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Boris Johnson rejects Gove's claim government now assuming no deal Brexit most likely outcome - live news Boris Johnson rejects Gove's claim government now assuming no deal Brexit most likely outcome - live news
(about 1 hour later)
Speaking to reporters at Faslane Boris Johnson also suggested he would refuse to agree to Scotland holding another independence referendum. Asked if he would rule out a second referendum, Johnson replied:
It was a once in a generation consultation of the people, we did it in 2014 and the people were assured then that it was a once in a generation consultation.
I see no reason now for the politicians to go back on that promise ...
Everybody made clear at the time in 2014, even the Scottish Nationalist Party, I seem to recollect, said that this was a once in a generation vote and I think that the confidence of the public in politicians would be undermined yet further if we were to go back on that and hold another referendum.
Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, has said the vote for Brexit justifies a second independence referendum (in 2014 the UK government said Scotland was most likely to stay in the EU if it voted against independence) and she has introduced a bill in the Scottish parliament that would pave the way for one to happen. But for a referendum to be legally binding, it would need Westminster approval.
When Sturgeon first floated the idea of a second independence referendum, the then prime minister, Theresa May, said that “now is not the time”. Subsequently she firmed that up into outright opposition to a second poll, a position that Johnson seems to be adopting.
Here are some more pictures from Boris Johnson’s trip to HM Naval Base Clyde in Faslane.
Here are some more lines from what Boris Johnson said when he spoke to reporters at Faslane in Scotland.
Johnson claimed that he was willing to “go the extra mile” to reach a Brexit deal with EU leaders - even though Number 10 has set a precondition for talks. Asked if he was planning to meet EU leaders personally to try to find a solution to Brexit, he replied:
Look, my approach is to be very outward-going. I don’t want the UK to be aloof or hanging back. I want us to engage, to hold out the hand, to go the extra mile, the extra thousand miles.
An what we want to do is to make it absolutely clear that the backstop is no good, it’s deal, it has got to go. The withdrawal agreement is dead, it’s got to go. But there is scope to do a new deal.
He also said:
In our approach to the negotiations we are not going to be aloof, we are not going to be stand-offish, we’re are not going to wait for our friends to come to us. We are going to reach out, we are going to engage and we’re going to ask for obviously very, very profound changes to the current basis for leaving the EU. The present withdrawal agreement is dead, the backstop must go, but once the backstop goes then it might be possible for progress to be made.
But at the Number 10 lobby briefing this morning his spokeswoman said he did not want to meet EU leaders until they had agreed in advance to change the withdrawal agreement. (See 1.02pm.)
He claimed that with Theresa May as prime minister the EU did not really know what the UK wanted. Asked why he thought he would be able to reach a deal when she failed, he said he was being very clear about wanting to come out of the customs union and the single market. He went on:
The funny thing is for the last three years it hasn’t really been at all clear that that was the position of the UK government. There’s no point in coming out of the EU if you’re going to end up being run by the EU. And that was the result of the backstop. So I think to a large extent Brussels was a bit baffled by what the UK position really was. There was no clear decision.
He played down the significance of the warning from PSA that its Vauxhall car plant at Ellesemere Port could close in the event of Brexit. He said the automative sector was suffering from “all sorts of difficulties”, not least caused by diesel, and that other car markers were investing in the UK.
Imagine that you are the CEO of a large company. You need to make decisions about the possible impact of a no deal Brexit, but quite what you do will depend on your judgment about how likely such an outcome is.Imagine that you are the CEO of a large company. You need to make decisions about the possible impact of a no deal Brexit, but quite what you do will depend on your judgment about how likely such an outcome is.
It would help to have some clarity from government.It would help to have some clarity from government.
Yesterday you picked up your copy of the Sunday Times, and there was an article (paywall) by Michael Gove, the chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. He has been put in charge of no-deal Brexit planning, and luckily he had some clear guidance for you.Yesterday you picked up your copy of the Sunday Times, and there was an article (paywall) by Michael Gove, the chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. He has been put in charge of no-deal Brexit planning, and luckily he had some clear guidance for you.
While we are optimistic about the future, we are realistic about the need to plan for every eventuality. The EU’s leaders have, so far, said they will not change their approach — it’s the unreformed withdrawal agreement, take it or leave it.While we are optimistic about the future, we are realistic about the need to plan for every eventuality. The EU’s leaders have, so far, said they will not change their approach — it’s the unreformed withdrawal agreement, take it or leave it.
We still hope they will change their minds, but we must operate on the assumption that they will not. The prime minister has been crystal clear that means we must prepare to leave the EU without a deal on October 31, and I fully support this approach.We still hope they will change their minds, but we must operate on the assumption that they will not. The prime minister has been crystal clear that means we must prepare to leave the EU without a deal on October 31, and I fully support this approach.
