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Brexit: European elections in UK definitely going ahead, says Lidington – live news Brexit: European elections in UK definitely going ahead, says Lidington – live news
(30 minutes later)
These are from the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg on today’s cabinet.
1. Cabinet sources say Brexit Sec Steve Barclay raised prospect of leaving EU in October without a deal at meeting this morning - big discussion on deal prep planned for next week - source suggests push back from Clark saying position was clear now that couldn't happen
2. No substantive discussion of cross party talks at Cabinet this morning - PM apparently also raised Williamson's sacking and said again there was compelling evidence - sources close to him say he still hasn't been told what it is
Almost all the MPs who have publicly backed a second referendum on Brexit are opposition MPs who would vote remain again if given the chance. Only a handful of Tories have backed the idea. But there are some signs now that that is starting to change.
On Friday Eric Pickles, a former Tory MP who now sits in the House of Lords, said that, much to his own surprise, he had now come round to the view that, if MPs cannot pass a deal, the public should be asked to decide.
And today Daniel Kawczynski told Emma Barnett on Radio 5 Live that, if the Commons cannot reach an agreement, a second referendum will become “inevitable”. He said:
If we cannot do this, if this is beyond us, and if we fail, then another referendum is inevitable.
If we fail, if there can be no compromise between the parties, I can actually see then the logic, and other people will be demanding another referendum. And those like me who have genuine concerns about what will happen to our society if we go through this process again, we will lose that debate over the referendum, because it will be the only option then left available to try to break the gridlock that we’ve entered into.
And it will be the fault of these people in the Conservative party – in the ERG [European Research Group], and others – who refuse to compromise. I can’t begin to explain how worried and angry I am at their lack of being able to compromise and listen to what their constituents have to say.
What is significant about this is that Kawczynski is a Brexiter. And not just a routine Brexiter but someone who at one point felt so strongly about this that he took the unusual step of writing to the Polish government (he was born in Poland) asking it to veto an article 50 extension. But a few weeks ago Kawczynski had a change of heart. He resigned from the ERG, which represents hardline Tory Brexiters, and he voted for Theresa May’s deal at the end of March, having previously voted against it. Today he told Radio 5 Live that the ERG were so intransigent that their tactics could lead to Brexit being overturned. He said:
Talking to them, I think they are so obsessed with this issue, and they are so determined not to compromise in any way, they feel almost as if any form of compromise is some sort of betrayal. And certainly that narrative, one gets a great deal on Twitter: ‘This is a betrayal’, ‘This is a betrayal to the country’, ‘We are not fulfilling what the British people voted for’. I think that’s for the birds – it’s crazy …
I have to say, wouldn’t it be ironic if the ERG, the Eurosceptic caucus, through their intransigence, actually result in another referendum which will potentially overturn the previous result.
Sir Keir Starmer, the shadow Brexit secretary, who is leading the Labour team in the cross-party Brexit talks with the government, told journalists as he arrived at the Cabinet Office for this afternoon’s negotiating session that this was “crunch time”. He told reporters:Sir Keir Starmer, the shadow Brexit secretary, who is leading the Labour team in the cross-party Brexit talks with the government, told journalists as he arrived at the Cabinet Office for this afternoon’s negotiating session that this was “crunch time”. He told reporters:
Talks have been going on for some time as we know, but I think the time has now come to a crunch time where the government has to decide whether it’s serious about significant changes capable of actually carrying a majority in the House of Commons.Talks have been going on for some time as we know, but I think the time has now come to a crunch time where the government has to decide whether it’s serious about significant changes capable of actually carrying a majority in the House of Commons.
We’re going to be pressing them hard on that this afternoon.We’re going to be pressing them hard on that this afternoon.
Obviously the evidence this weekend was not promising but that’s what we will be discussing this afternoon, whether we can have that significant change that’s actually capable of carrying a majority in the House of Commons.Obviously the evidence this weekend was not promising but that’s what we will be discussing this afternoon, whether we can have that significant change that’s actually capable of carrying a majority in the House of Commons.
