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Bercow denies MPs vote on bid to stop next PM proroguing parliament for no-deal Brexit - live news Bercow denies MPs vote on bid to stop next PM proroguing parliament for no-deal Brexit - live news
(32 minutes later)
According to Bloomberg’s Robert Hutton, the Tory MP Dominic Grieve is relaxed about his main amendment not being called (see 2.07pm) because he thinks his other amendments which are due to be put to a vote would stop a new PM proroguing parliament to facilitate a no-deal Brexit.
Grieve Brexit amendments latest: Grieve says Operation No Prorogue is still very much on: https://t.co/Wqn3wF7X3i pic.twitter.com/rtvTGuVwO4
The other Grieve amendments (14, 15 and 17) would require ministers to make fortnightly reports to parliament about progress towards restoring the power-sharing executive in Northern Ireland (and subject of the bill) and for those reports to be debated.
It is questionable whether these amendments would stop a new PM proroguing parliament in the autumn. But Bloomberg argue that they could provide legal grounds for someone to challenge a decision to prorogue parliament in court.
The first set of votes this afternoon, including on the amendments on same-sex marriage and abortion, will take place at around 5pm.
Nick Boles, the former Tory who now sits as an independent, says that when the second stage of the debate starts after those votes, he intends to raise President Trump’s latest comments (see 1.47pm) on a point of order.
I have advised the Chair that I intend to raise President Trump’s disgraceful and offensive attack on HM Government in a point of order at the start of debate on the second group of amendments. I hope MPs from all parties will join me in demanding an apology.
In the Northern Ireland debate the Labour MP Stella Creasy is speaking now about her amendment, which would extend the right to abortion in Northern Ireland by saying the government would have to comply with the UN convention for the elimination of discrimination against women.In the Northern Ireland debate the Labour MP Stella Creasy is speaking now about her amendment, which would extend the right to abortion in Northern Ireland by saying the government would have to comply with the UN convention for the elimination of discrimination against women.
She says women in Northern Ireland risk prison for procuring abortion pills. She says the UK cannot tell other countries to enforce human rights standards when it is denying basic rights to women in Northern Ireland.She says women in Northern Ireland risk prison for procuring abortion pills. She says the UK cannot tell other countries to enforce human rights standards when it is denying basic rights to women in Northern Ireland.
More on the Dominic Grieve amendments. (See 12.37pm.) Although new clause 14 (NC14), the central Grieve amendment intended to stop a new prime minister proroguing parliament in the autumn to facilitate a no-deal Brexit, has not been called, other Grieve amendments have been called. But, as Nikki da Costa, a former director of legislative affairs in Downing Street explains, the other Grieve amendments would not necessarily stop a new PM proroguing parliament. She explains why in these tweets.More on the Dominic Grieve amendments. (See 12.37pm.) Although new clause 14 (NC14), the central Grieve amendment intended to stop a new prime minister proroguing parliament in the autumn to facilitate a no-deal Brexit, has not been called, other Grieve amendments have been called. But, as Nikki da Costa, a former director of legislative affairs in Downing Street explains, the other Grieve amendments would not necessarily stop a new PM proroguing parliament. She explains why in these tweets.
NB 3 Grieve amdts WERE selected just not prorogation one. One is just incidental, but the others require a report on or before 9 October and at least every 14 calendar days thereafter until 18 Dec/an Exec, and a vote to approve each report within 3 sitting days https://t.co/gTGmAT9Se2NB 3 Grieve amdts WERE selected just not prorogation one. One is just incidental, but the others require a report on or before 9 October and at least every 14 calendar days thereafter until 18 Dec/an Exec, and a vote to approve each report within 3 sitting days https://t.co/gTGmAT9Se2
pic.twitter.com/fOPM773Pswpic.twitter.com/fOPM773Psw
Despite Nick Boles' hopefulness It is doubtful that these amendments would require Parliament to be in session - see @sc_laws ' piece for ConHome and report for Policy Exchange. https://t.co/nrySIIOKEG 1/ https://t.co/fE3nhlmPWWDespite Nick Boles' hopefulness It is doubtful that these amendments would require Parliament to be in session - see @sc_laws ' piece for ConHome and report for Policy Exchange. https://t.co/nrySIIOKEG 1/ https://t.co/fE3nhlmPWW
See full article, but here's an extract pic.twitter.com/hfNbJ79nLjSee full article, but here's an extract pic.twitter.com/hfNbJ79nLj
You can read the text of all the amendments to the bill here (pdf).You can read the text of all the amendments to the bill here (pdf).
