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Brexit: May concedes Tory MPs will get free vote on alternatives, with cabinet abstaining - live news Brexit: May concedes Tory MPs will get free vote on alternatives, with cabinet abstaining - live news
(32 minutes later)
In the Commons the vote on the business motion has just wrapped up. Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Tory Brexiter, spoke against it, and it all got very public school.
Then it gets niche. Rees-Mogg (Eton) accuses Boles (Winchester) of making a Wykehamist point: "highly intelligent but fundamentally wrong."Then he throws public school shade on Old Etonian Letwin of being more Winchester than Eton. Can't see Letwin coming back from that.
Today in parliament: - Rees-Mogg accuses Boles and Letwin of not respecting the result of the referendum.- Boles points out they voted for the Brexit deal, and Rees-Mogg didn’t.- Rees-Mogg accuses them of not acting like Etonians.
I am not sure @Jacob_Rees_Mogg’s denigration of @oletwinofficial as behaving more like a Wykehamist (alumnus of Winchester school) rather than the Old Etonian he is will win him many votes in Red Tory Britain
Here is ITV’s Robert Peston on the government’s decision to give MPs and junior ministers a free vote.
Been in transit. So only just seen Smith whipping notice. It is fascinating. @theresa_may will allow junior members of the payroll to vote with their consciences in indicative votes. She clearly took seriously risk that up to 20 ministers would have quit if no free vote
And another question from BTL
Hi Andrew, thanks to you and the Guardian team for greatly increasing my understanding of the political mess we're all currently living through. I have a question. Much is being made of the need for the PM to bring the ERG around to voting for her deal, and how their support is crucial. Isn't this only half the picture? Won't the staunchly Remain tories vote against her deal regardless, and so May won't have the numbers even with the ERG, DUP and the odd Labour straggler?
The remain Tories are less important, because there are fewer of them, but almost a dozen of them have voted against May’s deal, and so they do count.
My colleague Rowena Mason has been looking at the numbers that May needs in more detail. She has sent me this summary of the PM’s situation.
The magic number that Theresa May needs for her deal is 320 votes. It means she could get the withdrawal agreement over the line if she had:
- 303 out of 313 Conservative MPs
- 10 DUP MPs
- 7 Labour and Independent MPs who have already backed her deal
So unless she gets more Labour abstentions or votes, she can only afford to lose 10 Tory votes. This means it is still looking extremely tight for her – even assuming the eventual backing of Eurosceptic big beasts like Boris Johnson, Jacob Rees-Mogg and the DUP.
There are currently six or seven Tory MPs (eg Justine Greening and Sam Gyimah) who want a second referendum and therefore guaranteed to vote down May’s deal come what may. And there are undoubtedly more than a dozen Tory Eurosceptic MPs who currently say they are still immovably opposed – like Andrea Jenkyns, Steve Baker, Crispin Blunt and Julian Lewis.
Here is a question from BTL, or two.
@Andrew2 Questions...1. You posted on Monday night that the orders for today had also called for Monday to be given over to Parliamentary business rather than Government business. Is there anything to stop them repeating that process into Tuesday or some other day next week?2. Peston last night on ITV suggested that the AG and Cabinet Secretary were of the view that anything that Parliament does decide (seems a long way off, I know) would be binding on the Executive. So if the votes ended up with - let's say - Revoke, she'd be obliged to go to Brussels and do that - or be in contempt (again) etc
Thanks v much - your work is greatly appreciated.
Obscure, Constitutional issues I know but quite pertinent here.
1) No, nothing at all. In theory the process could be self-perpetuating. That is why it alarms the government so much – even though Oliver Letwin did say earlier that, after Monday, if ministers were to accept what the Commons proposes, there would be no need for him to seize the order paper on any more days.
2) I did not see Peston’s report, but there is a write-up of it here.
Whether the PM would be bound by the vote would depend on the precise wording. Normally Commons motions are not binding on the government. But some categories of motions are considered binding – eg, “humble address” ones, and also, I think, ones that require or order (“mandate”, to use Peston’s word) the government to do something.
But these votes would not necessarily be legally binding, in the sense of capable of being enforced by a court. To bind the hands of the government in that way, MPs would have to pass legislation.
It would be interesting to read the Sedwill/Cox advice. I’m sure they know more than me. But the Peston story talks about May possibly being in breach of the ministerial code if she failed to follow an instruction of parliament. That may be the case, but the person ultimately in charge of deciding whether or not a minister has broken the ministerial code is – the PM herself.