That’s the substance, but also the process, including how we deal with an incoming Tory leader and of course a confirmatory vote will also be on the agenda, and we’re going to discuss that this afternoon.That’s the substance, but also the process, including how we deal with an incoming Tory leader and of course a confirmatory vote will also be on the agenda, and we’re going to discuss that this afternoon.
As the Press Association reports, Michael Gove, the environment secretary, followed shortly after the Labour team, telling journalists he was “optimistic” about today’s negotiations.As the Press Association reports, Michael Gove, the environment secretary, followed shortly after the Labour team, telling journalists he was “optimistic” about today’s negotiations.
The Lidington announcement does confirms what Jean-Claude Juncker said earlier: “I don’t get the impression that the UK is very accommodating in terms of deadlines.” (See 2.57pm.)The Lidington announcement does confirms what Jean-Claude Juncker said earlier: “I don’t get the impression that the UK is very accommodating in terms of deadlines.” (See 2.57pm.)
Here is the full quote from David Lidington, the Cabinet Office minister, on the European elections.Here is the full quote from David Lidington, the Cabinet Office minister, on the European elections.
Parliament has had several occasions to vote on leaving the European Union.Parliament has had several occasions to vote on leaving the European Union.
So far, every time there has been a majority against leaving with any particularly orderly deal, so we are engaged as a government in talks with the opposition, and with others across parliament, to try and find a way forward that has maximum possible support amongst politicians of all political parties.So far, every time there has been a majority against leaving with any particularly orderly deal, so we are engaged as a government in talks with the opposition, and with others across parliament, to try and find a way forward that has maximum possible support amongst politicians of all political parties.
But what this now means, given how little time there is, is that it is regrettably not going to be possible to finish that process before the date that is legally due for European parliamentary elections.But what this now means, given how little time there is, is that it is regrettably not going to be possible to finish that process before the date that is legally due for European parliamentary elections.
We very much hoped that we would be able to get our exit sorted and have the treaty concluded so that those elections did not have to take place. But legally, they do have to take place - unless our withdrawal has been given legal effect - so those will now go ahead.We very much hoped that we would be able to get our exit sorted and have the treaty concluded so that those elections did not have to take place. But legally, they do have to take place - unless our withdrawal has been given legal effect - so those will now go ahead.
But we will be redoubling our efforts and talks with MPs of all parties to try to make sure that the delay after that is as short as possible. Ideally we’d like to be in a situation where those MEPs never actually have to take their seat at European parliament, certainly to get this done and dusted by the summer recess.But we will be redoubling our efforts and talks with MPs of all parties to try to make sure that the delay after that is as short as possible. Ideally we’d like to be in a situation where those MEPs never actually have to take their seat at European parliament, certainly to get this done and dusted by the summer recess.
That will mean effort, hard work and compromise from different political parties, people from both the leave side and the remain side in the European debate. But I think that is what is in the national interest - deal with the outcome, respect the outcome of the referendum of 2016 and leave the European Union with a deal that protects jobs, investment and living standards in this country.That will mean effort, hard work and compromise from different political parties, people from both the leave side and the remain side in the European debate. But I think that is what is in the national interest - deal with the outcome, respect the outcome of the referendum of 2016 and leave the European Union with a deal that protects jobs, investment and living standards in this country.
This means that the government is, in practice, setting two new potential deadlines for getting the withdrawal agreement, and the accompanying legislation, passed.This means that the government is, in practice, setting two new potential deadlines for getting the withdrawal agreement, and the accompanying legislation, passed.
Lidington says the government now hopes to get the Brexit agreement passed by Tuesday 2 July. That is when MEPs will take their seats in the newly-elected European parliament. Lidington says “ideally” British MEPs will not need to fall back. But, as a fallback, he says the agreement should “certainly” be passed by the summer recess. The date for the start of the summer recess has not been announced yet, but normally it is in mid/late July.Lidington says the government now hopes to get the Brexit agreement passed by Tuesday 2 July. That is when MEPs will take their seats in the newly-elected European parliament. Lidington says “ideally” British MEPs will not need to fall back. But, as a fallback, he says the agreement should “certainly” be passed by the summer recess. The date for the start of the summer recess has not been announced yet, but normally it is in mid/late July.
