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Jeremy Corbyn tells May any Brexit deal should be put to public – live news Jeremy Corbyn tells May any Brexit deal should be put to public – live news
(31 minutes later)
Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, also spoke at the Law Society of Scotland conference. In a speech to mark the 20th anniversary of devolution, she ridiculed the traditional English claim that first-past-the-post delivers strong and stable government. She said:
Perhaps most importantly of all, the Scottish parliament was always envisaged as a place where parties would have to seek compromise and consensus. The use of proportional representation in elections is the key reason for that.
By contrast, the first past the post system used at Westminster is clearly unsuited to an age of multi-party politics. And the claim that used to be made for it was that it delivered strong and stable government. Nobody looking to Westminster at present would make that case.
The emphasis on consensus at Holyrood is even reflected in the design of the parliament. MSPs sit in a horseshoe. At Westminster, MPs face each other- in a chamber designed to keep them two swords’ lengths apart.
I don’t want to idealise the Scottish parliament too much. Anybody who watches first minister’s questions will know that consensus has limits.
Parties at Holyrood seek political advantage and argue strongly against each other – of course we do. But we also get a lot done. And we consistently work together. All of the legislative successes I’ve mentioned had the support of more than one party. Several were passed unanimously.
And it’s hard not to look at Westminster – and particularly the deadlock that exists over Brexit – without thinking that these cultural differences have real consequences. The UK government’s consistent inability to reach out to parties other than the DUP has been striking. And that’s maybe partly because confrontation – not compromise – is inherent in the UK parliament’s design, traditions and working methods.
One of Hilary Clinton’s most striking adverts in the 2016 US presidential election campaign asked voters who they would want answering the phone at 3am in the White House in a crisis. David Lidington, Theresa May’s de facto deputy, who is now backing Jeremy Hunt, has been asking the same question. Speaking to reporters in Edinburgh, where he has been attending a Law Society of Scotland, he said the key issue for Tories in choosing a new leader should be who would best best for security.
When I’ve tried to weigh up in my mind the criteria. It seems to me first is which man is going to be better to shoulder the security responsibilities that come with the job of prime minister.
Lidington said prime ministers had to consider how to respond to terror attacks and hostage situations. He went on:
The prime minister will have to take those decisions often under severe time pressure and almost inevitably on the basis of intelligence evidence that is by it is very nature that is going to be incomplete.
Asked who would deal best with these situations, Lidington said he would choose Hunt. Then, asked if he was saying Johnson did not have the temperament to be PM, Lidington replied:
I am not implying anything … I am saying very clearly from having worked with both of them in cabinet … In my judgement is that Jeremy is the one who is best equipped to deal with the 3am call.
Lidington also criticised Johnson for avoiding the media.
I think it’s wrong and it’s also unwise for him to duck out of interviews and debates.
We’re choosing not just a party leader, we’re choosing a prime minister, so I think the country is entitled to know what both the candidates for that office would have as their priorities and how they would go about discharging those responsibilities. So I hope he thinks again and I hope he does agree to take part.
Over the weekend a lot of Boris Johnson supporters have been criticising the couple who alerted first the police, and then the Guardian, after they heard Johnson having a furious row with his girlfriend, Carrie Symonds, in her flat, involving loud screaming, shouting and banging. The police did attend the flat, and left after being satisfied that all was well. Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Tory Brexiter, was typical of the those criticising the neighbours when he said this morning that they were “Corbynista curtain-twitchers”. (See 10.35am.)Over the weekend a lot of Boris Johnson supporters have been criticising the couple who alerted first the police, and then the Guardian, after they heard Johnson having a furious row with his girlfriend, Carrie Symonds, in her flat, involving loud screaming, shouting and banging. The police did attend the flat, and left after being satisfied that all was well. Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Tory Brexiter, was typical of the those criticising the neighbours when he said this morning that they were “Corbynista curtain-twitchers”. (See 10.35am.)
Speaking in the Commons on a point of order, the Labour MP Jess Phillips, who ran refuges for the Women’s Aid Federation before entering parliament, said she was “shocked and appalled” this weekend to hear MPs suggesting that incidents like this were just private family matters. She went on:Speaking in the Commons on a point of order, the Labour MP Jess Phillips, who ran refuges for the Women’s Aid Federation before entering parliament, said she was “shocked and appalled” this weekend to hear MPs suggesting that incidents like this were just private family matters. She went on:
I’m certain that in almost any circumstance people in this house don’t believe that that is the case. However, I guess they had their priorities elsewhere when they went out to say it. What that has led to is that all the women’s charities in this country have today had to issue a statement to assert that of course people should call the police, of course people should gather evidence where they can and of course people should try and intervene. Because the message that came from this house ... was people should not try to help. Please, Mr Speaker, will you assert that domestic abuse is never just a domestic, it is never a personal, family matters. I’m certain that in almost any circumstance people in this house don’t believe that that is the case. However, I guess they had their priorities elsewhere when they went out to say it. What that has led to is that all the women’s charities in this country have today had to issue a statement to assert that of course people should call the police, of course people should gather evidence where they can, and of course people should try and intervene. Because the message that came from this house ... was people should not try to help. Please, Mr Speaker, will you assert that domestic abuse is never just a domestic, it is never a personal family matter.
