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Brexit: Tory MP defects to Lib Dems as Boris Johnson makes statement on G7 summit – live news Brexit: Tory MP defects to Lib Dems as Boris Johnson makes statement on G7 summit – live news
(32 minutes later)
Labour’s Alison McGovern asks Johnson if he has seen the comment from Gavin Barwell, Theresa May’s former chief of staff, about the Brexit negotiation being a sham. If it is not a sham, will Johnson publish his backstop plans?
McGovern is referring to this tweet.
V important thread for MPs who would support a deal but not no deal. I've had same reports re "sham negotiations" from multiple govt sources. If not true (my views were sometimes misreported when I was Chief of Staff) Government should publish its proposals to replace backstop https://t.co/YV8cGefcd2
Johnson says he thinks he has said enough on this. He says voting for the SO24 motion tonight will harm the chances of the government getting a deal.
Labour’s Liz Kendall asks if Johnson will abide by the law if parliament passes legislation requiring him to request an article 50 extension.
Johnson says he will obey the law. But he says this provision would be a mistake.
Labour’s Jess Phillips says she has joined one of the legal challenges to the prorogation case because she does not want MPs not to have the chance to debate the domestic violence bill. Is it true senior civil servants refused to sign witness statements for this case?
Johnson says the proper processes were gone through. Domestic violence will receive proper consideration in the Queen’s speech, he says.
Steve Brine, a Conservative, tells Johnson that it is wrong to say that all MPs opposed to no deal are opposed to Brexit. Does Johnson accept that?
Johnson dodges the question, but says people used to say the EU would not alter the backstop. Now it is accepting it could change.
Labour’s Barry Sheerman says his daughter used to work as a special adviser for a Labour minister. Will Johnson condemn the way Sonia Khan was sacked by Dominic Cummings as a special adviser?
Johnson says he will not comment on personnel matters.
Anna Soubry, the Independent Group for Change leader, also asks about the Telegraph story, and asks if it is true that Johnson rang the Telegraph editor to complain about it.
Johnson again refuses to comment on the story. But he says he has not had any conversation today with any journalist about this matter.
David Gauke, the former justice secretary and a Tory rebel, asks Johnson to confirm two claims in the Daily Telegraph story today (paywall).
One was that David Frost, his Europe adviser, told a cabinet committee in August “of the decision to ‘run down the clock’ [in the Brexit talks] and keep up the appearance of activity, which he said was ‘important for both process and domestic handling reasons’.”
The other claim was that Geoffrey Cox, the attorney general, said at a subsequent cabinet committee meeting that it was a “complete fantasy” to think the EU would drop the backstop.
Johnson says he cannot comment on leaks.
Here is video of Phillip Lee crossing the floor in the Commons.
Liz Saville Roberts, the Plaid Cymru leader at Westminster, asks Johnson to agree that a no-deal Brexit would be catastrophic.
Johnson says he does not agree. He says there will be “bumps on the road”, but the UK is a great country and it can get this down.
The alternative plan, backed by Jeremy Corbyn, would force the UK to accept whatever is offered by the EU, he says.
Labour’s Angela Eagle asks if Johnson will obey any law passed by parliament on a no-deal Brexit. Johnson says the government will, of course, uphold the constitution and “obey the law”.
However, he said earlier he would not accept what was being proposed in the legislation. (See 3.50pm.)
Responding to the DUP’s Nigel Dodds, Johnson says he believes they can get rid of the backstop. “How?” MPs shout. Johnson says the shouting shows MPs do not want to get rid of it.
Hilary Benn, the Labour chair of the Commons Brexit committee, says it is not just Angela Merkel saying the UK has not put forward any plans. The Irish deputy PM, Simon Coveney, said recently the UK had not put forward any plans. He asks Johnson to confirm the Daily Telegraph report saying Geoffrey Cox, the attorney general, told him the government was heading for no deal.Hilary Benn, the Labour chair of the Commons Brexit committee, says it is not just Angela Merkel saying the UK has not put forward any plans. The Irish deputy PM, Simon Coveney, said recently the UK had not put forward any plans. He asks Johnson to confirm the Daily Telegraph report saying Geoffrey Cox, the attorney general, told him the government was heading for no deal.
He is an extract from the Telegraph’s story (paywall).He is an extract from the Telegraph’s story (paywall).
