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Brexit: Boris Johnson fails to win over Tory rebels in meeting at No 10 ahead of key vote – live news Brexit: Boris Johnson fails to win over Tory rebels in meeting at No 10 ahead of key vote – live news
(32 minutes later)
Ian Blackford, the SNP leader at Westminster, issued this statement after his meeting with Jeremy Corbyn and other opposition leaders at Westminster this morning. (See 1.31pm.) Blackford said:
Today’s cross-party meeting was another vital and productive step in working together to prevent this rogue Tory government from inflicting lasting harm with its extreme Brexit plans.
The SNP’s priority is to stop a catastrophic no-deal and that is why we have co-sponsored the cross-party bill designed to take that outcome off the table – an outcome parliament has already previously rejected. We will explore every avenue and parliamentary process open to us to stop that. However, while the SNP are ready and eager for a general election, Boris Johnson must not be allowed to use an election to force through no-deal.
While the SNP has been at the forefront in standing up for Scotland’s interests in Westminster, the 13 Scottish Tory MPs have been notably absent. With time running out – and with every vote pivotal – I urge the group of Scottish Tory MPs to work with us in safeguarding Scotland’s economic and social interests.
Here is the timetable for events in the Commons this afternoon. After the first two entries, all the timings are provisional, for reasons explained below.
2.30pm: Dominic Raab takes Foreign Office questions.
3.30pm: Boris Johnson gives a statement on the G7. Commons statements normally run for about an hour, but John Bercow, the Speaker, likes to call all MPs who want to ask a question, and he regularly lets questions to the PM run for two hours or more. But assuming they wrap up after two hours, that takes us to ...
5.30pm?: Michael Gove, the Cabinet Office minister, gives a statement on no-deal Brexit preparations.
6.30pm?: Gavin Williamson, the education secretary, gives a statement on education funding.
7.30pm?: Chris Philp moves a motion under the 10-minute rule for a bill on clean air. (Although called a 10-minute rule bill, the debate can last up to 20 minute, although normally these speeches last about five minutes.)
7.35pm?: Sir Oliver Letwin submits a request for an SO24 (standing order 24) emergency debate on a no-deal Brexit. After a very short speech, Bercow will either allow or disallow the debate. No one expects him to say no.
7.40pm?: MPs begin the debate on the SO24 motion. It can run for up to three hours, or until 10pm - whichever comes first.
10pm?: MPs vote on the motion.
Pro- and anti-Brexit campaigners have been congregating outside the Houses of Parliament ahead of this evening’s vote. Here are some pictures from the protests.Pro- and anti-Brexit campaigners have been congregating outside the Houses of Parliament ahead of this evening’s vote. Here are some pictures from the protests.
This is from ITV’s Joe Pike.This is from ITV’s Joe Pike.
NEW: Parliamentary Labour Party meeting at 6pm tonight. Jeremy Corbyn will speak. A ‘change’ expected on party’s position on an early election. #BrexitNEW: Parliamentary Labour Party meeting at 6pm tonight. Jeremy Corbyn will speak. A ‘change’ expected on party’s position on an early election. #Brexit
Two Labour MPs, Jess Phillips and Alex Sobel, have formally joined the high court challenge being launched by Gina Miller in London on Thursday against the prime minister’s decision to prorogue parliament.Two Labour MPs, Jess Phillips and Alex Sobel, have formally joined the high court challenge being launched by Gina Miller in London on Thursday against the prime minister’s decision to prorogue parliament.
Lawyers for the pair have lodged a claim with the court alleging that closing down parliament is an abuse of power and breaches the MPs’ right to freedom of expression under article 10 of the European convention on human rights.Lawyers for the pair have lodged a claim with the court alleging that closing down parliament is an abuse of power and breaches the MPs’ right to freedom of expression under article 10 of the European convention on human rights.
