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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)
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.
From 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.
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 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.
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 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.
From 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
The Guardian’s Gaby Hinsliff has written about Corbyn’s backing of a second referendum. She writes:The Guardian’s Gaby Hinsliff has written about Corbyn’s backing of a second referendum. She writes:
Is Labour really the party of remain, or leave? The official answer for a good three years has been both, which increasingly means in the eyes of many voters it is neither convincingly. The paradox of this week’s otherwise seismic shift in Labour Brexit positioning is that once the dust settles, essentially that’s still true.Is Labour really the party of remain, or leave? The official answer for a good three years has been both, which increasingly means in the eyes of many voters it is neither convincingly. The paradox of this week’s otherwise seismic shift in Labour Brexit positioning is that once the dust settles, essentially that’s still true.
Jeremy Corbyn does seem finally to have been cornered into a second referendum on Brexit, with trade union leaders unanimously agreeing this week that if a Conservative government brings any sort of deal (or a firm date for leaving with no deal) before parliament, Labour should demand a referendum on it and campaign to remain.Jeremy Corbyn does seem finally to have been cornered into a second referendum on Brexit, with trade union leaders unanimously agreeing this week that if a Conservative government brings any sort of deal (or a firm date for leaving with no deal) before parliament, Labour should demand a referendum on it and campaign to remain.
Read more here.Read more here.
Liberal Democrat, which, to Labour’s cost, made so many gains in the European elections in May, says Labour’s new position on a second referendum does not make it a remain party. Brexit spokesperson Tom Brake saidLiberal Democrat, which, to Labour’s cost, made so many gains in the European elections in May, says Labour’s new position on a second referendum does not make it a remain party. Brexit spokesperson Tom Brake said
Labour are still a party of Brexit. Jeremy Corbyn can pretend all he likes that the Labour Party are finally moving towards backing the Liberal Democrat policy of a People’s Vote, but it is clear it is still his intention to negotiate a damaging Brexit deal if he gets the keys to number ten.Labour are still a party of Brexit. Jeremy Corbyn can pretend all he likes that the Labour Party are finally moving towards backing the Liberal Democrat policy of a People’s Vote, but it is clear it is still his intention to negotiate a damaging Brexit deal if he gets the keys to number ten.
Labour must start being transparent with the British people. Any Brexit deal, whoever it is negotiated by, will damage our country. It will mean job losses, problems for our NHS, and more time wasted on not tackling the biggest issues facing the UK.Labour must start being transparent with the British people. Any Brexit deal, whoever it is negotiated by, will damage our country. It will mean job losses, problems for our NHS, and more time wasted on not tackling the biggest issues facing the UK.
The Liberal Democrats have been unequivocal in our fight to stop Brexit and Corbyn should join us. The only real route out of this mess is a People’s Vote, with the option to stay in the EU.”The Liberal Democrats have been unequivocal in our fight to stop Brexit and Corbyn should join us. The only real route out of this mess is a People’s Vote, with the option to stay in the EU.”
Protests have taken place outside Labour headquarters as a disputes panel of the party’s national executive meets on Tuesday to discuss whether to reinstate Chris Williamson.Williamson, the MP for Derby North, had been suspended for suggesting the party was “too apologetic” about antisemitism complaints. But he was last week let back into the party with a reprimand by a three-person disciplinary panel, prompting a fierce reaction.Protests have taken place outside Labour headquarters as a disputes panel of the party’s national executive meets on Tuesday to discuss whether to reinstate Chris Williamson.Williamson, the MP for Derby North, had been suspended for suggesting the party was “too apologetic” about antisemitism complaints. But he was last week let back into the party with a reprimand by a three-person disciplinary panel, prompting a fierce reaction.