At a follow-up meeting on Aug 1 to discuss what the strategy would mean in practice, Mr Johnson insisted again the entire backstop must go, but he was confronted by Geoffrey Cox, the Attorney General, who argued for potential compromises on the backstop that might be negotiable with the EU, – such as a time-limit or a unilateral exit clause – but the options were ruled out by the Prime Minister. At a follow-up meeting on 1 August to discuss what the strategy would mean in practice, Mr Johnson insisted again the entire backstop must go, but he was confronted by Geoffrey Cox, the attorney general, who argued for potential compromises on the backstop that might be negotiable with the EU, – such as a time-limit or a unilateral exit clause – but the options were ruled out by the prime minister.
Sources say Mr Cox told Mr Johnson it was a “complete fantasy” to think the EU would drop the backstop, before quickly professing his loyalty – and issuing a clear warning. “I will stand with you but you should know this is the path to no deal,” he told him.Sources say Mr Cox told Mr Johnson it was a “complete fantasy” to think the EU would drop the backstop, before quickly professing his loyalty – and issuing a clear warning. “I will stand with you but you should know this is the path to no deal,” he told him.
Johnson ignores the question about Cox, but says that MPs who vote for the SO24 motion tonight will be undermining the chances of a deal.Johnson ignores the question about Cox, but says that MPs who vote for the SO24 motion tonight will be undermining the chances of a deal.
Philip Hammond, the Tory former chancellor, says Angela Merkel said on Friday that, nine days into the 30 days set aside for a new deal, she had yet to see any new proposals from the UK. Will Johnson publish any ideas he has?Philip Hammond, the Tory former chancellor, says Angela Merkel said on Friday that, nine days into the 30 days set aside for a new deal, she had yet to see any new proposals from the UK. Will Johnson publish any ideas he has?
Johnson says the UK will be able to get a deal within 30 days. But he says that cannot happen while parliament is threatening to block no deal. He says the first thing EU leaders ask is, ‘Will this get through parliament?”Johnson says the UK will be able to get a deal within 30 days. But he says that cannot happen while parliament is threatening to block no deal. He says the first thing EU leaders ask is, ‘Will this get through parliament?”
Jo Swinson, the Lib Dem leader, welcomes Phillip Lee to her party and says doctors like Lee tell her Brexit will harm the NHS.Jo Swinson, the Lib Dem leader, welcomes Phillip Lee to her party and says doctors like Lee tell her Brexit will harm the NHS.
Johnson says this government has hired 700 more doctors.Johnson says this government has hired 700 more doctors.
The SNP leader at Westminster, Ian Blackford, says Johnson may claim not to want an election. But the SNP do want one, he says.The SNP leader at Westminster, Ian Blackford, says Johnson may claim not to want an election. But the SNP do want one, he says.
Here is the full statement from Phillip Lee explaining his defection to the Lib Dems.Here is the full statement from Phillip Lee explaining his defection to the Lib Dems.
After a great deal of thought, I have reached the conclusion that it is not possible to serve my constituents’ and country’s best interests as a Conservative member of parliament.After a great deal of thought, I have reached the conclusion that it is not possible to serve my constituents’ and country’s best interests as a Conservative member of parliament.
Over 27 years ago I joined the Conservative & Unionist party led by Sir John Major. Since 2010, I have had the privilege of representing the Bracknell constituency. The party I joined in 1992 is not the party I am leaving today.Over 27 years ago I joined the Conservative & Unionist party led by Sir John Major. Since 2010, I have had the privilege of representing the Bracknell constituency. The party I joined in 1992 is not the party I am leaving today.
This Conservative government is aggressively pursuing a damaging Brexit in unprincipled ways. It is putting lives and livelihoods at risk unnecessarily and it is wantonly endangering the integrity of the United Kingdom. More widely, it is undermining our country’s economy, democracy and role in the world. It is using political manipulation, bullying and lies. And it is doing these things in a deliberate and considered way. It has gone so far beyond reckless as to cease to be conservative.This Conservative government is aggressively pursuing a damaging Brexit in unprincipled ways. It is putting lives and livelihoods at risk unnecessarily and it is wantonly endangering the integrity of the United Kingdom. More widely, it is undermining our country’s economy, democracy and role in the world. It is using political manipulation, bullying and lies. And it is doing these things in a deliberate and considered way. It has gone so far beyond reckless as to cease to be conservative.
I am dismayed at what the Conservative party has become, the role that it has played in feeding division and populism, in squandering a hard-won reputation for sound stewardship, and the blinkered direction in which it has set our country. Those are not my values. I will not implicitly condone these things by being party to them.I am dismayed at what the Conservative party has become, the role that it has played in feeding division and populism, in squandering a hard-won reputation for sound stewardship, and the blinkered direction in which it has set our country. Those are not my values. I will not implicitly condone these things by being party to them.