This morning we are pleased to issue a joint statement with domestic abuse charities and experts across the sector, explaining why it is so important we all take action if worried about someone's safety: https://t.co/9exF2uiK1o pic.twitter.com/Wu7eSwlJocThis morning we are pleased to issue a joint statement with domestic abuse charities and experts across the sector, explaining why it is so important we all take action if worried about someone's safety: https://t.co/9exF2uiK1o pic.twitter.com/Wu7eSwlJoc
Today’s Evening Standard editorial claims that Sir Mark Sedwill, the cabinet secretary, has told Theresa May that she should only advise the Queen to appoint Boris Johnson or Jeremy Hunt as her successor if she is confident that they can command a majority in the Commons.Today’s Evening Standard editorial claims that Sir Mark Sedwill, the cabinet secretary, has told Theresa May that she should only advise the Queen to appoint Boris Johnson or Jeremy Hunt as her successor if she is confident that they can command a majority in the Commons.
Ken Clarke now says he could vote against in a no confidence motion - our editorial today ⁦@EveningStandard⁩ reveals that the Cabinet Secretary has told Theresa May to consider carefully her advice to the Queen on who she should appoint as PM. https://t.co/ZDZFaEmbu8Ken Clarke now says he could vote against in a no confidence motion - our editorial today ⁦@EveningStandard⁩ reveals that the Cabinet Secretary has told Theresa May to consider carefully her advice to the Queen on who she should appoint as PM. https://t.co/ZDZFaEmbu8
Earlier this month Downing Street gave a briefing implying that May could delay her resignation if she thought that a successor like Johnson would not command the confidence of the Commons. Subsequently Number 10 said that the prime minister’s spokesman’s comments had been misunderstood, and that May would definitely be going as soon as the new Tory leader was elected.Earlier this month Downing Street gave a briefing implying that May could delay her resignation if she thought that a successor like Johnson would not command the confidence of the Commons. Subsequently Number 10 said that the prime minister’s spokesman’s comments had been misunderstood, and that May would definitely be going as soon as the new Tory leader was elected.
But what if it were to look as though a new leader like Johnson would lose an immediate confidence vote? Unfortunately the cabinet manual, which is the nearest thing the UK has to a constitutional rulebook, does not explain what should happen in a scenario exactly like this. But, as a recent report (pdf) from the public administration and constitutional affairs points out, the manual does imply that, if a PM loses a confidence vote, he or she is “under a duty not to resign unless and until it is clear another person commands the confidence of the house”.But what if it were to look as though a new leader like Johnson would lose an immediate confidence vote? Unfortunately the cabinet manual, which is the nearest thing the UK has to a constitutional rulebook, does not explain what should happen in a scenario exactly like this. But, as a recent report (pdf) from the public administration and constitutional affairs points out, the manual does imply that, if a PM loses a confidence vote, he or she is “under a duty not to resign unless and until it is clear another person commands the confidence of the house”.
In the Commons Tom Brake, the Lib Dem Brexit spokesman, asked May if she agreed that the new prime minister should come to the Commons before the summer recess to explain his Brexit plan, and to show that he had the confidence of the house. But May said this would be a matter for the next PM.In the Commons Tom Brake, the Lib Dem Brexit spokesman, asked May if she agreed that the new prime minister should come to the Commons before the summer recess to explain his Brexit plan, and to show that he had the confidence of the house. But May said this would be a matter for the next PM.
Labour’s Chris Bryant asks if the new prime minister will address the Commons about Brexit within a week of taking office. It would be a disgrace if he waited until September, he says.Labour’s Chris Bryant asks if the new prime minister will address the Commons about Brexit within a week of taking office. It would be a disgrace if he waited until September, he says.
May says this is not a matter for her.May says this is not a matter for her.
May suggests new prime minister may not face questions from MPs until September.May suggests new prime minister may not face questions from MPs until September.
Under a draft timetable for the announcement of the Tory leadership election winner, May’s final PMQs and the start of recess, the new prime minister would take office the night before recess, meaning he probably would not face MPs for the first time until September.Under a draft timetable for the announcement of the Tory leadership election winner, May’s final PMQs and the start of recess, the new prime minister would take office the night before recess, meaning he probably would not face MPs for the first time until September.