No deal is now a very real prospect, and we must make sure that we are ready. A lot has already been done. Thanks to hard work by ministers past and present, and outstanding efforts by the civil service, we have made significant progress.No deal is now a very real prospect, and we must make sure that we are ready. A lot has already been done. Thanks to hard work by ministers past and present, and outstanding efforts by the civil service, we have made significant progress.
But in a pooled interview with the BBC’s Scotland editor, Sarah Smith, broadcast just now on the BBC and Sky News, Boris Johnson, the prime minister and Gove’s boss, said the opposite. Here are the key quotes.But in a pooled interview with the BBC’s Scotland editor, Sarah Smith, broadcast just now on the BBC and Sky News, Boris Johnson, the prime minister and Gove’s boss, said the opposite. Here are the key quotes.
Johnson said he did not accept Gove’s claim that the government was now working on the assumption that a no deal Brexit was the most likely outcome. Asked about Gove’s assumption, and whether he agreed, Johnson replied:Johnson said he did not accept Gove’s claim that the government was now working on the assumption that a no deal Brexit was the most likely outcome. Asked about Gove’s assumption, and whether he agreed, Johnson replied:
No, absolutely not. My assumption is that we can get a new deal, we’re aiming for a new deal. But, of course, Michael is absolutely right that it’s responsible for any government to prepare for a no deal if we absolutely have to.No, absolutely not. My assumption is that we can get a new deal, we’re aiming for a new deal. But, of course, Michael is absolutely right that it’s responsible for any government to prepare for a no deal if we absolutely have to.
Johnson reasserted his claim that the chances of a no deal Brexit could be as low as a million to one. Asked if he still stood by the claim he made at a Tory leadership hustings about the odds of no deal being a million to one, he replied:Johnson reasserted his claim that the chances of a no deal Brexit could be as low as a million to one. Asked if he still stood by the claim he made at a Tory leadership hustings about the odds of no deal being a million to one, he replied:
I think it is absolutely right that we should go for a deal, and there is every chance that we can get a deal. And I think with goodwill and with common sense, that is what we will achieve.I think it is absolutely right that we should go for a deal, and there is every chance that we can get a deal. And I think with goodwill and with common sense, that is what we will achieve.
When pressed again on whether he stood by his one million to one claim, Johnson replied:When pressed again on whether he stood by his one million to one claim, Johnson replied:
Provided there is sufficient goodwill and common sense on the part of our partners, that is exactly where I would put the odds.Provided there is sufficient goodwill and common sense on the part of our partners, that is exactly where I would put the odds.
I will post more from the clip soon.I will post more from the clip soon.
Downing Street has confirmed that a Cabinet Office investigation into Mark Field, who was suspended as a Foreign Office minister after grabbing a female Greenpeace protester around the neck at the chancellor’s Manson House speech, has been dropped. Field referred himself to the Cabinet Office to “examine if there has been a breach of the ministerial code”. But Field then lost his job in the reshuffle after Boris Johnson became prime minister. Asked about the status of the inquiry, Downing Street said:Downing Street has confirmed that a Cabinet Office investigation into Mark Field, who was suspended as a Foreign Office minister after grabbing a female Greenpeace protester around the neck at the chancellor’s Manson House speech, has been dropped. Field referred himself to the Cabinet Office to “examine if there has been a breach of the ministerial code”. But Field then lost his job in the reshuffle after Boris Johnson became prime minister. Asked about the status of the inquiry, Downing Street said:
The current PM considers this issue was a matter for the previous PM concerning his conduct during his time as a minister under her appointment.The current PM considers this issue was a matter for the previous PM concerning his conduct during his time as a minister under her appointment.
This is how the pound has been responding to the news that the government is ramping up its plans for a no deal Brexit.This is how the pound has been responding to the news that the government is ramping up its plans for a no deal Brexit.
British pound tumbles below $1.23 https://t.co/7bzi8agF1F pic.twitter.com/65wXf2thTVBritish pound tumbles below $1.23 https://t.co/7bzi8agF1F pic.twitter.com/65wXf2thTV
Here are the main points from the Downing Street lobby briefing.Here are the main points from the Downing Street lobby briefing.
The prime minister’s spokeswoman claimed that Boris Johnson was “confident” that the EU would agree to change the Brexit withdrawal agreement. Asked if he still thought that the chances of a no deal Brexit were still a million to one, the spokeswoman replied:The prime minister’s spokeswoman claimed that Boris Johnson was “confident” that the EU would agree to change the Brexit withdrawal agreement. Asked if he still thought that the chances of a no deal Brexit were still a million to one, the spokeswoman replied:
I think he has been clear that the backstop has to be abolished. He remains confident that the EU will stop claiming that the withdrawal agreement cannot be changed. But until that happens we must assume that there will be a no deal Brexit on 31 October.I think he has been clear that the backstop has to be abolished. He remains confident that the EU will stop claiming that the withdrawal agreement cannot be changed. But until that happens we must assume that there will be a no deal Brexit on 31 October.