Make no mistake: this is a time of reckoning. The challenges that our world and country face are real – but not insurmountable. We need to root how we address them in evidence and reality. Critically, we need to recognise that we will not solve climate change, counter extremism, or address our housing, health and social care needs alone. We must work with others.Make no mistake: this is a time of reckoning. The challenges that our world and country face are real – but not insurmountable. We need to root how we address them in evidence and reality. Critically, we need to recognise that we will not solve climate change, counter extremism, or address our housing, health and social care needs alone. We must work with others.
The opportunities to leave a better legacy are also significant. As a united country, we need to mobilise all our innovation, creativity, power and talent – not bury it under a Brexit that does not have the British people’s informed consent. As a society, we need to rediscover the liberal and democratic traditions that made our country great. We should be guided by the values of justice, liberty and community. We must recognise our responsibilities to our people and planet: we are stewards of our country’s and our world’s limited resources.The opportunities to leave a better legacy are also significant. As a united country, we need to mobilise all our innovation, creativity, power and talent – not bury it under a Brexit that does not have the British people’s informed consent. As a society, we need to rediscover the liberal and democratic traditions that made our country great. We should be guided by the values of justice, liberty and community. We must recognise our responsibilities to our people and planet: we are stewards of our country’s and our world’s limited resources.
Each generation needs to define democracy for itself and so we each have a part in shaping what we want our politics and our country to stand for. Each of us must stand and be counted.Each generation needs to define democracy for itself and so we each have a part in shaping what we want our politics and our country to stand for. Each of us must stand and be counted.
That is why today I am joining Jo Swinson and the Liberal Democrats. I believe the Liberal Democrats are best placed to build the unifying and inspiring political force needed to heal our divisions, unleash our talents, equip us to take the opportunities and overcome the challenges that we face as a society - and leave our country and our world in a better place for the next generations.That is why today I am joining Jo Swinson and the Liberal Democrats. I believe the Liberal Democrats are best placed to build the unifying and inspiring political force needed to heal our divisions, unleash our talents, equip us to take the opportunities and overcome the challenges that we face as a society - and leave our country and our world in a better place for the next generations.
Ken Clarke, the Tory pro-European, says Johnson’s strategy is obvious. He wants to set impossible conditions, attach as much blame as possible to the EU for the failure to get a deal, and then hold an election as quickly as possible, before the disadvantages of no deal become apparent. Is that correct? And can he confirm that, if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, it will be much harder to get new deals. And any new deal with the EU will not replicate the advantages of the single market that Conservative governments helped to create.Ken Clarke, the Tory pro-European, says Johnson’s strategy is obvious. He wants to set impossible conditions, attach as much blame as possible to the EU for the failure to get a deal, and then hold an election as quickly as possible, before the disadvantages of no deal become apparent. Is that correct? And can he confirm that, if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, it will be much harder to get new deals. And any new deal with the EU will not replicate the advantages of the single market that Conservative governments helped to create.
Johnson says he has long been a fan of Clarke’s. He was the only member of the 2001 intake to vote for Clarke in the Tory leadership contest that year, he says. He says the best way to get a deal is to vote down the motion tonight.Johnson says he has long been a fan of Clarke’s. He was the only member of the 2001 intake to vote for Clarke in the Tory leadership contest that year, he says. He says the best way to get a deal is to vote down the motion tonight.
Johnson is responding to Corbyn.Johnson is responding to Corbyn.
He says Corbyn was, and still is, a Bennite. (Tony, not Hilary, Johnson means.) He says Corbyn is supporting protests on the streets.He says Corbyn was, and still is, a Bennite. (Tony, not Hilary, Johnson means.) He says Corbyn is supporting protests on the streets.
Corbyn ended by saying that Boris Johnson’s government had “no mandate, no morals and, as of today, no majority”.Corbyn ended by saying that Boris Johnson’s government had “no mandate, no morals and, as of today, no majority”.
Jeremy Corbyn is responding now.
He says Boris Johnson claims to be making progress. But EU leaders say that is not the case.
He says the Conservative party’s in-house journal, the Daily Telegraph, reports today that the government views its renegotiation as a sham. (See 11.57am.)
He asks Johnson to say when the government will publish its internal planning document about the consequences of a no-deal Brexit.