Theresa May faces a full-blown diplomatic standoff with the US after Donald Trump condemned Britain’s “stupid” ambassador to Washington over leaked memos critical of the White House, as Downing Street insisted Sir Kim Darroch had its full support, my colleague Peter Walker reports. The escalating crisis began after a Sunday newspaper printed extracts of confidential memos in which Darroch labelled Trump’s administration “inept” and “dysfunctional”. The US president announced on Monday that he would no longer deal with the ambassador. In a fresh volley of tweets on Tuesday morning, Trump again condemned Darroch, and renewed his criticism of the prime minister over her Brexit negotiations, which he had praised on his state visit to the UK just over a month ago.Theresa May faces a full-blown diplomatic standoff with the US after Donald Trump condemned Britain’s “stupid” ambassador to Washington over leaked memos critical of the White House, as Downing Street insisted Sir Kim Darroch had its full support, my colleague Peter Walker reports. The escalating crisis began after a Sunday newspaper printed extracts of confidential memos in which Darroch labelled Trump’s administration “inept” and “dysfunctional”. The US president announced on Monday that he would no longer deal with the ambassador. In a fresh volley of tweets on Tuesday morning, Trump again condemned Darroch, and renewed his criticism of the prime minister over her Brexit negotiations, which he had praised on his state visit to the UK just over a month ago.
Here is Peter’s story.Here is Peter’s story.
Trump calls May foolish as diplomatic row escalatesTrump calls May foolish as diplomatic row escalates
And here are the Trump tweets.And here are the Trump tweets.
The wacky Ambassador that the U.K. foisted upon the United States is not someone we are thrilled with, a very stupid guy. He should speak to his country, and Prime Minister May, about their failed Brexit negotiation, and not be upset with my criticism of how badly it was...The wacky Ambassador that the U.K. foisted upon the United States is not someone we are thrilled with, a very stupid guy. He should speak to his country, and Prime Minister May, about their failed Brexit negotiation, and not be upset with my criticism of how badly it was...
...handled. I told @theresa_may how to do that deal, but she went her own foolish way-was unable to get it done. A disaster! I don’t know the Ambassador but have been told he is a pompous fool. Tell him the USA now has the best Economy & Military anywhere in the World, by far......handled. I told @theresa_may how to do that deal, but she went her own foolish way-was unable to get it done. A disaster! I don’t know the Ambassador but have been told he is a pompous fool. Tell him the USA now has the best Economy & Military anywhere in the World, by far...
....and they are both only getting bigger, better and stronger.....Thank you, Mr. President!....and they are both only getting bigger, better and stronger.....Thank you, Mr. President!
Ireland will not be providing options for dealing with animals and agrifood as they cross the Irish border in its no-deal contingency plans to be published later today.Ireland will not be providing options for dealing with animals and agrifood as they cross the Irish border in its no-deal contingency plans to be published later today.
It will say, instead, that more talks are needed on the issue with the European Commission.It will say, instead, that more talks are needed on the issue with the European Commission.
The last time the UK was on the precipice of a no-deal Brexit, sources told the Guardian that checks on animals and agrifood would be mandatory from day one, meaning overnight disruption for trade of milk and lamb from Northern Ireland into the republic.The last time the UK was on the precipice of a no-deal Brexit, sources told the Guardian that checks on animals and agrifood would be mandatory from day one, meaning overnight disruption for trade of milk and lamb from Northern Ireland into the republic.