Today is the deadline for registering to vote in the European elections.Today is the deadline for registering to vote in the European elections.
My colleague Martin Belam has written a guide about what you need to do to make sure you can take part.My colleague Martin Belam has written a guide about what you need to do to make sure you can take part.
How to make sure you can vote in the UK's European electionsHow to make sure you can vote in the UK's European elections
The Press Association has just snapped this.The Press Association has just snapped this.
European parliament elections will go ahead in the UK on May 23, after the government determined that there is not enough time left to complete the ratification of Brexit before that date, Cabinet Office minister David Lidington has said.European parliament elections will go ahead in the UK on May 23, after the government determined that there is not enough time left to complete the ratification of Brexit before that date, Cabinet Office minister David Lidington has said.
This will be no surprise to anyone who has been following politics closely in recent weeks. It was almost inevitable as soon as Theresa May accepted a proposal to delay Brexit until 31 October at the emergency summit before Easter. But until this afternoon, in public at least, the government was insisting that there was a chance of the elections not actually going ahead because there was a possibility of the Brexit legislation being passed before 23 May, polling day.This will be no surprise to anyone who has been following politics closely in recent weeks. It was almost inevitable as soon as Theresa May accepted a proposal to delay Brexit until 31 October at the emergency summit before Easter. But until this afternoon, in public at least, the government was insisting that there was a chance of the elections not actually going ahead because there was a possibility of the Brexit legislation being passed before 23 May, polling day.
Jean-Claude Juncker has said that taking David Cameron’s advice to stay out of the Brexit referendum campaign was one of his two major mistakes as European commission president.Jean-Claude Juncker has said that taking David Cameron’s advice to stay out of the Brexit referendum campaign was one of his two major mistakes as European commission president.
During a press conference in Brussels, as the EU prepares to select Juncker’s replacement, the former prime minister of Luxembourg said his first error early in his tenure had been to react too late to Luxleaks scandal that revealed the scale of tax evasion in his country. He went on:During a press conference in Brussels, as the EU prepares to select Juncker’s replacement, the former prime minister of Luxembourg said his first error early in his tenure had been to react too late to Luxleaks scandal that revealed the scale of tax evasion in his country. He went on:
The second mistake I made was to listen too carefully to the British government - Cameron.The second mistake I made was to listen too carefully to the British government - Cameron.
Because the then prime minister asked me not to interfere not to intervene in the referendum campaign. It was a mistake not to intervene and not to interfere because we would have been the only ones to destroy the lies which were circulated around. I was wrong to be silent at an important moment.Because the then prime minister asked me not to interfere not to intervene in the referendum campaign. It was a mistake not to intervene and not to interfere because we would have been the only ones to destroy the lies which were circulated around. I was wrong to be silent at an important moment.
Juncker’s comments come ahead of a summit of the 27 leaders of the EU in the Romanian town of Sibiu where the intention is to discuss the big strategic questions facing the EU over the next five years.Juncker’s comments come ahead of a summit of the 27 leaders of the EU in the Romanian town of Sibiu where the intention is to discuss the big strategic questions facing the EU over the next five years.
Brexit is unlikely to feature in the EU’s thinking at the summit but Juncker made a series of barbs about the state of British politics during a pre-summit press conference.Brexit is unlikely to feature in the EU’s thinking at the summit but Juncker made a series of barbs about the state of British politics during a pre-summit press conference.
Echoing Theresa May, Juncker said the EU27 meeting had been due to take place after the UK’s departure. “Brexit means brexit - but Brexit hasn’t taken place yet,” Juncker said.Echoing Theresa May, Juncker said the EU27 meeting had been due to take place after the UK’s departure. “Brexit means brexit - but Brexit hasn’t taken place yet,” Juncker said.
While switching to English from German, Juncker noted:While switching to English from German, Juncker noted:
Everyone understands English. No one understands England - but everyone understands English.Everyone understands English. No one understands England - but everyone understands English.