outside Labour HQ pic.twitter.com/OSkV2rhoKvoutside Labour HQ pic.twitter.com/OSkV2rhoKv
Deputy Labour leader Tom Watson joined MPs and peers to demand he lose the whip, while nearly 70 Labour staff members wrote to express their outrage.He was put back under suspension after Keith Vaz, one of the members of the disputes panel who had argued for him to be readmitted, said the decision should be reviewed.The disputes panel will meet this morning to discuss whether to refer him up to a further disciplinary sub-committee of the National Executive Committee, which may decide to send the case for further investigation or allow him to be readmitted.If he is let back in, Williamson is likely to face a selection battle in his own constituency after a bitter row with the trade union Unite.Deputy Labour leader Tom Watson joined MPs and peers to demand he lose the whip, while nearly 70 Labour staff members wrote to express their outrage.He was put back under suspension after Keith Vaz, one of the members of the disputes panel who had argued for him to be readmitted, said the decision should be reviewed.The disputes panel will meet this morning to discuss whether to refer him up to a further disciplinary sub-committee of the National Executive Committee, which may decide to send the case for further investigation or allow him to be readmitted.If he is let back in, Williamson is likely to face a selection battle in his own constituency after a bitter row with the trade union Unite.
The Guardian’s political editor Heather Stewart reports on party’s decision to campaign to stay in EU rather than back no deal or Tory deal in people’s vote.The Guardian’s political editor Heather Stewart reports on party’s decision to campaign to stay in EU rather than back no deal or Tory deal in people’s vote.
Corbyn says Labour would back remain in Brexit referendumCorbyn says Labour would back remain in Brexit referendum
Labour have announced their Brexit position in a letter from Jeremy Corbyn:Labour have announced their Brexit position in a letter from Jeremy Corbyn:
Dear member,Dear member,
I am proud to lead the Labour Party – the greatest political party and social movement in this country.I am proud to lead the Labour Party – the greatest political party and social movement in this country.
We all recognise that the issue of Brexit has been divisive in our communities and sometimes in our party too.We all recognise that the issue of Brexit has been divisive in our communities and sometimes in our party too.
As democrats, Labour accepted the result of the 2016 referendum. In our 2017 manifesto, Labour also committed to oppose a No Deal Brexit and the Tories’ Brexit plans – which threatened jobs, living standards, and the open multicultural society that we as internationalists value so much.As democrats, Labour accepted the result of the 2016 referendum. In our 2017 manifesto, Labour also committed to oppose a No Deal Brexit and the Tories’ Brexit plans – which threatened jobs, living standards, and the open multicultural society that we as internationalists value so much.
I want to pay tribute to Keir Starmer and the shadow Brexit team for holding the Government to account during this process. That helped secure a meaningful vote on their deal – which we then defeated three times – including inflicting the largest ever defeat on any Government. And following their refusal to publish their legal advice, this Government became the first to be held in contempt of Parliament.I want to pay tribute to Keir Starmer and the shadow Brexit team for holding the Government to account during this process. That helped secure a meaningful vote on their deal – which we then defeated three times – including inflicting the largest ever defeat on any Government. And following their refusal to publish their legal advice, this Government became the first to be held in contempt of Parliament.
Labour set out a compromise plan to try to bring the country together based around a customs union, a strong single market relationship and protection of environmental regulations and rights at work. We continue to believe this is a sensible alternative that could bring the country together.Labour set out a compromise plan to try to bring the country together based around a customs union, a strong single market relationship and protection of environmental regulations and rights at work. We continue to believe this is a sensible alternative that could bring the country together.
But the Prime Minister refused to compromise and was unable to deliver, so we ended cross-party talks.But the Prime Minister refused to compromise and was unable to deliver, so we ended cross-party talks.
Now both Tory leadership candidates are threatening a No Deal Brexit - or at best a race to the bottom and a sweetheart deal with Donald Trump: that runs down industry, opens up our NHS and other public services to yet more privatisation, and shreds environmental protections, rights at work and consumer standards.Now both Tory leadership candidates are threatening a No Deal Brexit - or at best a race to the bottom and a sweetheart deal with Donald Trump: that runs down industry, opens up our NHS and other public services to yet more privatisation, and shreds environmental protections, rights at work and consumer standards.
I have spent the past few weeks consulting with the shadow cabinet, MPs, affiliated unions and the NEC. I have also had feedback from members via the National Policy Forum consultation on Brexit.I have spent the past few weeks consulting with the shadow cabinet, MPs, affiliated unions and the NEC. I have also had feedback from members via the National Policy Forum consultation on Brexit.