At a special cabinet meeting this morning, Irish ministers were briefed by the deputy prime minister Simon Coveney on the “dire consequences” of no-deal for Ireland the all-island economy.At a special cabinet meeting this morning, Irish ministers were briefed by the deputy prime minister Simon Coveney on the “dire consequences” of no-deal for Ireland the all-island economy.
The taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, is expected to be questioned by opposition MPs in the Dail at 2pm, with Coveney giving a briefing to the media at 4pm on the updated no deal plans.The taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, is expected to be questioned by opposition MPs in the Dail at 2pm, with Coveney giving a briefing to the media at 4pm on the updated no deal plans.
Nigel Dodds, the DUP leader at Westminster, is speaking in the debate now.Nigel Dodds, the DUP leader at Westminster, is speaking in the debate now.
He says it is wrong that this bill, which is about allowing the suspension of the Northern Ireland assembly to continue, has been hijacked for other purposes.He says it is wrong that this bill, which is about allowing the suspension of the Northern Ireland assembly to continue, has been hijacked for other purposes.
He says, under the McGinn amendment, if it is passed, there would be no further vote in the Commons before the law was changed to allow same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland (assuming the powers-sharing executive is not restored by 21 October).He says, under the McGinn amendment, if it is passed, there would be no further vote in the Commons before the law was changed to allow same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland (assuming the powers-sharing executive is not restored by 21 October).
The DUP’s Sammy Wilson says MPs have repeatedly complained about the use of Henry VIII powers. But he says the amendment would allow a Henry VIII power to be used to impose same-sex marriage on Northern Ireland.The DUP’s Sammy Wilson says MPs have repeatedly complained about the use of Henry VIII powers. But he says the amendment would allow a Henry VIII power to be used to impose same-sex marriage on Northern Ireland.
Dodds agrees that this is not an appropriate way to decide this matter for Northern Ireland.Dodds agrees that this is not an appropriate way to decide this matter for Northern Ireland.
Maria Miller, the Conservative chair of the women and equalities committee, is speaking in the debate now. She says she was equalities minister when same-sex marriage was introduced. She says the law was not extended to Northern Ireland because the government wanted to respect the devolution settlement.Maria Miller, the Conservative chair of the women and equalities committee, is speaking in the debate now. She says she was equalities minister when same-sex marriage was introduced. She says the law was not extended to Northern Ireland because the government wanted to respect the devolution settlement.
She says she will not decide how she is going to vote tonight until she has heard the government make its case. She says her heart is telling her to vote for the McGinn amendment. But her head needs to be convinced, because of the concerns about the need to respect the principle of devolution.She says she will not decide how she is going to vote tonight until she has heard the government make its case. She says her heart is telling her to vote for the McGinn amendment. But her head needs to be convinced, because of the concerns about the need to respect the principle of devolution.
In the Commons Conor McGinn says the House of Commons failed people in Northern Ireland by not decriminalising homosexuality in Northern Ireland when it was decriminalised in England. And he says it has failed them by not extending same-sex marriage to Northern Ireland. He ends his speech by saying tonight MPs must no longer let it down.In the Commons Conor McGinn says the House of Commons failed people in Northern Ireland by not decriminalising homosexuality in Northern Ireland when it was decriminalised in England. And he says it has failed them by not extending same-sex marriage to Northern Ireland. He ends his speech by saying tonight MPs must no longer let it down.
We have already posted reaction to today’s announcement from Jeremy Corbyn about Labour’s latest shift on Brexit from the Liberal Democrats (see 12.03pm).We have already posted reaction to today’s announcement from Jeremy Corbyn about Labour’s latest shift on Brexit from the Liberal Democrats (see 12.03pm).
Here is some more reaction.Here is some more reaction.