Jeremy Corbyn’s spokesman confirmed that the party would whip for Margaret Beckett’s “confirmatory public vote” option – as well as Gareth Snell’s and Ken Clarke’s, calling for a customs union, and of course the one setting out Labour’s own Brexit policy.Jeremy Corbyn’s spokesman confirmed that the party would whip for Margaret Beckett’s “confirmatory public vote” option – as well as Gareth Snell’s and Ken Clarke’s, calling for a customs union, and of course the one setting out Labour’s own Brexit policy.
And he said whips would be “encouraging” Labour MPs to support common market 2.0, the cross-party proposal drawn up by Stephen Kinnock, among others.And he said whips would be “encouraging” Labour MPs to support common market 2.0, the cross-party proposal drawn up by Stephen Kinnock, among others.
The spokesman then embarked on a long justification of Labour’s support for a referendum – which has sparked a backlash, and could yet result in resignations tonight. He said:The spokesman then embarked on a long justification of Labour’s support for a referendum – which has sparked a backlash, and could yet result in resignations tonight. He said:
The basis for that is that they’re all in line with our policy – in the case of the public vote motion, in the sense of our conference policy that if we’re unable to achieve a general election, keeping all options on the table. So the intention is to support those options going forward in the process – and obviously it is an unusual process, and these aren’t normal parliamentary votes.The basis for that is that they’re all in line with our policy – in the case of the public vote motion, in the sense of our conference policy that if we’re unable to achieve a general election, keeping all options on the table. So the intention is to support those options going forward in the process – and obviously it is an unusual process, and these aren’t normal parliamentary votes.
Asked if shadow frontbenchers would be sacked if they disobeyed the whip later, he said “the discipline arrangements are a matter for the chief whip”.Asked if shadow frontbenchers would be sacked if they disobeyed the whip later, he said “the discipline arrangements are a matter for the chief whip”.
Corbyn’s spokesman also pointed to the phrase “in this parliament”, in the Beckett motion, and suggested that meant that if a future Labour government were to negotiate its own, distinct Brexit deal – after a snap general election, for example – that would not need to be subject to a confirmatory ballot. He said:Corbyn’s spokesman also pointed to the phrase “in this parliament”, in the Beckett motion, and suggested that meant that if a future Labour government were to negotiate its own, distinct Brexit deal – after a snap general election, for example – that would not need to be subject to a confirmatory ballot. He said:
The other issue of controversy about it is the issue about whether it implies support or abstention on Theresa May’s deal, which we have said we would not support in any circumstances.The other issue of controversy about it is the issue about whether it implies support or abstention on Theresa May’s deal, which we have said we would not support in any circumstances.
That flatly contradicts what Corbyn’s deputy, Tom Watson, said in his speech to the Put it to the People march on Saturday, when he offered to vote for May’s deal in exchange for a referendum.That flatly contradicts what Corbyn’s deputy, Tom Watson, said in his speech to the Put it to the People march on Saturday, when he offered to vote for May’s deal in exchange for a referendum.
In the Commons Andrea Leadsom, the leader of the house, is speaking now.In the Commons Andrea Leadsom, the leader of the house, is speaking now.
She says she is disappointed that MPs voted for this process on Monday. It should be the government that decided what business gets debated, she says, not the house itself.She says she is disappointed that MPs voted for this process on Monday. It should be the government that decided what business gets debated, she says, not the house itself.
She says anything the house decides must be deliverable and negotiable, and it must deliver on the results of the referendum.She says anything the house decides must be deliverable and negotiable, and it must deliver on the results of the referendum.
She says the withdrawal agreement is complicated. And the EU has said it must be accepted if the UK is to get the transition, she says.She says the withdrawal agreement is complicated. And the EU has said it must be accepted if the UK is to get the transition, she says.
She says the government will vote against the business of the house motion because it opposes the principle of the Commons taking control of the parliamentary timetable.She says the government will vote against the business of the house motion because it opposes the principle of the Commons taking control of the parliamentary timetable.
The government could make another attempt to win a majority for Theresa May’s Brexit deal on Friday.The government could make another attempt to win a majority for Theresa May’s Brexit deal on Friday.
