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Version 35 Version 36
Brexit: Boris Johnson to table motion for general election – live news Brexit: Boris Johnson to table motion for general election – live news
(about 1 hour later)
Taking votes for best slouching Jacob Rees-Mogg tweet.
pic.twitter.com/uRoLwalAho
The sense of entitlement is strong in this one! pic.twitter.com/xtsFOBhvZS
pic.twitter.com/XHyAPb0rdP
Like my desk, this is not a good look. pic.twitter.com/Rqi2M8B0vu
laid back, with my mind on my money and my money on my mindrollin down the street, smokin indo, sippin on gin and juice pic.twitter.com/tFWxZRCD0i
Sam Coates of Sky News has shared a Whatsapp message forwarded to him from the administrator of a Whatsapp group for Conservative MPs, asking those who have had the whip removed to remove themselves from the group.
Stella Creasy, Labour MP for Walthamstow, who seems to be having a lot of fun on Twitter tonight, has shared the tweet, saying that such a move is “#basic”. Brutal.
Somewhere there's a group of teenage girls looking down on the conservative whips...#basic #brexithaos https://t.co/I7fiiwvDqA
Good evening, this is Kate Lyons returning to the helm of this blog that I kicked off in the wee hours this morning and what a day it’s been in between.
As the dust settles and everyone tries to work out where we go from here, some MPs – many of whom are facing a future, or at least a present, outside the Conservative party – are trying to see the light side. Including Ed Vaizey, who has delivered one of the night’s great tweets.
#vexit https://t.co/TICteneXIg
People are also thoroughly enjoying this picture of Theresa May thoroughly enjoying her drive home, with not a hint of smugness or schadenfreude on her completely loyal face.
A picture paints a thousand words...#brexithaos https://t.co/NPDmDkxVCH
As British readers absorb the latest ructions in Westminster – whether the ousting of Tory grandees or Jacob Rees-Mogg’s apparently laid-back approach to Commons debates – we would like to hear from readers outside the UK about how their media view the latest developments.As British readers absorb the latest ructions in Westminster – whether the ousting of Tory grandees or Jacob Rees-Mogg’s apparently laid-back approach to Commons debates – we would like to hear from readers outside the UK about how their media view the latest developments.
Please send any front pages, comment pieces and editorial approaches that you feel are of note to G_J_Russell.Please send any front pages, comment pieces and editorial approaches that you feel are of note to G_J_Russell.
The argument that Boris Johnson is genuinely trying to strike a deal with the EU is “absurd”, according to the former Conservative minister, Ken Clarke, who has told Newsnight:The argument that Boris Johnson is genuinely trying to strike a deal with the EU is “absurd”, according to the former Conservative minister, Ken Clarke, who has told Newsnight:
He’s obviously not trying to get a deal. I’m sure he’d prefer one if he thought he could get one past his right-wing supporters but he’s dug himself in. He assumes he’s going to get no deal because he can’t get the right wing of the Conservative party, many of them now stuck in his cabinet, to agree to it.He’s obviously not trying to get a deal. I’m sure he’d prefer one if he thought he could get one past his right-wing supporters but he’s dug himself in. He assumes he’s going to get no deal because he can’t get the right wing of the Conservative party, many of them now stuck in his cabinet, to agree to it.
Referring to the state of the party, Clarke added:Referring to the state of the party, Clarke added:
It’s been taken over by a rather knockabout sort of character, who’s got this bizarre crash-it-through philosophy ... a cabinet which is the most right-wing cabinet any Conservative party has ever produced.It’s been taken over by a rather knockabout sort of character, who’s got this bizarre crash-it-through philosophy ... a cabinet which is the most right-wing cabinet any Conservative party has ever produced.
They’re not in control of events. The prime minister comes and talks total rubbish to us and is planning to hold a quick election and get out, blaming Parliament and Europe for the shambles.They’re not in control of events. The prime minister comes and talks total rubbish to us and is planning to hold a quick election and get out, blaming Parliament and Europe for the shambles.
I have to decide whether to vote Conservative if Boris Johnson is still the leader. That’s my next problem. I am a conservative, of course I am ... but this leader, I don’t recognise this. It’s the Brexit party, rebadged.I have to decide whether to vote Conservative if Boris Johnson is still the leader. That’s my next problem. I am a conservative, of course I am ... but this leader, I don’t recognise this. It’s the Brexit party, rebadged.