From Labour MP Phil Wilson, in a statement released by the People’s Vote campaign, which is campaigning for a second referendumFrom Labour MP Phil Wilson, in a statement released by the People’s Vote campaign, which is campaigning for a second referendum
Jeremy Corbyn’s public insistence that the next Conservative prime minister put any Brexit proposal to a final say referendum, where we will all have the chance to stay in the EU, is a positive step forward for Labour. It is an outrage that Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt believe this decision can be confined to the 0.25% of the population who are Conservative members. It must be for the people to decide our future and give their explicit consent for a specific form of Brexit in a people’s vote.Jeremy Corbyn’s public insistence that the next Conservative prime minister put any Brexit proposal to a final say referendum, where we will all have the chance to stay in the EU, is a positive step forward for Labour. It is an outrage that Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt believe this decision can be confined to the 0.25% of the population who are Conservative members. It must be for the people to decide our future and give their explicit consent for a specific form of Brexit in a people’s vote.
But one email to Labour members and a press release do not make a campaign. Labour has the chance to speak up for its values and to channel the growing anger in the country about the negation of democracy that is being imposed on us all. Our voters and our members will not tolerate further confusion or foot-dragging. Instead, we now need to join together with all those from across the political spectrum who have long since been demanding that the people get the final say on Brexit.But one email to Labour members and a press release do not make a campaign. Labour has the chance to speak up for its values and to channel the growing anger in the country about the negation of democracy that is being imposed on us all. Our voters and our members will not tolerate further confusion or foot-dragging. Instead, we now need to join together with all those from across the political spectrum who have long since been demanding that the people get the final say on Brexit.
From Chris Leslie, the former Labour MP who now represents the Independent Group for ChangeFrom Chris Leslie, the former Labour MP who now represents the Independent Group for Change
Corbyn has confirmed that if you vote Labour, you’ll get Brexit. His commitment to campaign against Brexit only if the Conservatives are in government simply isn’t good enough.Corbyn has confirmed that if you vote Labour, you’ll get Brexit. His commitment to campaign against Brexit only if the Conservatives are in government simply isn’t good enough.
Brexit - whether a Labour Brexit or a Conservative Brexit - will cost people’s jobs, put businesses in jeopardy, and diminish Britain in the eyes of our neighbours. Corbyn’s refusal to be honest about that fact is a deep betrayal of the people Labour used to represent.Brexit - whether a Labour Brexit or a Conservative Brexit - will cost people’s jobs, put businesses in jeopardy, and diminish Britain in the eyes of our neighbours. Corbyn’s refusal to be honest about that fact is a deep betrayal of the people Labour used to represent.
From Naomi Smith, CEO of the the anti-Brexit group Best for BritainFrom Naomi Smith, CEO of the the anti-Brexit group Best for Britain
This is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, but Labour can’t believe that both their own deal and remaining are best for Britain.This is undoubtedly a step in the right direction, but Labour can’t believe that both their own deal and remaining are best for Britain.
It’s decision time for the Labour leadership. If they don’t settle on campaigning to stop Brexit then they will be letting down the vast majority of their membership, voters and the country.It’s decision time for the Labour leadership. If they don’t settle on campaigning to stop Brexit then they will be letting down the vast majority of their membership, voters and the country.
From Michael Chessum from Another Europe is Possible, a leftwing group campaigning for remainFrom Michael Chessum from Another Europe is Possible, a leftwing group campaigning for remain
Today’s move is significant and a big victory for the grassroots of the Labour party. We now need Labour to throw its huge weight behind the campaign to stop Brexit. Only a radical politics which promises fundamental change, more equality and public investment can beat Brexit - not status quo centrism.Today’s move is significant and a big victory for the grassroots of the Labour party. We now need Labour to throw its huge weight behind the campaign to stop Brexit. Only a radical politics which promises fundamental change, more equality and public investment can beat Brexit - not status quo centrism.
Good though today’s news is, Labour still needs to clearly commit to opposing Brexit, and to unequivocally defending free movement and transforming Europe. Ultimately, policy must be made by members, not in backrooms. We will continue to campaign from the grassroots up, and we are mobilising another huge wave of motions for conference in September.Good though today’s news is, Labour still needs to clearly commit to opposing Brexit, and to unequivocally defending free movement and transforming Europe. Ultimately, policy must be made by members, not in backrooms. We will continue to campaign from the grassroots up, and we are mobilising another huge wave of motions for conference in September.
MPs are now starting their debate on the Northern Ireland bill.MPs are now starting their debate on the Northern Ireland bill.