Some Tories are putting their careers ahead of the national interest, he says. He refers to the leadership candidates who ruled out proroguing parliament, but who have now accepted that as an option.
And they are even refusing to commit to obeying laws passed by parliament. Can Johnson confirm he will obey any new law?
Corbyn says the attack on democracy is unconstitutional. He condemns the rhetoric used by Johnson when he referred to a surrender bill.
We are not surrendering because we are at war with Europe. They are our partners.
Corbyn condemns Johnson for using ‘surrender bill’ jibe, saying UK is not at war with EU.
Johnson ends by urging MPs to reject the bill.
John Bercow, the Speaker, points out that there is no vote on a bill tonight. There will just be a vote on a mechanism to allow the vote to go ahead.
(He seems to be acknowledging that he will accept the request for the SO24 debate.)
Johnson says never before has the Commons forced a PM to accept a bill like this.
It would allow the EU to keep the UK in the EU on its own terms.
Johnson says the UK will be ready for a no-deal Brexit.
But he wants to return from the EU summit with a deal, he says.
However, one thing would jeopardise the chances of this - MPs passing the bill to rule out no deal, and to force the UK to “beg” for a delay.
He says Jeremy Corbyn has spent all summer working on this bill.
It is a bill without precedent, he says. It would force him to go to Brussels and beg for an extension, and it would force him to accept the terms offered, he says.
He says this is “Jeremy Corbyn’s surrender bill”. It means “running up the white flag”.
There are no circumstances in which I will every accept anything like it.
Johnson says that practical alternatives to the backstop are available.
He confirms that he will meet Leo Varadkar, the Irish taoiseach, in Dublin on Monday.
It is not true to say that the government is not making progress towards a deal, he says.
In the Commons Boris Johnson is still making his statement. He says he thinks over the last few weeks the chances of a Brexit deal have risen.
Boris Johnson claims chances of Brexit deal have risen.
UPDATED: Originally this post said Johnson did not allude to Phillip Lee’s defection. But I’ve taken that line out, because Johnson briefly referred to it, saying he wished Lee all the best.
Here is the Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson on Phillip Lee’s defection.
I am delighted to welcome Phillip to the Liberal Democrats at this crucial time.
He brings almost 10 years of parliamentary experience and decades of professional expertise. He shares our commitment to prevent a disastrous no-deal Brexit, and to stop Brexit altogether.
The Liberal Democrats are growing. Phillip follows both Chuka Umunna MP and Sarah Wollaston MP in bravely crossing the floor to join us.
Today, we also welcome Jane Dodds MP to parliament, following her recent victory in Brecon and Radnorshire. And these representatives join over 30,000 new members, who have joined the Liberal Democrats since our best ever results in the European elections in May.
The Tory Phillip Lee has just issued this statement about his defection to the Lib Dems.
Over 27 years ago I joined the Conservative & Unionist party led by Sir John Major. Since 2010 I have had the privilege of representing the Bracknell Constituency. The party I joined in 1992 is not the party I am leaving today.
This Conservative government is aggressively pursuing a damaging Brexit in unprincipled ways. It is putting lives and livelihoods at risk unnecessarily and it is wantonly endangering the integrity of the United Kingdom. More widely, it is undermining our country’s economy, democracy and role in the world. It is using political manipulation, bullying and lies. And it is doing these things in a deliberate and considered way.
That is why today I am joining Jo Swinson and the Liberal Democrats. I believe the Liberal Democrats are best placed to build the unifying and inspiring political force needed to heal our divisions, unleash our talents, equip us to take the opportunities and overcome the challenges that we face as a society - and leave our country and our world in a better place for the next generations.
This means that Boris Johnson has lost his majority.
It looks as if the Tory MP Phillip Lee has defected to the Lib Dems. This is from Politics.co.uk’s Ian Dunt.
As Johnson talked Tory MP Philip Lee stood up and walked across the floor of the Commons and sat down with the Lib Dems (top right). pic.twitter.com/cRLh6FRejT
Boris Johnson starts by saying that today is the 80th anniversary of Britain’s entry into world war two. He says MPs know that this country still stands for democracy and the rule of law. That prompts jeering from Labour, in the light of Johnson’s decision to prorogue parliament to limit the amount of time available to MPs seeking to block a no-deal Brexit.
He says he made the case for free trade at the G7 summit.
He says the UK is on the verge of taking back control of its trade policy by taking its own seat at the WTO. He says he wants to do a comprehensive trade deal with the US. He says he and President Trump have agreed that the NHS will not be on the table for that deal.