The spokeswoman confirmed that Johnson does not want to meet EU leaders to discuss Brexit until they agree to abandon the backstop. Others in government have been implying as much for some says now (see 9.14am), but today Downing Street was more explicit about this than it has been in the past. The spokeswoman said:The spokeswoman confirmed that Johnson does not want to meet EU leaders to discuss Brexit until they agree to abandon the backstop. Others in government have been implying as much for some says now (see 9.14am), but today Downing Street was more explicit about this than it has been in the past. The spokeswoman said:
The PM has been clear that he wants to meet EU leaders and negotiate, but not to sit down and be told that the EU cannot possibly reopen the withdrawal agreement. And that is the message that he has been giving to leaders when he has spoken to them on the telephone so far ...The PM has been clear that he wants to meet EU leaders and negotiate, but not to sit down and be told that the EU cannot possibly reopen the withdrawal agreement. And that is the message that he has been giving to leaders when he has spoken to them on the telephone so far ...
The EU has said up to now it is not willing to renegotiate [the backstop] ... The prime minister would be happy to sit down with leaders when that position changes. But he is making it clear to everybody he speaks to that that needs to happen.The EU has said up to now it is not willing to renegotiate [the backstop] ... The prime minister would be happy to sit down with leaders when that position changes. But he is making it clear to everybody he speaks to that that needs to happen.
The spokeswoman defended Johnson’s decision to describe the backstop as “undemocratic”. Theresa May did not label it as such, but Johnson and his new ministers have repeatedly been referring to it as the “undemocratic backstop”. The spokeswoman said that this was a reference to “the challenge of leaving it”, but she said the prime minister had also complained about the way the backstop would keep the UK tied to customs union and single market rules.The spokeswoman defended Johnson’s decision to describe the backstop as “undemocratic”. Theresa May did not label it as such, but Johnson and his new ministers have repeatedly been referring to it as the “undemocratic backstop”. The spokeswoman said that this was a reference to “the challenge of leaving it”, but she said the prime minister had also complained about the way the backstop would keep the UK tied to customs union and single market rules.
The spokeswoman confirmed that the government is planning an extensive publicity campaign to prepare the public for a no deal Brexit. She said:The spokeswoman confirmed that the government is planning an extensive publicity campaign to prepare the public for a no deal Brexit. She said:
You can expect to see an ambitious, active public awareness campaign, backed by necessary funding, and that is to ensure that businesses and citizens have the information that they need to adequately prepare [for a no deal Brexit].You can expect to see an ambitious, active public awareness campaign, backed by necessary funding, and that is to ensure that businesses and citizens have the information that they need to adequately prepare [for a no deal Brexit].
The spokeswoman said Johnson is moving into Downing Street with his partner, Carrie Symonds. (See 11.59am.)The spokeswoman said Johnson is moving into Downing Street with his partner, Carrie Symonds. (See 11.59am.)
Michael Gove, the chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, will chair a meeting of the cabinet’s new EU exit strategy (XS) committee this afternoon, the spokeswoman said. This is the body that has been described as the Brexit war cabinet in the press. Normally chaired by Johnson, the other members are Gove, Sajid Javid, the chancellor, Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, Stephen Barclay, the Brexit secretary, and Geoffrey Cox, the attorney general. It is due to meet twice a week. Another committee, chaired by Gove, will deal with Brexit daily operations (XO). That is due to meet daily, starting tomorrow. There will also be a third Brexit cabinet committee, dealing with the economy and trade. Downing Street is due to publish a full list of the members of these committees later today.Michael Gove, the chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, will chair a meeting of the cabinet’s new EU exit strategy (XS) committee this afternoon, the spokeswoman said. This is the body that has been described as the Brexit war cabinet in the press. Normally chaired by Johnson, the other members are Gove, Sajid Javid, the chancellor, Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, Stephen Barclay, the Brexit secretary, and Geoffrey Cox, the attorney general. It is due to meet twice a week. Another committee, chaired by Gove, will deal with Brexit daily operations (XO). That is due to meet daily, starting tomorrow. There will also be a third Brexit cabinet committee, dealing with the economy and trade. Downing Street is due to publish a full list of the members of these committees later today.