David Greene, senior partner at the law firm Edwin Coe who is representing them, said:David Greene, senior partner at the law firm Edwin Coe who is representing them, said:
The issues are of supreme constitutional importance. It is vital that those issues are fully developed in court. Our clients, who are members of parliament, seek naturally a political resolution in parliament to the question of whether the UK should leave the EU without a deal but believe that their entitlement as MPs to take a full part in that debate and decision is being unlawfully curtailed. They join the action to ensure that the voice of backbench MPs is heard in the question of whether the foundation of the proroguing of parliament is lawful.The issues are of supreme constitutional importance. It is vital that those issues are fully developed in court. Our clients, who are members of parliament, seek naturally a political resolution in parliament to the question of whether the UK should leave the EU without a deal but believe that their entitlement as MPs to take a full part in that debate and decision is being unlawfully curtailed. They join the action to ensure that the voice of backbench MPs is heard in the question of whether the foundation of the proroguing of parliament is lawful.
Philips said:Philips said:
When the prime minister took the decision to prorogue parliament it was a sad day for our democracy. Not only does he seek to gag parliament from its clear opposition to ‘no deal’ but he is throwing out pending legislation including the domestic violence bill. The bill is dedicated to addressing the issues faced by victims of violent crime, and those who provide the services that respond.When the prime minister took the decision to prorogue parliament it was a sad day for our democracy. Not only does he seek to gag parliament from its clear opposition to ‘no deal’ but he is throwing out pending legislation including the domestic violence bill. The bill is dedicated to addressing the issues faced by victims of violent crime, and those who provide the services that respond.
And Sobel said:And Sobel said:
It is absolutely clear that the proroguing of parliament is a device to shut down the opposition to ‘no deal’. The intent of the prime minister to rob parliament of its constitutional rights is unlawful. As a member of parliament, I have been elected by the electorate to represent them but Boris Johnson now wants to take away from the electorate their rights that are part and parcel of our democracy by shutting me out of the constitutional decision making process in parliament.It is absolutely clear that the proroguing of parliament is a device to shut down the opposition to ‘no deal’. The intent of the prime minister to rob parliament of its constitutional rights is unlawful. As a member of parliament, I have been elected by the electorate to represent them but Boris Johnson now wants to take away from the electorate their rights that are part and parcel of our democracy by shutting me out of the constitutional decision making process in parliament.
More on Boris Johnson’s meeting with the Tory rebels. (See 12.55pm.) This is from ITV’s Daniel Hewitt.More on Boris Johnson’s meeting with the Tory rebels. (See 12.55pm.) This is from ITV’s Daniel Hewitt.
BREAKING: Tory rebel alliance has emerged from its showdown with PM saying he gave “an unconvincing explanation” of how a deal with the EU could pass before Oct 31st and didn’t give “a reasonable answer” to why the govt still hasn’t come up with an alternative to the backstop. pic.twitter.com/cZRbhvvVyLBREAKING: Tory rebel alliance has emerged from its showdown with PM saying he gave “an unconvincing explanation” of how a deal with the EU could pass before Oct 31st and didn’t give “a reasonable answer” to why the govt still hasn’t come up with an alternative to the backstop. pic.twitter.com/cZRbhvvVyL
Liz Saville Roberts, the Plaid Cymru leader at Westminster, was one of the opposition leaders who met Jeremy Corbyn this morning to discuss tactics this week as they seek to rule out a no-deal Brexit. She has just told Sky News that she is confident that the opposition will be able to pass the Benn bill, designed to rule out a no-deal Brexit on 31 October, by the end of this week.Liz Saville Roberts, the Plaid Cymru leader at Westminster, was one of the opposition leaders who met Jeremy Corbyn this morning to discuss tactics this week as they seek to rule out a no-deal Brexit. She has just told Sky News that she is confident that the opposition will be able to pass the Benn bill, designed to rule out a no-deal Brexit on 31 October, by the end of this week.