More reaction from MPs to tonight’s vote is coming in. The former Tory minister, David Gauke, voted against the governmentMore reaction from MPs to tonight’s vote is coming in. The former Tory minister, David Gauke, voted against the government
For the first time in 14 years as an MP I voted against the Conservative Party whip. That whip has now been withdrawn.If tonight’s motion had been lost, a no deal Brexit would have been almost inevitable. Probably not a good career move but the right choice.For the first time in 14 years as an MP I voted against the Conservative Party whip. That whip has now been withdrawn.If tonight’s motion had been lost, a no deal Brexit would have been almost inevitable. Probably not a good career move but the right choice.
Having met the Prime Minister earlier today, I was unconvinced that he had a plan to reach a deal on Brexit. No proposal has been submitted to the EU. We were told that if it had been submitted, the EU would have dismissed it. But that talks were ‘going well’.Having met the Prime Minister earlier today, I was unconvinced that he had a plan to reach a deal on Brexit. No proposal has been submitted to the EU. We were told that if it had been submitted, the EU would have dismissed it. But that talks were ‘going well’.
The chairman of the Conservative party, James Cleverly, tweeted:The chairman of the Conservative party, James Cleverly, tweeted:
It is a very long-standing convention that an MP who votes to remove executive power from their own government and hand it to the opposition has the party whip removed.It is a very long-standing convention that an MP who votes to remove executive power from their own government and hand it to the opposition has the party whip removed.
Richard Burgon, Labour’s shadow justice secretary, has told the BBC’s Newsnight programme:Richard Burgon, Labour’s shadow justice secretary, has told the BBC’s Newsnight programme:
We want a general election as soon as possible, as soon as it is legally bolted down that Boris Johnson can’t use any tricks or ruses to lead people to believe there is going to be a general election before we have left with a no-deal Brexit but then change his tune and leave with a no-deal Brexit.We want a general election as soon as possible, as soon as it is legally bolted down that Boris Johnson can’t use any tricks or ruses to lead people to believe there is going to be a general election before we have left with a no-deal Brexit but then change his tune and leave with a no-deal Brexit.
And Joanna Cherry, the Scottish National Party MP, made similar comments on the same programme:And Joanna Cherry, the Scottish National Party MP, made similar comments on the same programme:
We want a general election as soon as possible once this bill goes through. We don’t fear a general election. We are not necessarily going to let Boris Johnson have it on his terms. We are anxious that this legislation we have worked so hard, cross party to back, goes through first to prevent a no-deal Brexit.”We want a general election as soon as possible once this bill goes through. We don’t fear a general election. We are not necessarily going to let Boris Johnson have it on his terms. We are anxious that this legislation we have worked so hard, cross party to back, goes through first to prevent a no-deal Brexit.”
Theresa May, whose premiership was wrecked by Brexit, has been photographed leaving Parliament after her successor, Boris Johnson, suffered defeat in his very first Commons vote.Theresa May, whose premiership was wrecked by Brexit, has been photographed leaving Parliament after her successor, Boris Johnson, suffered defeat in his very first Commons vote.
Rory Stewart, initially appeared to confirm he would not stand as an MP at any upcoming general election after rebelling against the government tonight. Speaking at the GQ Men of the Year Awards in London, he said:Rory Stewart, initially appeared to confirm he would not stand as an MP at any upcoming general election after rebelling against the government tonight. Speaking at the GQ Men of the Year Awards in London, he said:
Politics is at an all-time low at the moment all over the world and it is great you continue to take an interest in it. We have a lot of work to do to regain anybody’s trust.Politics is at an all-time low at the moment all over the world and it is great you continue to take an interest in it. We have a lot of work to do to regain anybody’s trust.
But I want to finish by saying this is a pretty special evening in many ways because, when I voted against the government this evening, I heard that my whip has been removed.But I want to finish by saying this is a pretty special evening in many ways because, when I voted against the government this evening, I heard that my whip has been removed.
It’s likely tomorrow that there’s going to be an election and I’m not going to be able to stand as the member of Parliament because Boris [Johnson] has decided he doesn’t want me in the party.It’s likely tomorrow that there’s going to be an election and I’m not going to be able to stand as the member of Parliament because Boris [Johnson] has decided he doesn’t want me in the party.
I am very proud to take the award as politician of the year on the evening which I cease to be a politician.I am very proud to take the award as politician of the year on the evening which I cease to be a politician.