Ian Blackford, the SNP leader at Wesminster, also invited Theresa May to criticise Boris Johnson for suggesting that the UK would be able to negotiate changes to the backstop during the transition period.Ian Blackford, the SNP leader at Wesminster, also invited Theresa May to criticise Boris Johnson for suggesting that the UK would be able to negotiate changes to the backstop during the transition period.
May did not really respond to this point when Jeremy Corbyn raised it, but she did second time round. Responding to Blackford, she said David Lidington, the Cabinet Office minister, refuted this claim in a tweet at the weekend.May did not really respond to this point when Jeremy Corbyn raised it, but she did second time round. Responding to Blackford, she said David Lidington, the Cabinet Office minister, refuted this claim in a tweet at the weekend.
Erm, the Implementation Period is actually part of the Withdrawal Agreement. It's in Part 4 of the Agreement, articles 126 to 132. No Deal exit = no Withdrawal Agreement = no Implementation Period. https://t.co/dAr3pJXQ4EErm, the Implementation Period is actually part of the Withdrawal Agreement. It's in Part 4 of the Agreement, articles 126 to 132. No Deal exit = no Withdrawal Agreement = no Implementation Period. https://t.co/dAr3pJXQ4E
This is what Jeremy Corbyn said in his response to Theresa May about no deal:This is what Jeremy Corbyn said in his response to Theresa May about no deal:
The two Tory leadership candidates are still saying that if they can’t renegotiate the backstop – which the EU leaders said was not possible last week – then they would pursue a no-deal exit.The two Tory leadership candidates are still saying that if they can’t renegotiate the backstop – which the EU leaders said was not possible last week – then they would pursue a no-deal exit.
Will the prime minister tell us, whether she believes no deal should be on the table as a viable option?Will the prime minister tell us, whether she believes no deal should be on the table as a viable option?
And, in her view, what would be worse: crashing out with no deal in October, or putting this issue back to the people for a final say?And, in her view, what would be worse: crashing out with no deal in October, or putting this issue back to the people for a final say?
And this is what Corbyn said Boris Johnson, and about a second referendum:And this is what Corbyn said Boris Johnson, and about a second referendum:
Neither of the Tory leadership candidates have a credible plan. One even claims we can crash out on WTO terms and still trade without tariffs ...Neither of the Tory leadership candidates have a credible plan. One even claims we can crash out on WTO terms and still trade without tariffs ...
The former foreign secretary also told us that under his no-deal plan he could, and I quote, ‘solve the problem of free movement of goods in the context of the free trade agreement … that we’ll negotiate in the implementation period’.The former foreign secretary also told us that under his no-deal plan he could, and I quote, ‘solve the problem of free movement of goods in the context of the free trade agreement … that we’ll negotiate in the implementation period’.
Mr Speaker, can the prime minister confirm that if there is no deal there will not be an implementation period?Mr Speaker, can the prime minister confirm that if there is no deal there will not be an implementation period?
It is deeply worrying that those who seek to lead this country have no grip on reality.It is deeply worrying that those who seek to lead this country have no grip on reality.
The prime minister said the council reiterated its wish to avoid a ‘disorderly Brexit’. I’m not sure they will have been reassured by the statements of her potential successors.The prime minister said the council reiterated its wish to avoid a ‘disorderly Brexit’. I’m not sure they will have been reassured by the statements of her potential successors.
Labour put forward a plan that could bring this country back together, but the prime minister refused to compromise.Labour put forward a plan that could bring this country back together, but the prime minister refused to compromise.
Whoever the next prime minister is, they will barely hold the support of this House, so they certainly have no mandate to force a disastrous hard-right Brexit on this country.Whoever the next prime minister is, they will barely hold the support of this House, so they certainly have no mandate to force a disastrous hard-right Brexit on this country.
And I make it clear that Labour will work across the House to block no deal.And I make it clear that Labour will work across the House to block no deal.
But whatever Brexit plan the new Tory leader comes up with, after three long years of failure, they should have the confidence to go back to the people on a deal agreed by parliament.But whatever Brexit plan the new Tory leader comes up with, after three long years of failure, they should have the confidence to go back to the people on a deal agreed by parliament.
May is responding to Corbyn.May is responding to Corbyn.
She says he asked about Brexit and the Tory leadership election, which were subjects that did not come up at the EU summit.She says he asked about Brexit and the Tory leadership election, which were subjects that did not come up at the EU summit.
But she says no deal is “the default option”.But she says no deal is “the default option”.
She says she wanted to leave the EU on 29 March. If Labour had voted for it, “we would already be out.”She says she wanted to leave the EU on 29 March. If Labour had voted for it, “we would already be out.”