More significantly perhaps, she also implied the opposition parties have agreed not to vote for an early general election until the bill has become law. She said:More significantly perhaps, she also implied the opposition parties have agreed not to vote for an early general election until the bill has become law. She said:
We have to be very alert to the fact the the prime minister could be using an early general election as a way of bringing through a no-deal Brexit and to do what he really wants, which is to remain in power. We must be very alert to not accepting a general election on the terms of the prime minister which suits the prime minister and the prime minister alone ...We have to be very alert to the fact the the prime minister could be using an early general election as a way of bringing through a no-deal Brexit and to do what he really wants, which is to remain in power. We must be very alert to not accepting a general election on the terms of the prime minister which suits the prime minister and the prime minister alone ...
We are very aware of the way that Boris Johnson will try to play the house. We are not going to be part of his game. And our priority is to stop no-deal Brexit. And the legislation is the way to do that.We are very aware of the way that Boris Johnson will try to play the house. We are not going to be part of his game. And our priority is to stop no-deal Brexit. And the legislation is the way to do that.
When asked if Corbyn backed this approach, she replied: “We were in agreement.”When asked if Corbyn backed this approach, she replied: “We were in agreement.”
Johnson cannot call an early election without opposition support. Under the Fixed-term Parliaments Act, the easiest way to get around the rule saying the next election should not take place until 2022 (five years after the last one) would be for two-thirds of MPs to vote for an early election. That could not happen if opposition MPs voted against, or abstained.Johnson cannot call an early election without opposition support. Under the Fixed-term Parliaments Act, the easiest way to get around the rule saying the next election should not take place until 2022 (five years after the last one) would be for two-thirds of MPs to vote for an early election. That could not happen if opposition MPs voted against, or abstained.
Alternatively, under the FTPA, the government could lose a vote of no confidence, and an election would take place if no alternative government won a confidence vote within 14 days. But Johnson would not want to tell his MPs to vote against him in a confidence motion because that could lead to someone else becoming prime minister.Alternatively, under the FTPA, the government could lose a vote of no confidence, and an election would take place if no alternative government won a confidence vote within 14 days. But Johnson would not want to tell his MPs to vote against him in a confidence motion because that could lead to someone else becoming prime minister.
Those are the only two mechanisms under the FTPA that would allow an early election. Alternatively, the government could pass a new bill to amend the FTPA to allow an early election. But, given the size of Johnson’s majority (one, including the DUP), this would probably only get through the Commons with opposition support.Those are the only two mechanisms under the FTPA that would allow an early election. Alternatively, the government could pass a new bill to amend the FTPA to allow an early election. But, given the size of Johnson’s majority (one, including the DUP), this would probably only get through the Commons with opposition support.
Boris Johnson held a meeting with some of the Tory rebels this morning. Those present included David Gauke, Philip Hammond, Greg Clark, Stephen Hammond, Nicholas Soames, Antoinette Sandbach, Margot James and Anne Milton, who left Downing Street without commenting to reporters.Boris Johnson held a meeting with some of the Tory rebels this morning. Those present included David Gauke, Philip Hammond, Greg Clark, Stephen Hammond, Nicholas Soames, Antoinette Sandbach, Margot James and Anne Milton, who left Downing Street without commenting to reporters.
But there has been subsequent briefing. Here are some lines that have emerged.But there has been subsequent briefing. Here are some lines that have emerged.