Whoever becomes the new Prime Minister should have the confidence to put their deal, or No Deal, back to the people in a public vote.Whoever becomes the new Prime Minister should have the confidence to put their deal, or No Deal, back to the people in a public vote.
In those circumstances, I want to make it clear that Labour would campaign for Remain against either No Deal or a Tory deal that does not protect the economy and jobs.In those circumstances, I want to make it clear that Labour would campaign for Remain against either No Deal or a Tory deal that does not protect the economy and jobs.
Labour has a crucial, historic duty to safeguard jobs, rights and living standards. But no Brexit outcome alone can do that.Labour has a crucial, historic duty to safeguard jobs, rights and living standards. But no Brexit outcome alone can do that.
We need a general election. After nine years of austerity, too many people in this country cannot find decent secure well-paid work, and have to rely on public services that have been severely cut back.We need a general election. After nine years of austerity, too many people in this country cannot find decent secure well-paid work, and have to rely on public services that have been severely cut back.
Our country is ravaged by inequality and rising poverty, huge regional imbalances of investment, and the government is failing to tackle the climate emergency facing us all.Our country is ravaged by inequality and rising poverty, huge regional imbalances of investment, and the government is failing to tackle the climate emergency facing us all.
That is why we need a Labour government to end austerity and rebuild our country for the many not the few.That is why we need a Labour government to end austerity and rebuild our country for the many not the few.
Yours,Yours,
Jeremy CorbynJeremy Corbyn
Jeremy Corbyn has said that the next prime minister should put their Brexit deal to a vote, and if that happened the Labour party would campaign for remain.Jeremy Corbyn has said that the next prime minister should put their Brexit deal to a vote, and if that happened the Labour party would campaign for remain.
Whoever becomes the new Prime Minister should put their deal, or No Deal, back to the people in a public vote.In those circumstances, Labour would campaign for Remain against either No Deal or a Tory deal that does not protect the economy and jobs.Whoever becomes the new Prime Minister should put their deal, or No Deal, back to the people in a public vote.In those circumstances, Labour would campaign for Remain against either No Deal or a Tory deal that does not protect the economy and jobs.
The news has been met with a strong response on social media:The news has been met with a strong response on social media:
No clarity by Mr Corbyn on what Labour's position would be in the event of a general electionNo clarity by Mr Corbyn on what Labour's position would be in the event of a general election
Yet another fudge, where the Labour leadership keep open the door to standing on a pro-Brexit platform in a General Election or supporting it in government. The @LibDems are the only party that can get into govt which is 100% committed to stopping Brexit. https://t.co/2jjqQnIA0fYet another fudge, where the Labour leadership keep open the door to standing on a pro-Brexit platform in a General Election or supporting it in government. The @LibDems are the only party that can get into govt which is 100% committed to stopping Brexit. https://t.co/2jjqQnIA0f
Jeremy Corbyn's letter is noticeably silent on what Labour would do if it was able to negotiate its own Brexit deal after winning a snap election. Unlear whether they would campaign for Remain or Leave in those circumstances.Jeremy Corbyn's letter is noticeably silent on what Labour would do if it was able to negotiate its own Brexit deal after winning a snap election. Unlear whether they would campaign for Remain or Leave in those circumstances.
The BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg said:The BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg said:
It’s progress of a sort as Corbyn explicit that he’d support staying in the EU in that hypothetical scenario, but he doesn’t sign up to the manifesto demand which would have gone further.It’s progress of a sort as Corbyn explicit that he’d support staying in the EU in that hypothetical scenario, but he doesn’t sign up to the manifesto demand which would have gone further.
For those pushing Remain it's progress of a sort as Corbyn explicit that he'd support staying in the EU in that hypothetical scenario, but he doesn't sign up to the manifesto demand which would have gone further...For those pushing Remain it's progress of a sort as Corbyn explicit that he'd support staying in the EU in that hypothetical scenario, but he doesn't sign up to the manifesto demand which would have gone further...
Jeremy Corbyn has confirmed that the Labour party will campaign for remain in a referendum “against no deal or a Tory deal”.Jeremy Corbyn has confirmed that the Labour party will campaign for remain in a referendum “against no deal or a Tory deal”.