The Labour MP Conor McGinn starts. His amendment, new clause 1 (NC1), says, if the power-sharing executive in Northern Ireland is not restored by 21 October, the UK parliament should legislate to allow same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland.The Labour MP Conor McGinn starts. His amendment, new clause 1 (NC1), says, if the power-sharing executive in Northern Ireland is not restored by 21 October, the UK parliament should legislate to allow same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland.
If the power-sharing executive is restored before that, it would be up to them, he says.If the power-sharing executive is restored before that, it would be up to them, he says.
And if the executive is revived after Westminster has changed the law, it will have the power to change the law back, he suggests.And if the executive is revived after Westminster has changed the law, it will have the power to change the law back, he suggests.
The DUP MP Ian Paisley says, if this amendment passes, it could give one party in Northern Ireland an incentive not to revive the executive.The DUP MP Ian Paisley says, if this amendment passes, it could give one party in Northern Ireland an incentive not to revive the executive.
McGinn says Paisley is referring to Sinn Fein. He says he has spoken to Sinn Fein, and he knows Sinn Fein wants the devolved assembly to make this decision.McGinn says Paisley is referring to Sinn Fein. He says he has spoken to Sinn Fein, and he knows Sinn Fein wants the devolved assembly to make this decision.
John Bercow, the Speaker, is now making a statement about the Northern Ireland bill.John Bercow, the Speaker, is now making a statement about the Northern Ireland bill.
He says last night his office received a call from a “tabloid scribbler” who had heard the Speaker would not be chairing the proceedings this afternoon. He says kindness and generosity of spirit prevent him from naming the individual. But he says it is a long-established convention that the Speaker does not chair proceedings for a committee of the whole house (ie, when the committee stage of a bill is being considered by all MPs, not just a committee of about 20 of them - as is happening this afternoon.). He says this is a rule going back to the 17th century. He says he hopes the “chappie has now got the point”.He says last night his office received a call from a “tabloid scribbler” who had heard the Speaker would not be chairing the proceedings this afternoon. He says kindness and generosity of spirit prevent him from naming the individual. But he says it is a long-established convention that the Speaker does not chair proceedings for a committee of the whole house (ie, when the committee stage of a bill is being considered by all MPs, not just a committee of about 20 of them - as is happening this afternoon.). He says this is a rule going back to the 17th century. He says he hopes the “chappie has now got the point”.
Good Afternoon. I’m Andrew Sparrow, taking over from Sarah Marsh, who has been writing the blog this morning.Good Afternoon. I’m Andrew Sparrow, taking over from Sarah Marsh, who has been writing the blog this morning.
Quite soon MPs will start the second and final day’s debate on the Northern Ireland (executive formation) bill.Quite soon MPs will start the second and final day’s debate on the Northern Ireland (executive formation) bill.
As Seth Jacobson reports, the Tory pro-European Dominic Grieve tabled an amendment intended to ensure that the next prime minister could not prorogue parliament in September and October to stop MPs blocking a no-deal Brexit.As Seth Jacobson reports, the Tory pro-European Dominic Grieve tabled an amendment intended to ensure that the next prime minister could not prorogue parliament in September and October to stop MPs blocking a no-deal Brexit.
But it has just emerged that John Bercow, the Speaker, is not calling the amendment, which means it will not be put to a vote.But it has just emerged that John Bercow, the Speaker, is not calling the amendment, which means it will not be put to a vote.
Bercow blocks vote on amendment intended to stop next PM proroguing parliament for no-deal.Bercow blocks vote on amendment intended to stop next PM proroguing parliament for no-deal.
Selections of Amdts for #northernIrelandBill. @ConorMcGinn NC1 on equal marriage selected, NC14 from Grieve on recall from prorogation is not selected. pic.twitter.com/eu1kQC7TdQSelections of Amdts for #northernIrelandBill. @ConorMcGinn NC1 on equal marriage selected, NC14 from Grieve on recall from prorogation is not selected. pic.twitter.com/eu1kQC7TdQ