From my colleague Jessica ElgotFrom my colleague Jessica Elgot
Understand Hammond also furious in meeting with PM today - suggested No10 had no negotiating strategy or team in place and said MPs did not trust the government not to change date of electionUnderstand Hammond also furious in meeting with PM today - suggested No10 had no negotiating strategy or team in place and said MPs did not trust the government not to change date of election
Meeting including Margot James, Greg Clark, David Gauke, Caroline Nokes, Alistair Burt and Anne Milton.Some attempted genuine engagement with PM on negotiating deal but PM and Gove said they believe any deal is dead if bill passes & said it would only lead to referendum or revokeMeeting including Margot James, Greg Clark, David Gauke, Caroline Nokes, Alistair Burt and Anne Milton.Some attempted genuine engagement with PM on negotiating deal but PM and Gove said they believe any deal is dead if bill passes & said it would only lead to referendum or revoke
From the BBC’s Laura KuenssbergFrom the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg
3. In contrast tory rebels meeting with PM seems to have gone less than swimmingly .. one there said it was ‘crap’ , another said Johnson made it clear he would withdraw he whip - sounds like it was less than cordial not surprisingly given what’s at stake3. In contrast tory rebels meeting with PM seems to have gone less than swimmingly .. one there said it was ‘crap’ , another said Johnson made it clear he would withdraw he whip - sounds like it was less than cordial not surprisingly given what’s at stake
4. Johnson tried to make case he thinks will get a deal but there simply isn’t much faith in that argument - one present said ‘it’s a load of ....’ - on other side another in the room said it’s clear rebels have consulted with eu lawyers4. Johnson tried to make case he thinks will get a deal but there simply isn’t much faith in that argument - one present said ‘it’s a load of ....’ - on other side another in the room said it’s clear rebels have consulted with eu lawyers
From the Daily Mail’s Jason GrovesFrom the Daily Mail’s Jason Groves
Bust up at rebel MPs' meeting with PM:PM: 'I will not tolerate a Bill that hands over power to Corbyn.'Hammond: 'We are handing over power to parliament.'PM: 'You are handing power over to a junta that includes Jeremy Corbyn.'Bust up at rebel MPs' meeting with PM:PM: 'I will not tolerate a Bill that hands over power to Corbyn.'Hammond: 'We are handing over power to parliament.'PM: 'You are handing power over to a junta that includes Jeremy Corbyn.'
From the Times’ Francis ElliottFrom the Times’ Francis Elliott
Tory rebels emerging from an hour-long meeting with Johnson at Number 10 this morning say that it didn't shift the dial. PM is said to have told them they could still act after EU council "but there is no trust."Tory rebels emerging from an hour-long meeting with Johnson at Number 10 this morning say that it didn't shift the dial. PM is said to have told them they could still act after EU council "but there is no trust."
These are from my colleague Severin Carrell, who has been covering the legal challenge in Edinburgh to the government’s decision to prorogue parliament for five weeks from next week.These are from my colleague Severin Carrell, who has been covering the legal challenge in Edinburgh to the government’s decision to prorogue parliament for five weeks from next week.
Aidan O’Neill QC accuses @GOVUK of treating #courtofsession with “certain degree of contempt” by ignoring court timetable in lodging very late new papers which were also heavily redacted at 10.55pm last night #stopBorisAidan O’Neill QC accuses @GOVUK of treating #courtofsession with “certain degree of contempt” by ignoring court timetable in lodging very late new papers which were also heavily redacted at 10.55pm last night #stopBoris
O’Neill says @GOVUK has refused to lodge govt affidavits to #courtofsession but has filed a copy of one for the Miller case in London, in such a way the witness can’t be properly tested under oath in Edinburgh #stopBorisO’Neill says @GOVUK has refused to lodge govt affidavits to #courtofsession but has filed a copy of one for the Miller case in London, in such a way the witness can’t be properly tested under oath in Edinburgh #stopBoris
O’Neill accuses @UKGOV of deliberately concealing and misleading court over Boris Johnson’s secret decision on 15 August to prorogue. But @UKGOV lawyer had told at the time prorogation challenge was “hypothetical, academic and premature” #stopBorisO’Neill accuses @UKGOV of deliberately concealing and misleading court over Boris Johnson’s secret decision on 15 August to prorogue. But @UKGOV lawyer had told at the time prorogation challenge was “hypothetical, academic and premature” #stopBoris