Asked about the slipping of the timetable in talks over future relations in the case of the UK and Switzerland, Juncker told reporters:Asked about the slipping of the timetable in talks over future relations in the case of the UK and Switzerland, Juncker told reporters:
I don’t get the impression that the UK is very accommodating in terms of deadlines.I don’t get the impression that the UK is very accommodating in terms of deadlines.
The UK had been due to leave the EU on 29 March. Juncker added of the potential for the UK to remain in the bloc:The UK had been due to leave the EU on 29 March. Juncker added of the potential for the UK to remain in the bloc:
I don’t have fears, I don’t have hopes.I don’t have fears, I don’t have hopes.
I was saying the other day that by comparison to the British parliament the Egyptian sphinx are open books. Either they stay or they will leave. If they stay, they stay. If they leave, they leave.I was saying the other day that by comparison to the British parliament the Egyptian sphinx are open books. Either they stay or they will leave. If they stay, they stay. If they leave, they leave.
Nigel Farage has said that, if his new Brexit party wins the European elections, that would amount to a vote for a WTO Brexit and that his party should be included in the team negotiating with the EU. (See 12.54pm.)Nigel Farage has said that, if his new Brexit party wins the European elections, that would amount to a vote for a WTO Brexit and that his party should be included in the team negotiating with the EU. (See 12.54pm.)
Theresa May has been warned that the chances of Tory MPs agreeing a Brexit deal are very slim. Speaking on the World at One, before the government/Labour talks resume later this afternoon, Charles Walker, a vice chair of the Conservative backbench 1922 Committee, said the chances of the Tory party pulling back together and backing a Brexit deal were “pretty slim” - about “one in five on a good day”. He also said he did not expect Labour to support the deal.Theresa May has been warned that the chances of Tory MPs agreeing a Brexit deal are very slim. Speaking on the World at One, before the government/Labour talks resume later this afternoon, Charles Walker, a vice chair of the Conservative backbench 1922 Committee, said the chances of the Tory party pulling back together and backing a Brexit deal were “pretty slim” - about “one in five on a good day”. He also said he did not expect Labour to support the deal.
I can’t see that it’s in the Labour party’s interest to help the Conservative party out at the moment.I can’t see that it’s in the Labour party’s interest to help the Conservative party out at the moment.
Sir Graham Brady, chair of the 1922 Committee, is also due to be meeting May this afternoon to tell her that Tory MPs want her to give a timetable for standing down if there is no Brexit deal. Nadine Dorries, one of the Tory MPs who wants May to go, posted this on Twitter this morning.Sir Graham Brady, chair of the 1922 Committee, is also due to be meeting May this afternoon to tell her that Tory MPs want her to give a timetable for standing down if there is no Brexit deal. Nadine Dorries, one of the Tory MPs who wants May to go, posted this on Twitter this morning.
Theresa May walks up to the podium. She says, “l have listened to what you have to say. I have learnt the lesson and fully appreciate and understand, there is more I have to do and therefore,as of now, I am standing down as leader of the Conservative party.” And then I wake up.Theresa May walks up to the podium. She says, “l have listened to what you have to say. I have learnt the lesson and fully appreciate and understand, there is more I have to do and therefore,as of now, I am standing down as leader of the Conservative party.” And then I wake up.
Police are investigating whether a Ukip candidate in the European elections who has made comments speculating whether he would or would not rape the MP Jess Phillips has committed an offence.Police are investigating whether a Ukip candidate in the European elections who has made comments speculating whether he would or would not rape the MP Jess Phillips has committed an offence.
The Northern Ireland parties have arrived at Stormont for talks aimed at reviving the power-sharing executive. The BBC’s Jayne McCormack has this briefing note explaining how they are expected to proceed.The Northern Ireland parties have arrived at Stormont for talks aimed at reviving the power-sharing executive. The BBC’s Jayne McCormack has this briefing note explaining how they are expected to proceed.
