreme right-wing Brexiteer coming into Downing Street. Does the prime minister feel no sense of responsibility for what she is about to do?
May replied:May replied:
It is my sense of responsibility and duty that has meant I have kept working to ensure Brexit is delivered.It is my sense of responsibility and duty that has meant I have kept working to ensure Brexit is delivered.
It is the sort of answer you might expect from someone who thinks their days as PM are numbered.It is the sort of answer you might expect from someone who thinks their days as PM are numbered.
Caroline Lucas, the Green MP, says global climate emissions have hit their highest levels. Will May back calls for a green new deal?Caroline Lucas, the Green MP, says global climate emissions have hit their highest levels. Will May back calls for a green new deal?
May says Lucas should have noted what the government is already doing. It is committed to clean growth.May says Lucas should have noted what the government is already doing. It is committed to clean growth.
Labour’s Chris Bryant asks about skin cancer (for which he was recently treated). He calls for a major public health campaign to get people to check out their bodies for suspicious moles, and to use sunscreen. The government can save lives, he says.Labour’s Chris Bryant asks about skin cancer (for which he was recently treated). He calls for a major public health campaign to get people to check out their bodies for suspicious moles, and to use sunscreen. The government can save lives, he says.
May agree. She says Matt Hancock, the health secretary, will have heard Bryant’s request.May agree. She says Matt Hancock, the health secretary, will have heard Bryant’s request.
Nigel Dodds, the DUP leader at Wesminster, says the Belfast city deal was signed yesterday. Will May ensure that this will go forward even without the Northern Ireland executive sitting?Nigel Dodds, the DUP leader at Wesminster, says the Belfast city deal was signed yesterday. Will May ensure that this will go forward even without the Northern Ireland executive sitting?
May says she can commit to ensure that the city deal goes ahead even without the power-sharing executive being in place.May says she can commit to ensure that the city deal goes ahead even without the power-sharing executive being in place.
The DUP’s Jim Shannon asks about dementia funding.
May says increasing numbers of people are living with dementia. The UK is playing a significant part in the international effort to find better treatment, she says.
Labour’s Afzal Khan asks about a Guardian story about the Conservative party reinstating 15 party members suspended for Islamophobia. The party is in denial about the problem, he says.
May says the party does does this action seriously, and investigates all complaints.
Sir Bill Cash, the Tory Brexiter, says lawyers are convinced that May’s deal with the EU extending article 50 is unlawful. Did May get legal advice before agreeing that? And will May publish it? And will she withdraw this evening’s motion changing Brexit date?
May says Brexit date has already changed under international law. She says the Commons voted to seek an extension to article 50. She says, if the statutory instrument being voted on tonight is not passed, that will cause legal confusion.
Labour’s Chi Onwurah says she used to be opposed to a second referendum because it would be so divisive. But the country is paralysed. Will May consider the possibility she is making a terrible mistake?
May says, if Onwurah wants to deliver on the referendum result in an orderly way, she should back May’s deal.
Labour’s Diana Johnson says the north needs an industrial renaissance.
May says she wants an industrial policy that works for every region. There has been significant investment in the north, she says.
Kirstene Hair, a Scottish Conservative, says more than 7,000 members of the armed forces based in Scotland have to pay more in tax because of the Scottish government’s tax rates. Will the UK government compensate them?
May says a majority of armed forces personnel based in Scotland are affected by differential tax rates. She says the UK government will again compensate them in the coming year.
Sir Peter Bottomley, a Conservative, says the PM’s deal has not passed parliament because of those who want to stay in the EU, hardline Brexiters and Labour. But most people in the country want it to pass.
May says that is the message she gets from the public too.
Labour has now put out a statement effectively confirming that it is backing the Becket confirmatory referendum amendment. (See 9.33am, 10.58am and 11.58am.) A spokesperson said:
In line with our policy, we’re supporting motions to keep options on the table to prevent a bad Tory deal or no deal.
The Beckett amendment actually goes further than the Labour statement it implies. It says any amendment should be subject to a referendum. It says:
That this house will not allow in this parliament the implementation and ratification of any withdrawal agreement and any framework for the future relationship unless and until they have been approved by the people of the United Kingdom in a confirmatory public vote.
The SNP leader at Westminster, Ian Blackford, asks May if she has a sense of responsibility for what she is doing on Brexit.
May says she is trying to deliver Brexit.
Blackford says he was at the march for a second referendum on Saturday. Some 6m people have signed the petition calling for article 50 to be revoked. Will May accept the will of parliament, or will she continue to be held hostage by the hard right and the DUP?
May says she is delivering on the referendum result. Blackford wants to stay in the EU. That means staying in the common agricultural policy and the common fisheries policy, which would not be in the interests of Scottish farmers or Scottish fishermen.
May says epetitions are subject to checks to ensure they are not manipulated by foreign powers.