David Johnston QC for @GOVUK apologises to court for late note of arguments; blames “fast moving political situation” and “controversial” issues. Lord Doherty chastises UK gov: says dely regrettable but allows them to be admitted #stopBorisDavid Johnston QC for @GOVUK apologises to court for late note of arguments; blames “fast moving political situation” and “controversial” issues. Lord Doherty chastises UK gov: says dely regrettable but allows them to be admitted #stopBoris
O’Neill cites Boris Johnson stating in private memo: Commons action to stop Brexit “simply a rigmarole for MPs to show that they’re earning their crust”. The PM took the decision on his own, and just told the Cabinet it was happening #StopBorisO’Neill cites Boris Johnson stating in private memo: Commons action to stop Brexit “simply a rigmarole for MPs to show that they’re earning their crust”. The PM took the decision on his own, and just told the Cabinet it was happening #StopBoris
#stopBoris case hears Johnson wrote a note to Nikki Da Costa on 16 August saying: “Whole September session [at Westminster] is a rigmarole introduced to show the public that MPs are earning their crust. I don’t see anything especially shocking about this prorogation” 1/2#stopBoris case hears Johnson wrote a note to Nikki Da Costa on 16 August saying: “Whole September session [at Westminster] is a rigmarole introduced to show the public that MPs are earning their crust. I don’t see anything especially shocking about this prorogation” 1/2
In other words, the PM had decided in secret to suspend parliament a full 12 days before privy council asked the Queen to prorogue.In other words, the PM had decided in secret to suspend parliament a full 12 days before privy council asked the Queen to prorogue.
On 15 August Da Costa had told Johnson Commons should be prorogued in week of 9 Sept; her memo went to Mark Sedwill, the Cab secretary, Ed Lister, chief of staff, Dominic Cummings and others. Johnson ticked the memo and wrote “yes” #courtofsession #stopBorisOn 15 August Da Costa had told Johnson Commons should be prorogued in week of 9 Sept; her memo went to Mark Sedwill, the Cab secretary, Ed Lister, chief of staff, Dominic Cummings and others. Johnson ticked the memo and wrote “yes” #courtofsession #stopBoris
Aidan O’Neill accuses Boris Johnson of “incontinent mendacity... an unwillingness to acknowledge and speak the truth. He has chosen not to be accountable to this court and seeks not to be accountable to parliament” #stopBoris #courtofsessionAidan O’Neill accuses Boris Johnson of “incontinent mendacity... an unwillingness to acknowledge and speak the truth. He has chosen not to be accountable to this court and seeks not to be accountable to parliament” #stopBoris #courtofsession
Downing Street has described the Benn bill as a “blueprint for legislative purgatory”. The PM’s spokesman said it would cost “vast amounts”, with roughly £1bn a month paid to the EU for an extension, and was “very clearly in Brussels’ interests not in the British interest”. He said:Downing Street has described the Benn bill as a “blueprint for legislative purgatory”. The PM’s spokesman said it would cost “vast amounts”, with roughly £1bn a month paid to the EU for an extension, and was “very clearly in Brussels’ interests not in the British interest”. He said:
The prime minister’s mood is determined. He wants to get on with delivering on the result of the referendum and the UK leaving the EU on 31 October, ideally with a deal.The prime minister’s mood is determined. He wants to get on with delivering on the result of the referendum and the UK leaving the EU on 31 October, ideally with a deal.
We are opposed to the bill which is being brought forward because it is about crippling negotiations and chopping the legs out from under the UK position, and making any further negotiation impossible.We are opposed to the bill which is being brought forward because it is about crippling negotiations and chopping the legs out from under the UK position, and making any further negotiation impossible.
Chris White, a former Tory adviser in the office of the chief whip and in the office of the leader of Commons, is impressed by the way the SO24 motion has been drafted. (See 11.49am and 12.24pm.)Chris White, a former Tory adviser in the office of the chief whip and in the office of the leader of Commons, is impressed by the way the SO24 motion has been drafted. (See 11.49am and 12.24pm.)