British and Irish govt briefing note on the Stormont talks ⬇️ here’s what they’ve agreed for next few weeks pic.twitter.com/99NGFg3MhPBritish and Irish govt briefing note on the Stormont talks ⬇️ here’s what they’ve agreed for next few weeks pic.twitter.com/99NGFg3MhP
A watchdog has called for the age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales to be raised. As the Press Association reports, individuals suspected of offences can be arrested and charged from the age of 10 under the existing rules. This is lower than in many European countries and “inconsistent with accepted international standards”, according to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). It says criminalising children at the age of 10 or 11 can have a detrimental impact on their wellbeing and development, and risks making them more likely to reoffend as adults. The EHRC is calling for the age of criminal responsibility to be “significantly” raised.A watchdog has called for the age of criminal responsibility in England and Wales to be raised. As the Press Association reports, individuals suspected of offences can be arrested and charged from the age of 10 under the existing rules. This is lower than in many European countries and “inconsistent with accepted international standards”, according to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). It says criminalising children at the age of 10 or 11 can have a detrimental impact on their wellbeing and development, and risks making them more likely to reoffend as adults. The EHRC is calling for the age of criminal responsibility to be “significantly” raised.
The UK is not ruling out the warlord Khalifa Haftar from a role in a future Libyan government despite his attack on the capital, Jeremy Hunt, the foreign secretary has said.The UK is not ruling out the warlord Khalifa Haftar from a role in a future Libyan government despite his attack on the capital, Jeremy Hunt, the foreign secretary has said.
Hunt has promised a review into how his department handled the case of Matthew Hedges, the British academic convicted on spying charges by the United Arab Emirates.Hunt has promised a review into how his department handled the case of Matthew Hedges, the British academic convicted on spying charges by the United Arab Emirates.
The organiser of a pro-independence march in Glasgow is facing prosecution over the event’s start time.The organiser of a pro-independence march in Glasgow is facing prosecution over the event’s start time.
This morning the Progressive Economy Forum published a report (pdf) explaining how the government could run pilots to test the case for a universal basic income (UBI), a welfare policy that would involve everyone being entitled to a regular payment from the state. As my colleague Richard Partington reports in our preview story, John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, commissioned the report and is interested in the idea for possible inclusion in the next Labour manifesto.This morning the Progressive Economy Forum published a report (pdf) explaining how the government could run pilots to test the case for a universal basic income (UBI), a welfare policy that would involve everyone being entitled to a regular payment from the state. As my colleague Richard Partington reports in our preview story, John McDonnell, the shadow chancellor, commissioned the report and is interested in the idea for possible inclusion in the next Labour manifesto.
Speaking at the launch, McDonnell said that there was a growing acknowledgment that means-tested benefits were flawed. He also described the ideas in the report as pragmatic. These tweets are from the RSA, which hosted the event, and from the Independent’s Ashley Cowburn.Speaking at the launch, McDonnell said that there was a growing acknowledgment that means-tested benefits were flawed. He also described the ideas in the report as pragmatic. These tweets are from the RSA, which hosted the event, and from the Independent’s Ashley Cowburn.
.@johnmcdonnellMP speaking at the RSA on #BasicIncome. Says “there’s been a growing acknowledgment that the means-tested system is degrading & dehumanising.” People have moved on from ‘scroungers’ language & want a new way. Watch live: https://t.co/PyEBI8PtmU pic.twitter.com/Mj5ydzdrNL.@johnmcdonnellMP speaking at the RSA on #BasicIncome. Says “there’s been a growing acknowledgment that the means-tested system is degrading & dehumanising.” People have moved on from ‘scroungers’ language & want a new way. Watch live: https://t.co/PyEBI8PtmU pic.twitter.com/Mj5ydzdrNL
.@johnmcdonnellMP speaking at the RSA. Says Finnish trial shows the well-being of people on Basic Income is increased. There are many models of #UBI, including the RSA’s own basic opportunity fund. #BasicIncome pic.twitter.com/IN20T445Ll.@johnmcdonnellMP speaking at the RSA. Says Finnish trial shows the well-being of people on Basic Income is increased. There are many models of #UBI, including the RSA’s own basic opportunity fund. #BasicIncome pic.twitter.com/IN20T445Ll
McDonnell dismisses criticism of the proposal as “pie in the sky” thinking and describes as a “pragmatic” idea. “We look forward to considering it,” he says.McDonnell dismisses criticism of the proposal as “pie in the sky” thinking and describes as a “pragmatic” idea. “We look forward to considering it,” he says.