The spokeswoman confirmed that Johnson has not yet spoken to Leo Varadkar, the Irish taoiseach (prime minister). She would not say why, beyond saying that Johnson has been travelling quite a lot and that he will be having further calls with EU leaders in the coming days.The spokeswoman confirmed that Johnson has not yet spoken to Leo Varadkar, the Irish taoiseach (prime minister). She would not say why, beyond saying that Johnson has been travelling quite a lot and that he will be having further calls with EU leaders in the coming days.
The spokeswoman refused to deny a claim in today’s report from the Institute for Government (pdf) that a no deal Brexit would require the government to legislate to impose direct rule in Northern Ireland.The spokeswoman refused to deny a claim in today’s report from the Institute for Government (pdf) that a no deal Brexit would require the government to legislate to impose direct rule in Northern Ireland.
The spokeswoman said she was not aware of any plans for the full cabinet to meet this week.The spokeswoman said she was not aware of any plans for the full cabinet to meet this week.
The spokeswoman said the government reshuffle was almost over, but she said that some whip appointments have yet to be announced.The spokeswoman said the government reshuffle was almost over, but she said that some whip appointments have yet to be announced.
A Brexit party bus has been towed after it was pictured empty with its doors open on the side of a road in Wales. After pictures were shared on Twitter of the bus blocking a lay-by in the Brecon Beacons on Saturday night, some speculated it had been left there as a “bizarre publicity stunt”, but the party has confirmed that it suffered a mechanical failure, the Press Association reports.A Brexit party bus has been towed after it was pictured empty with its doors open on the side of a road in Wales. After pictures were shared on Twitter of the bus blocking a lay-by in the Brecon Beacons on Saturday night, some speculated it had been left there as a “bizarre publicity stunt”, but the party has confirmed that it suffered a mechanical failure, the Press Association reports.
From the BBC’s Sue CharlesFrom the BBC’s Sue Charles
Driving through the Brecon Beacons tonight. Was expecting a few by-election posters, but surprised to see what looked like a Brexit Party bus, crashed into a hedge. Got out to check all was ok. No one around, just an abandoned bus, doors open, side-on, blocking a lay-by... pic.twitter.com/8VwvEeZjlODriving through the Brecon Beacons tonight. Was expecting a few by-election posters, but surprised to see what looked like a Brexit Party bus, crashed into a hedge. Got out to check all was ok. No one around, just an abandoned bus, doors open, side-on, blocking a lay-by... pic.twitter.com/8VwvEeZjlO
Veterans will be represented in cabinet under plans set out by Boris Johnson, the Press Association reports. Oliver Dowden, the paymaster general and Cabinet Office minister, will be given the role. He will work closely with former soldier Johnny Mercer, who has been appointed Minister for Defence People and Veterans. They will oversee a new Office of Veterans’ Affairs to coordinate Whitehall departments in addressing the challenges facing former armed forces personnel. In a statement Johnson said:Veterans will be represented in cabinet under plans set out by Boris Johnson, the Press Association reports. Oliver Dowden, the paymaster general and Cabinet Office minister, will be given the role. He will work closely with former soldier Johnny Mercer, who has been appointed Minister for Defence People and Veterans. They will oversee a new Office of Veterans’ Affairs to coordinate Whitehall departments in addressing the challenges facing former armed forces personnel. In a statement Johnson said:
The brave men and women who serve in our military truly represent the pinnacle of British character. We are rightly admired throughout the world for our armed forces, and it is a stain on our national conscience that any veteran who has served should be abandoned by the country they have fought so courageously to protect.The brave men and women who serve in our military truly represent the pinnacle of British character. We are rightly admired throughout the world for our armed forces, and it is a stain on our national conscience that any veteran who has served should be abandoned by the country they have fought so courageously to protect.
The announcement meets one of three demands set out by the Sun newspaper, which has been enthusiastically backing Johnson, in a campaign it has been running for veterans.The announcement meets one of three demands set out by the Sun newspaper, which has been enthusiastically backing Johnson, in a campaign it has been running for veterans.
Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon says that she will press Boris Johnson on the damage that a no deal Brexit will do to the Scottish economy, when she meets the prime minister later this afternoon.Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon says that she will press Boris Johnson on the damage that a no deal Brexit will do to the Scottish economy, when she meets the prime minister later this afternoon.
Speaking ahead of the first face-to-face meeting between the first minister and the new prime minister, Sturgeon said:Speaking ahead of the first face-to-face meeting between the first minister and the new prime minister, Sturgeon said:
The people of Scotland did not vote for this Tory government, they didn’t vote for this new prime minister, they didn’t vote for Brexit and they certainly didn’t vote for a catastrophic no-deal Brexit which Boris Johnson is now planning for.The people of Scotland did not vote for this Tory government, they didn’t vote for this new prime minister, they didn’t vote for Brexit and they certainly didn’t vote for a catastrophic no-deal Brexit which Boris Johnson is now planning for.