On Tuesday morning, the leader of the Labour Party, convened a meeting of the party’s shadow cabinet to agree a settled Brexit position.On Tuesday morning, the leader of the Labour Party, convened a meeting of the party’s shadow cabinet to agree a settled Brexit position.
BREAKING: Jeremy Corbyn announces Labour's Brexit position. Says new PM "should have the confidence to put their deal, or No Deal, back to the people in a public vote" - and Labour would then campaign for Remain, "against either No Deal or a Tory deal".BREAKING: Jeremy Corbyn announces Labour's Brexit position. Says new PM "should have the confidence to put their deal, or No Deal, back to the people in a public vote" - and Labour would then campaign for Remain, "against either No Deal or a Tory deal".
But Heather also notes that the announcement, in a long email to members, does not include anything explaining what Labour’s position would be after a general election.But Heather also notes that the announcement, in a long email to members, does not include anything explaining what Labour’s position would be after a general election.
But nothing in the lengthy email from JC to members about Labour's position at/after a general election - only that Labour wants one.But nothing in the lengthy email from JC to members about Labour's position at/after a general election - only that Labour wants one.
Sir David warned:Sir David warned:
The problem you’re opening now is a very serious one, if the world climate change goes on it is going to be facing huge problems with immigration.The problem you’re opening now is a very serious one, if the world climate change goes on it is going to be facing huge problems with immigration.
Large parts of Africa are going to be even less inhabitable than they are now, and there will be major upsets in the balance between our national boundaries.Large parts of Africa are going to be even less inhabitable than they are now, and there will be major upsets in the balance between our national boundaries.
These kind of problems are going to grow inexorably and we are going to have to decide what we do about it, that’s going to happen.These kind of problems are going to grow inexorably and we are going to have to decide what we do about it, that’s going to happen.
He said industry should be encouraged to invest in new technologies for generating, storing and transporting energy, such as batteries, and that he thought progress was being made.He said industry should be encouraged to invest in new technologies for generating, storing and transporting energy, such as batteries, and that he thought progress was being made.
Channel 4’s chief executive Alex Mahon has said that the broadcaster does not make reality TV or observational programmes merely because they are cheap and “fill schedules”.Speaking before the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Committee inquiry into reality TV, Mahon said there is a “huge public appetite” for programmes that show “different groups of people doing things in society”. Damian Collins, chairman of the DCMS, suggested that such programmes involving members of the public are “quite cheap to make” and that they take up more space in the TV schedule than they did 20 years ago. Mahon said: “It is important that as public service broadcasters we tell challenging stories about life in Britain today and give insight into that, yes, it’s not necessarily cheaper to do than doing other things. “There are some genres of non-scripted programming that are cheap, sometimes quizzes if you make them in bulk, and there are some genres that are very expensive, which are in the multiple hundreds of thousands of pounds per episode to make because they are very complex to construct. “If you take a programme like One Born Every Minute... a life-affirming show and incredibly entertaining for audiences. It’s certainly not cheap to make because of the way we make it, construct it, the way we film it and work with contributors on it. “So I would refute the suggestion that we are doing that to fill schedules with ‘cheap things’; we are doing those programmes often to create insight into society.”Channel 4’s chief executive Alex Mahon has said that the broadcaster does not make reality TV or observational programmes merely because they are cheap and “fill schedules”.Speaking before the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Committee inquiry into reality TV, Mahon said there is a “huge public appetite” for programmes that show “different groups of people doing things in society”. Damian Collins, chairman of the DCMS, suggested that such programmes involving members of the public are “quite cheap to make” and that they take up more space in the TV schedule than they did 20 years ago. Mahon said: “It is important that as public service broadcasters we tell challenging stories about life in Britain today and give insight into that, yes, it’s not necessarily cheaper to do than doing other things. “There are some genres of non-scripted programming that are cheap, sometimes quizzes if you make them in bulk, and there are some genres that are very expensive, which are in the multiple hundreds of thousands of pounds per episode to make because they are very complex to construct. “If you take a programme like One Born Every Minute... a life-affirming show and incredibly entertaining for audiences. It’s certainly not cheap to make because of the way we make it, construct it, the way we film it and work with contributors on it. “So I would refute the suggestion that we are doing that to fill schedules with ‘cheap things’; we are doing those programmes often to create insight into society.”