This is a masterful piece of drafting:▫️ All stages of the Bill in Commons on Wednesday▫️ 2nd Reading at 3pm, all remaining stages 5pm to 7pm▫️ Govt cannot try to prorogue Parliament this week - this motion takes control of NI Executive Act and prevents a debate before Monday https://t.co/iiUFeMZK5nThis is a masterful piece of drafting:▫️ All stages of the Bill in Commons on Wednesday▫️ 2nd Reading at 3pm, all remaining stages 5pm to 7pm▫️ Govt cannot try to prorogue Parliament this week - this motion takes control of NI Executive Act and prevents a debate before Monday https://t.co/iiUFeMZK5n
▫️ Cuts out stalling tactics from Govt - no sit in private ▫️ On Monday 9th no proceedings taken prior to any Commons Consideration of Lords Amdts - so prorogation couldn't happen until after this.▫️ Commons can't adjourn this week until after Speaker reports on any RA.▫️ Cuts out stalling tactics from Govt - no sit in private ▫️ On Monday 9th no proceedings taken prior to any Commons Consideration of Lords Amdts - so prorogation couldn't happen until after this.▫️ Commons can't adjourn this week until after Speaker reports on any RA.
Here are some of the key points from the SO24 motion. (See 11.49am.)Here are some of the key points from the SO24 motion. (See 11.49am.)
The motion would allow the opposition and rebel MPs to take charge of the Commons order paper tomorrow. But it would not necessarily stop PMQs or the spending review announcement going ahead because, under the terms of the motion, the debate on the Benn bill designed to stop a no-deal Brexit on 31 October would not have to start until 3pm. Commons business starts at 11.30m, PMQs takes place at 12pm, and normally the spending review announcement would come at around 2pm. Normally it would last more than two hours. According to BuzzFeed’s Emily Ashton, rather than accept a shortened timetable for the statement, the government might just announce it on paper.The motion would allow the opposition and rebel MPs to take charge of the Commons order paper tomorrow. But it would not necessarily stop PMQs or the spending review announcement going ahead because, under the terms of the motion, the debate on the Benn bill designed to stop a no-deal Brexit on 31 October would not have to start until 3pm. Commons business starts at 11.30m, PMQs takes place at 12pm, and normally the spending review announcement would come at around 2pm. Normally it would last more than two hours. According to BuzzFeed’s Emily Ashton, rather than accept a shortened timetable for the statement, the government might just announce it on paper.
New: Number 10 says the spending review WILL go ahead as planned tomorrow no matter what happens tonight. Understand this could happen via a written statement if no time for oral statementNew: Number 10 says the spending review WILL go ahead as planned tomorrow no matter what happens tonight. Understand this could happen via a written statement if no time for oral statement
Under the plan the second reading debate on the Benn bill will would take place from 3pm until the second reading vote at 5pm. There would then be another two hours for amendments to be debated, with the third reading vote at 7pm.Under the plan the second reading debate on the Benn bill will would take place from 3pm until the second reading vote at 5pm. There would then be another two hours for amendments to be debated, with the third reading vote at 7pm.
The motion ensures that, if the bill completes its passage through the Lords, the Commons has to make time for any Lords amendments to be debated, so that the bill can complete its passage through parliament.The motion ensures that, if the bill completes its passage through the Lords, the Commons has to make time for any Lords amendments to be debated, so that the bill can complete its passage through parliament.
The motion says that, if the Commons and Lords both pass the bill, the Commons cannot be adjourned on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday next week until the Speaker has announced it has received royal assent.The motion says that, if the Commons and Lords both pass the bill, the Commons cannot be adjourned on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday next week until the Speaker has announced it has received royal assent.
And it says, if the bill clears the Commons but not the Lords before parliament gets prorogued, a new version of the bill must be brought forward for debate on the second day of the new session of parliament, with the same fast-track procedures applying.And it says, if the bill clears the Commons but not the Lords before parliament gets prorogued, a new version of the bill must be brought forward for debate on the second day of the new session of parliament, with the same fast-track procedures applying.