Boris Johnson has formed a hard-line Tory government with one aim – to take Scotland and the UK out of the EU without a deal.Boris Johnson has formed a hard-line Tory government with one aim – to take Scotland and the UK out of the EU without a deal.
Scotland has been ignored throughout the Brexit process and it is now time for everyone who cares about the future of Scotland to come together to chart our own course and say to the Tories – stop driving our country towards disaster.Scotland has been ignored throughout the Brexit process and it is now time for everyone who cares about the future of Scotland to come together to chart our own course and say to the Tories – stop driving our country towards disaster.
I’m just back from the Number 10 lobby briefing. Mostly it was a routine affair, that did not shed a lot of new light on what the administration is up to, but the prime minister’s spokeswoman did have at least one mini story for the hacks.I’m just back from the Number 10 lobby briefing. Mostly it was a routine affair, that did not shed a lot of new light on what the administration is up to, but the prime minister’s spokeswoman did have at least one mini story for the hacks.
Boris Johnson will be living with his partner, Carrie Symonds, in Downing Street, Number 10 has confirmed. He will be officially move in today, and Symonds will be living there with him, the spokeswoman confirmed. They will be living in the four-bedroom flat above 11 Downing Street, which prime ministers since Tony Blair have been using because it is much bigger than the flat above 10 Downing Street, which now gets used by the chancellor. The spokeswoman also denied a report claiming that Johnson was getting officials to buy him a new bed because, owing to his divorce from his wife, he did not have his own furniture. “There is no cost to the taxpayer,” the spokeswoman said, when asked about the story, although she refused to give further details of how the flat was being furnished. She also said that she was not aware of Symonds receiving any formal support in her role, as prime ministerial spouses have received in the past, and that there would be no extra cost to the taxpayer from her being in Downing Street.Boris Johnson will be living with his partner, Carrie Symonds, in Downing Street, Number 10 has confirmed. He will be officially move in today, and Symonds will be living there with him, the spokeswoman confirmed. They will be living in the four-bedroom flat above 11 Downing Street, which prime ministers since Tony Blair have been using because it is much bigger than the flat above 10 Downing Street, which now gets used by the chancellor. The spokeswoman also denied a report claiming that Johnson was getting officials to buy him a new bed because, owing to his divorce from his wife, he did not have his own furniture. “There is no cost to the taxpayer,” the spokeswoman said, when asked about the story, although she refused to give further details of how the flat was being furnished. She also said that she was not aware of Symonds receiving any formal support in her role, as prime ministerial spouses have received in the past, and that there would be no extra cost to the taxpayer from her being in Downing Street.
I will post a full summary of the briefing later.I will post a full summary of the briefing later.
On the Today programme this morning Sir Oliver Letwin, one of the Conservative MPs most opposed to a no deal Brexit, confirmed that he had been talking to the shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer and others about what could be done in parliament to stop this happening. Letwin said:On the Today programme this morning Sir Oliver Letwin, one of the Conservative MPs most opposed to a no deal Brexit, confirmed that he had been talking to the shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer and others about what could be done in parliament to stop this happening. Letwin said:
There are all sorts of talks going on between everybody and everybody else, and there will continue to be between now and October ... It is certainly true we have all been talking to one another, I have been doing that for months and months as all of us have.There are all sorts of talks going on between everybody and everybody else, and there will continue to be between now and October ... It is certainly true we have all been talking to one another, I have been doing that for months and months as all of us have.
I’m off to the Number 10 lobby briefing now. I will post again after 11.30am.I’m off to the Number 10 lobby briefing now. I will post again after 11.30am.
This is from Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, on the Daily Telegraph story (paywall) about the government spending up to £100m telling people and businesses what they need to do to prepare for a no deal Brexit.This is from Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, on the Daily Telegraph story (paywall) about the government spending up to £100m telling people and businesses what they need to do to prepare for a no deal Brexit.
What a shameful waste of money - and all while Tory welfare cuts are driving people to foodbanks and public services are still bearing the pain of Tory austerity. https://t.co/q1l2hRyemeWhat a shameful waste of money - and all while Tory welfare cuts are driving people to foodbanks and public services are still bearing the pain of Tory austerity. https://t.co/q1l2hRyeme
Here are the main points from Dominic Raab’s Today interview relating to Brexit. It was his first Today interview as foreign secretary.Here are the main points from Dominic Raab’s Today interview relating to Brexit. It was his first Today interview as foreign secretary.