She says she had voted for a deal three times, while Corbyn had voted against the deal, increasing the chance of no deal.She says she had voted for a deal three times, while Corbyn had voted against the deal, increasing the chance of no deal.
She says the Tories are not divorced from reality; the person most divorced from reality is Corbyn himself, who wants to follow the Venezuelan economic model, she claims.She says the Tories are not divorced from reality; the person most divorced from reality is Corbyn himself, who wants to follow the Venezuelan economic model, she claims.
Corbyn asks May if she agrees with Boris Johnson that it would be possible to negotiate a solution to the backstop during the transition.Corbyn asks May if she agrees with Boris Johnson that it would be possible to negotiate a solution to the backstop during the transition.
He says Labour will work with other MPs to block no deal.He says Labour will work with other MPs to block no deal.
And he ends by saying the government should let the public decide on Brexit.And he ends by saying the government should let the public decide on Brexit.
Whatever Brexit plan the new Tory leader comes up with, after three long years of failure they should have the confidence to go back to the people on a deal agreed by parliament.Whatever Brexit plan the new Tory leader comes up with, after three long years of failure they should have the confidence to go back to the people on a deal agreed by parliament.
Turning to Brexit, Corbyn says there have been three wasted years since the vote to leave the EU. And we will soon be on our third prime minister, he says.Turning to Brexit, Corbyn says there have been three wasted years since the vote to leave the EU. And we will soon be on our third prime minister, he says.
He says Theresa May wasted time appealing to the wilder extremes in her party, instead of reaching out across the Commons.He says Theresa May wasted time appealing to the wilder extremes in her party, instead of reaching out across the Commons.
Does she accept it was a mistake to legitimise the idea of no deal?Does she accept it was a mistake to legitimise the idea of no deal?
Does May believe no deal should be on the table as a viable option?Does May believe no deal should be on the table as a viable option?
What would be worse? Crashing out in October? Or putting it back to the people for a final say?What would be worse? Crashing out in October? Or putting it back to the people for a final say?
Corbyn implies a second referendum would be preferable to a no-deal Brexit.Corbyn implies a second referendum would be preferable to a no-deal Brexit.
He asks May to confirm the UK would not be ready to crash out in October.He asks May to confirm the UK would not be ready to crash out in October.
Back in the Commons, Jeremy Corbyn is responding to Theresa May.Back in the Commons, Jeremy Corbyn is responding to Theresa May.
He starts by saying it is 10 years since John Bercow became Speaker. “Congratulations on the first 10 years,” he says.He starts by saying it is 10 years since John Bercow became Speaker. “Congratulations on the first 10 years,” he says.
He also sends his best wishes to John Prescott.He also sends his best wishes to John Prescott.
And then he turns to Iran. Last week the world was only minutes away from a US-Iran war, he says. He says the Iran nuclear deal should be defended.And then he turns to Iran. Last week the world was only minutes away from a US-Iran war, he says. He says the Iran nuclear deal should be defended.
Turning back to migration for a moment, Liz Truss, the chief secretary to the Treasury who currently seems to be spending much of her time acting as Boris Johnson’s chief media spokesperson, has warmly welcomed Sajid Javid’s decision to review income thresholds for immigrants after Brexit.Turning back to migration for a moment, Liz Truss, the chief secretary to the Treasury who currently seems to be spending much of her time acting as Boris Johnson’s chief media spokesperson, has warmly welcomed Sajid Javid’s decision to review income thresholds for immigrants after Brexit.
This is right from @sajidjavid. We need proper control at our borders and an immigration system that allows those who will contribute to our country to come to the UK. https://t.co/8hq5gjztWRThis is right from @sajidjavid. We need proper control at our borders and an immigration system that allows those who will contribute to our country to come to the UK. https://t.co/8hq5gjztWR
Theresa May starts by wishing John Prescott a full recovery.Theresa May starts by wishing John Prescott a full recovery.
She says the EU summit focused on climate change, disinformation, the EU’s external relations, and what the EU calls its “top jobs”.She says the EU summit focused on climate change, disinformation, the EU’s external relations, and what the EU calls its “top jobs”.
She says she was there because the UK has agreed to continue contributing fully to EU discussions while it remains a member.She says she was there because the UK has agreed to continue contributing fully to EU discussions while it remains a member.
Theresa May is about to make a Commons statement on last week’s EU summit.Theresa May is about to make a Commons statement on last week’s EU summit.
She may get quite a lot of questions about Brexit but, unless she decides to comment on the Brexit plans being floated by her two potential successors (which seems unlikely), it is hard to see what she might say that will qualify as news.She may get quite a lot of questions about Brexit but, unless she decides to comment on the Brexit plans being floated by her two potential successors (which seems unlikely), it is hard to see what she might say that will qualify as news.