The proposal was also backed by Ed Miliband, the former Labour leader.The proposal was also backed by Ed Miliband, the former Labour leader.
.@Ed_Miliband speaking at the RSA on why #BasicIncome debate is important as a ‘big idea’:1 It gives people freedom - extending security to all people 2 It changes power in workplace - gives workers the power to say ‘no’3 It would “rewrite” the welfare system #UBI pic.twitter.com/2P35OvoEMh.@Ed_Miliband speaking at the RSA on why #BasicIncome debate is important as a ‘big idea’:1 It gives people freedom - extending security to all people 2 It changes power in workplace - gives workers the power to say ‘no’3 It would “rewrite” the welfare system #UBI pic.twitter.com/2P35OvoEMh
In his speech Miliband warmly praised McDonnell for opening up a debate on UBI and for being willing to “think big”. Addressing the shadow chancellor, he said:In his speech Miliband warmly praised McDonnell for opening up a debate on UBI and for being willing to “think big”. Addressing the shadow chancellor, he said:
I think, John, you are showing an imagination and a willingness to think big which is incredibly important in our politics. It is important for what a Labour government can do, but also for opening up the space ....I think, John, you are showing an imagination and a willingness to think big which is incredibly important in our politics. It is important for what a Labour government can do, but also for opening up the space ....
There will be people who like UBI, people who hate UBI. But I think what I would say to critics is, this is playing on a big pitch. This is primed to answer big questions that people feel in their heart about the problems with our society. So, if you don’t like it, fine. But come up with ideas that are big enough to compete with us. And that is, I think, in the end the real strength of UBI. It asks big questions about the nature of our society and seeks to answer them.There will be people who like UBI, people who hate UBI. But I think what I would say to critics is, this is playing on a big pitch. This is primed to answer big questions that people feel in their heart about the problems with our society. So, if you don’t like it, fine. But come up with ideas that are big enough to compete with us. And that is, I think, in the end the real strength of UBI. It asks big questions about the nature of our society and seeks to answer them.
Downing Street has just announced that two peers have left the government “for personal reasons”. They are Lady Fairhead, the former chair of the BBC Trust, who was an international trade minister, and Lady Manzoor, a former Lib Dem peer who defected to the Tories, who was a government whip.Downing Street has just announced that two peers have left the government “for personal reasons”. They are Lady Fairhead, the former chair of the BBC Trust, who was an international trade minister, and Lady Manzoor, a former Lib Dem peer who defected to the Tories, who was a government whip.
At a poster launch in Islington, north London, where Jeremy Corbyn is an MP, the Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable said he wanted to win over Labour voters. He said:At a poster launch in Islington, north London, where Jeremy Corbyn is an MP, the Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable said he wanted to win over Labour voters. He said:
My main priority here is to get Labour voters who are rightfully disenchanted with Jeremy Corbyn over Brexit, to get behind us in the European elections, that’s the objective.My main priority here is to get Labour voters who are rightfully disenchanted with Jeremy Corbyn over Brexit, to get behind us in the European elections, that’s the objective.
We did extremely well in the local elections, it was unambiguous. It was predominately remain areas and remain voters but we did get a lot of others voting for us on the strength of our performance and credibility in the local government.We did extremely well in the local elections, it was unambiguous. It was predominately remain areas and remain voters but we did get a lot of others voting for us on the strength of our performance and credibility in the local government.
Liberal Democrats are ready to take our clear message to Britain in #EUelections2019 on 23 May - stop Brexit. pic.twitter.com/9ceNZCcmA8Liberal Democrats are ready to take our clear message to Britain in #EUelections2019 on 23 May - stop Brexit. pic.twitter.com/9ceNZCcmA8