Raab claimed that negotiating a good trade deal with the EU could be “much easier” after a no deal Brexit. He made the point after the interview, Mishal Husain, put it to him that, if the UK were to leave the EU with no deal, problems like the backstop, and what to do about the Irish border, would re-emerge as soon as the UK tried to strike a deal with the EU for a long-term trading relationship. Raab replied:Raab claimed that negotiating a good trade deal with the EU could be “much easier” after a no deal Brexit. He made the point after the interview, Mishal Husain, put it to him that, if the UK were to leave the EU with no deal, problems like the backstop, and what to do about the Irish border, would re-emerge as soon as the UK tried to strike a deal with the EU for a long-term trading relationship. Raab replied:
Of course, over the long term, whether we get a deal before the end of October or whether that’s not possible because the EU sticks very stubbornly to its line, we will want to put the relationship on a firmer footing. It will take both sides to show the pragmatism, the flexibility to make that happen. But I think it will be much easier, for example, to deal with the backstop issue in the context of a free trade agreement than it would under the current arrangements, which are so undemocratic. So actually although there will be risks on all sides of this [from a no deal Brexit], I think the prospects of reverting and getting a good deal for the UK will be easier after we leave, if that’s the case, and the reason being is we will do so as an independent third country and we will be less subject to, effectively, the demands and unilateral dictates of the EU as we are now.Of course, over the long term, whether we get a deal before the end of October or whether that’s not possible because the EU sticks very stubbornly to its line, we will want to put the relationship on a firmer footing. It will take both sides to show the pragmatism, the flexibility to make that happen. But I think it will be much easier, for example, to deal with the backstop issue in the context of a free trade agreement than it would under the current arrangements, which are so undemocratic. So actually although there will be risks on all sides of this [from a no deal Brexit], I think the prospects of reverting and getting a good deal for the UK will be easier after we leave, if that’s the case, and the reason being is we will do so as an independent third country and we will be less subject to, effectively, the demands and unilateral dictates of the EU as we are now.
This is a very much a minority view. Many EU watchers and trade experts believe that that the inevitable acrimony and distrust generated by a no deal Brexit would make a negotiating a good long-term trade deal even harder.This is a very much a minority view. Many EU watchers and trade experts believe that that the inevitable acrimony and distrust generated by a no deal Brexit would make a negotiating a good long-term trade deal even harder.
Raab suggested that Boris Johnson will not reopen talks with the EU the summer unless it agrees to drop the backstop. (See 9.14am.) Asked about what meetings might be taking place, Raab just mentioned the Gymnich, an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers at the end of August. My colleague Jennifer Rankin says this meeting is not even about Brexit.Raab suggested that Boris Johnson will not reopen talks with the EU the summer unless it agrees to drop the backstop. (See 9.14am.) Asked about what meetings might be taking place, Raab just mentioned the Gymnich, an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers at the end of August. My colleague Jennifer Rankin says this meeting is not even about Brexit.
Asked @BBCr4today what UK/EU meetings are coming up, Dominic Raab cites the Gymnich, an EU foreign ministers informal get together, which is not about Brexit.Asked @BBCr4today what UK/EU meetings are coming up, Dominic Raab cites the Gymnich, an EU foreign ministers informal get together, which is not about Brexit.
Raab claimed EU intransigence was to blame for the government now having to plan for a no deal Brexit when only last month Johnson was saying the chances of it happening were “a million to one”. That was Johnson’s line at a Tory leadership hustings. Now the Telegraph is splashing on a story (paywall) saying the government is preparing to spend £100m on an advertising campaign telling people and businesses what they need to do to get read for this eventuality. Asked to explain why Johnson’s assessment of the prospect of no deal happening has changed so dramatically, Raab blamed the EU. He said:Raab claimed EU intransigence was to blame for the government now having to plan for a no deal Brexit when only last month Johnson was saying the chances of it happening were “a million to one”. That was Johnson’s line at a Tory leadership hustings. Now the Telegraph is splashing on a story (paywall) saying the government is preparing to spend £100m on an advertising campaign telling people and businesses what they need to do to get read for this eventuality. Asked to explain why Johnson’s assessment of the prospect of no deal happening has changed so dramatically, Raab blamed the EU. He said:
We want the deal ... Since the remarks that you have mentioned, we’ve had the series of fairly stubborn positions staked out by the EU. In fairness, you would expect that. It’s only been a few days into this administration. But if they stick to that line - I think the thing that has changed is that they’re not wiling to move at all, and they have reiterated that - then we must be prepared to give the country the finality it needs by preparing both businesses, but also people more broadly, [for a no deal Brexit].We want the deal ... Since the remarks that you have mentioned, we’ve had the series of fairly stubborn positions staked out by the EU. In fairness, you would expect that. It’s only been a few days into this administration. But if they stick to that line - I think the thing that has changed is that they’re not wiling to move at all, and they have reiterated that - then we must be prepared to give the country the finality it needs by preparing both businesses, but also people more broadly, [for a no deal Brexit].