Friday though remains a possibility for MV3. It is March 29 after all. Would require a change in house business, but can be done easily.Friday though remains a possibility for MV3. It is March 29 after all. Would require a change in house business, but can be done easily.
The choice of Friday 29 March is not an accident. Although no longer Brexit day, it remains an important day in the calendar, because of the two-step extension process imposed by the EU last week.The choice of Friday 29 March is not an accident. Although no longer Brexit day, it remains an important day in the calendar, because of the two-step extension process imposed by the EU last week.
EU leaders agreed to grant the UK an extension until 22 May if the withdrawal agreement is approved by the House of Commons “by 29 March 2019 at the latest”. But if the withdrawal agreement is not approved, the extension will expire on 12 April, a UK domestic deadline for confirming British participation in the European elections.EU leaders agreed to grant the UK an extension until 22 May if the withdrawal agreement is approved by the House of Commons “by 29 March 2019 at the latest”. But if the withdrawal agreement is not approved, the extension will expire on 12 April, a UK domestic deadline for confirming British participation in the European elections.
The text of the EU’s legal decision states:The text of the EU’s legal decision states:
In the event that the withdrawal agreement is not approved by the House of Commons by 29 March 2019 at the latest, the period provided for in article 50(3) TEU is extended until 12 April 2019. In that event, the United Kingdom will indicate a way forward before 12 April 2019, for consideration by the European council.In the event that the withdrawal agreement is not approved by the House of Commons by 29 March 2019 at the latest, the period provided for in article 50(3) TEU is extended until 12 April 2019. In that event, the United Kingdom will indicate a way forward before 12 April 2019, for consideration by the European council.
Some EU sources suggest there could be some leniency on 29 March deadline. If, for example, MPs vote for the deal on 1 April. “The text of the legal decision says that we need to vote by Friday,” a senior EU source said. “Quite honestly I think that we will be lenient on that. The real question is whether we have clarity in the coming days, if this going to work or not.”Some EU sources suggest there could be some leniency on 29 March deadline. If, for example, MPs vote for the deal on 1 April. “The text of the legal decision says that we need to vote by Friday,” a senior EU source said. “Quite honestly I think that we will be lenient on that. The real question is whether we have clarity in the coming days, if this going to work or not.”
That remains unclear given the “volatile” nature of British politics that is changing day-by-day, the source said.That remains unclear given the “volatile” nature of British politics that is changing day-by-day, the source said.
The EU has already pencilled in a summit for a few days before the 12 April deadline, although it is impossible to say whether that summit will be for EU leaders to decide on a long extension or help them prepare for no-deal.The EU has already pencilled in a summit for a few days before the 12 April deadline, although it is impossible to say whether that summit will be for EU leaders to decide on a long extension or help them prepare for no-deal.
Last week’s meeting with Theresa May left EU leaders unconvinced that the deal would pass, but a positive meaningful vote three has not been completely ruled out.Last week’s meeting with Theresa May left EU leaders unconvinced that the deal would pass, but a positive meaningful vote three has not been completely ruled out.
Neither, however, has a major government crisis leading to new elections. Officials see two outcomes from a soft Brexit result of the indicative votes process. “It could mobilise forces for a slim majority for May’s deal, or we will have a serious government crisis which will probably lead to elections,” the EU source said.Neither, however, has a major government crisis leading to new elections. Officials see two outcomes from a soft Brexit result of the indicative votes process. “It could mobilise forces for a slim majority for May’s deal, or we will have a serious government crisis which will probably lead to elections,” the EU source said.
In that case it would not be clear if the prime minister would be in a position to request an extension. Whatever happens in parliament, for the EU it is the government that counts. “Our interlocutor is not the Commons, our interlocutor is the UK government,” the EU source said.In that case it would not be clear if the prime minister would be in a position to request an extension. Whatever happens in parliament, for the EU it is the government that counts. “Our interlocutor is not the Commons, our interlocutor is the UK government,” the EU source said.
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.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/9ePwb32Jy8Confirmed: 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 Commons, 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.Back in the Commons, 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.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 supportNew - 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.This is from the Conservative MP James Cartlidge.
Whips just confirmed #indicativevotes will be free votes with Cabinet abstaining.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.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.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.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.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.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.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 further indicative votes on Monday.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 further 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.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 rightwing 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 rightwing 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 agrees. She says Matt Hancock, the health secretary, will have heard Bryant’s request.May agrees. 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.