Raab was being diplomatic. In truth, there is nothing that the EU is saying now that it was not saying during the Tory leadership campaign. Johnson’s “million to one” claim was always misleading and absurd.Raab was being diplomatic. In truth, there is nothing that the EU is saying now that it was not saying during the Tory leadership campaign. Johnson’s “million to one” claim was always misleading and absurd.
TELEGRAPH: Johnson’s £100m Brexit ad campaign #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/6qQwY7NP0aTELEGRAPH: Johnson’s £100m Brexit ad campaign #tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/6qQwY7NP0a
Raab said the EU was not “not the only game in town” for future trade deals, and that he would be travelling to the US, Latin America and Asia to explore opportunities there. He said:Raab said the EU was not “not the only game in town” for future trade deals, and that he would be travelling to the US, Latin America and Asia to explore opportunities there. He said:
I haven’t set the firm plans yet, but that will include the US, Latin America, and Asia because the negotiation with the EU is crucially important and we would love to get a deal that is acceptable to the UK, but Brussels is not the only game in town.I haven’t set the firm plans yet, but that will include the US, Latin America, and Asia because the negotiation with the EU is crucially important and we would love to get a deal that is acceptable to the UK, but Brussels is not the only game in town.
The opportunities of Brexit involve many of those growth markets of the future from Latin America to Asia, and we have got a US President who is speaking very warmly about this country.The opportunities of Brexit involve many of those growth markets of the future from Latin America to Asia, and we have got a US President who is speaking very warmly about this country.
He refused to deny a claim in today’s report from the Institute for Government (pdf) that a no deal Brexit would require the government to legislate to impose direct rule in Northern Ireland. Asked if the government would legislate for this, h just said:He refused to deny a claim in today’s report from the Institute for Government (pdf) that a no deal Brexit would require the government to legislate to impose direct rule in Northern Ireland. Asked if the government would legislate for this, h just said:
We’ll make sure the arrangements are in place so that there is no vacuum, that there’s the efficient conduct of government.We’ll make sure the arrangements are in place so that there is no vacuum, that there’s the efficient conduct of government.
He claimed that the Vote Leave campaign has always acknowledged that the UK might have to leave the EU without a deal. When Husain said Vote Leave had never raised this as a possibility during the 2016 referendum campaign, Raab replied:He claimed that the Vote Leave campaign has always acknowledged that the UK might have to leave the EU without a deal. When Husain said Vote Leave had never raised this as a possibility during the 2016 referendum campaign, Raab replied:
The mandate certainly was not leave the EU if the EU let us. It was an in/out referendum and we made clear, those on the campaign, that we should strive for a good deal, but if that wasn’t available, that we should go on and make a success of Brexit.The mandate certainly was not leave the EU if the EU let us. It was an in/out referendum and we made clear, those on the campaign, that we should strive for a good deal, but if that wasn’t available, that we should go on and make a success of Brexit.
Raab also claimed that in interviews at the time he and other Vote Leave figures had repeatedly said, if a deal could not be struck, the UK might have to leave without one. Husain said she did not remember this, and Raab replied with a swipe at the BBC.Raab also claimed that in interviews at the time he and other Vote Leave figures had repeatedly said, if a deal could not be struck, the UK might have to leave without one. Husain said she did not remember this, and Raab replied with a swipe at the BBC.
In fairness, the institutional memory of the BBC is a bit sketchy on this as a whole, so you are not alone.In fairness, the institutional memory of the BBC is a bit sketchy on this as a whole, so you are not alone.
The FT’s Henry Mance says other leavers side with Husain.The FT’s Henry Mance says other leavers side with Husain.
Dominic Raab says Vote Leave raised the prospect of no-deal during the referendum campaign.Here’s the view of someone who worked for Vote Leave pic.twitter.com/8oAr1gQZrYDominic Raab says Vote Leave raised the prospect of no-deal during the referendum campaign.Here’s the view of someone who worked for Vote Leave pic.twitter.com/8oAr1gQZrY
Before Boris Johnson became prime minister there was speculation that as soon as he took office he would be on the plane to Brussels, Paris and Berlin to open talks with EU leaders about his demands for a new Brexit deal. On Friday the German government even said Johnson had accepted an invitation to visit Angela Merkel “in the near future”. But Number 10 itself has been playing down the prospect of talks opening soon, today’s Daily Mail says Johnson has no plans to visit EU capitals this summer, and that there might be no significant talks with Brussels until the EU summit starting on 17 October, and in an interview on the Today programme this morning the new foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, all but confirmed this.Before Boris Johnson became prime minister there was speculation that as soon as he took office he would be on the plane to Brussels, Paris and Berlin to open talks with EU leaders about his demands for a new Brexit deal. On Friday the German government even said Johnson had accepted an invitation to visit Angela Merkel “in the near future”. But Number 10 itself has been playing down the prospect of talks opening soon, today’s Daily Mail says Johnson has no plans to visit EU capitals this summer, and that there might be no significant talks with Brussels until the EU summit starting on 17 October, and in an interview on the Today programme this morning the new foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, all but confirmed this.
Asked if Johnson had any plans to visit EU capitals, Raab said there were a whole series of meetings coming up, but the only one he mentioned was the Gymnich, an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers at the end of August. Raab ignored a question about whether Johnson would be visiting EU capitals before that, and he implied that Johnson has not even spoken yet to Leo Varadkar, the Irish prime minister, who is central to any decision taken by the EU in relation to the backstop. Raab then suggested that there was no point in the UK opening talks until the EU agrees to abandon the backstop. He said:Asked if Johnson had any plans to visit EU capitals, Raab said there were a whole series of meetings coming up, but the only one he mentioned was the Gymnich, an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers at the end of August. Raab ignored a question about whether Johnson would be visiting EU capitals before that, and he implied that Johnson has not even spoken yet to Leo Varadkar, the Irish prime minister, who is central to any decision taken by the EU in relation to the backstop. Raab then suggested that there was no point in the UK opening talks until the EU agrees to abandon the backstop. He said:
I have spoken to Simon Coveney [the Irish foreign minister] and a range of other European foreign ministers, and will continue those calls, to send the message very clearly we want a deal if there’s a deal to be done, but I don’t think you can just airbrush the fact that the last deal was defeated by the biggest margin in parliamentary history and has led to the resignation of a prime minister. It is not just going to revert to where we left off the last negotiations. There must be some change from the EU. And if the EU are not willing to move at all, we must be willing to ready to give the country some finality.I have spoken to Simon Coveney [the Irish foreign minister] and a range of other European foreign ministers, and will continue those calls, to send the message very clearly we want a deal if there’s a deal to be done, but I don’t think you can just airbrush the fact that the last deal was defeated by the biggest margin in parliamentary history and has led to the resignation of a prime minister. It is not just going to revert to where we left off the last negotiations. There must be some change from the EU. And if the EU are not willing to move at all, we must be willing to ready to give the country some finality.
Number 10 has repeatedly said that the “change” required from the EU is the removal of the backstop from the withdrawal agreement.Number 10 has repeatedly said that the “change” required from the EU is the removal of the backstop from the withdrawal agreement.
I will post more from the interview shortly.I will post more from the interview shortly.
Today we have got a lobby briefing from Number 10 at 11am. Johnson himself is in Scotland, where he is visiting a military base this morning, before going to Edinburgh in the afternoon for talks with Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, and Ruth Davidson, the Scottish Tory leader.Today we have got a lobby briefing from Number 10 at 11am. Johnson himself is in Scotland, where he is visiting a military base this morning, before going to Edinburgh in the afternoon for talks with Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, and Ruth Davidson, the Scottish Tory leader.
As usual, I will be covering breaking political news as it happens, as well as bringing you the best reaction, comment and analysis from the web. I plan to publish a summary when I wrap up.As usual, I will be covering breaking political news as it happens, as well as bringing you the best reaction, comment and analysis from the web. I plan to publish a summary when I wrap up.
You can read all the latest Guardian politics articles here. Here is the Politico Europe roundup of this morning’s political news. And here is the PoliticsHome list of today’s top 10 must-reads.You can read all the latest Guardian politics articles here. Here is the Politico Europe roundup of this morning’s political news. And here is the PoliticsHome list of today’s top 10 must-reads.
If you want to follow me or contact me on Twitter, I’m on @AndrewSparrow.If you want to follow me or contact me on Twitter, I’m on @AndrewSparrow.
I try to monitor the comments below the line (BTL) but it is impossible to read them all. If you have a direct question, do include “Andrew” in it somewhere and I’m more likely to find it. I do try to answer questions, and if they are of general interest, I will post the question and reply above the line (ATL), although I can’t promise to do this for everyone.I try to monitor the comments below the line (BTL) but it is impossible to read them all. If you have a direct question, do include “Andrew” in it somewhere and I’m more likely to find it. I do try to answer questions, and if they are of general interest, I will post the question and reply above the line (ATL), although I can’t promise to do this for everyone.
If you want to attract my attention quickly, it is probably better to use Twitter.If you want to attract my attention quickly, it is probably better to use Twitter.