However, Stewart later clarified that he had been joking about leaving politics:However, Stewart later clarified that he had been joking about leaving politics:
Strange that a decision has been made to remove the whip from so many colleagues who were ministers so recently. Particularly when we voted repeatedly for a Brexit deal. I can’t think of a historical precedent. But I am not stepping down as an MP.Strange that a decision has been made to remove the whip from so many colleagues who were ministers so recently. Particularly when we voted repeatedly for a Brexit deal. I can’t think of a historical precedent. But I am not stepping down as an MP.
Guto Bebb also voted against the government and is now believed to have had the whip withdrawn. He told the BBC:Guto Bebb also voted against the government and is now believed to have had the whip withdrawn. He told the BBC:
It is frankly rather hypocritical of a prime minister who constantly voted against the previous Conservative prime minister in taking this action against people who voted against him.It is frankly rather hypocritical of a prime minister who constantly voted against the previous Conservative prime minister in taking this action against people who voted against him.
None of this would have happened if it wasn’t for the way in which No 10 and the prime minister have handled this whole issue.None of this would have happened if it wasn’t for the way in which No 10 and the prime minister have handled this whole issue.
That decision to prorogue parliament on the advice of Dominic Cummings has misfired spectacularly.That decision to prorogue parliament on the advice of Dominic Cummings has misfired spectacularly.
Another of those to rebel was Anne Milton, who wrote to her constituents to explain her decision:Another of those to rebel was Anne Milton, who wrote to her constituents to explain her decision:
It is with great regret, much consideration and a heavy heart that I voted against the Government Whip tonight. A message to my constituents: pic.twitter.com/TAs102rek1It is with great regret, much consideration and a heavy heart that I voted against the Government Whip tonight. A message to my constituents: pic.twitter.com/TAs102rek1
The mayor of London and avowed remain supporter, Sadiq Khan, has described tonight’s vote as a “first step towards stopping Boris Johnson’s no-deal Brexit”.The mayor of London and avowed remain supporter, Sadiq Khan, has described tonight’s vote as a “first step towards stopping Boris Johnson’s no-deal Brexit”.
However, we are not over the line yet. It is now absolutely vital that this Bill is passed by both Houses, and that Boris Johnson ensures it receives Royal assent and then agrees to abide by it.However, we are not over the line yet. It is now absolutely vital that this Bill is passed by both Houses, and that Boris Johnson ensures it receives Royal assent and then agrees to abide by it.
Those of us who agree that Brexit is a total disaster for the future of London and our country simply must keep the pressure up this week.Those of us who agree that Brexit is a total disaster for the future of London and our country simply must keep the pressure up this week.
Sir Nicholas Soames, the Tory former minister, has told Newsnight that he will stand down at the next election. Soames, 71, whose grandfather was Winston Churchill, is losing the whip because he voted against the government tonight.Sir Nicholas Soames, the Tory former minister, has told Newsnight that he will stand down at the next election. Soames, 71, whose grandfather was Winston Churchill, is losing the whip because he voted against the government tonight.
That’s all from me tonight. My colleague Kevin Rawlinson is now taking over.That’s all from me tonight. My colleague Kevin Rawlinson is now taking over.
This is from a source close to the rebel Tories.This is from a source close to the rebel Tories.
Tonight’s decisive result is the first step in a process to avert an undemocratic and damaging no deal. No 10 have responded by removing the whip from two former chancellors, a former lord chancellor and Winston Churchill’s grandson. What has has happened to the Conservative party?Tonight’s decisive result is the first step in a process to avert an undemocratic and damaging no deal. No 10 have responded by removing the whip from two former chancellors, a former lord chancellor and Winston Churchill’s grandson. What has has happened to the Conservative party?
Mark Spencer, the chief whip, has been ringing the Tory rebels telling them they are having the whip withdrawn, we’ve been told. Philip Hammond, the former chancellor, has already had the call. As of now, he is technically no longer a Conservative MP.Mark Spencer, the chief whip, has been ringing the Tory rebels telling them they are having the whip withdrawn, we’ve been told. Philip Hammond, the former chancellor, has already had the call. As of now, he is technically no longer a Conservative MP.
And here is the full text of what Jeremy Corbyn said in the chamber after the vote.And here is the full text of what Jeremy Corbyn said in the chamber after the vote.
I welcome tonight’s vote. We live in a parliamentary democracy, we do not have a presidency but a prime minister.I welcome tonight’s vote. We live in a parliamentary democracy, we do not have a presidency but a prime minister.
Prime ministers govern with the consent of the House of Commons, representing the people in whom the sovereignty rests.Prime ministers govern with the consent of the House of Commons, representing the people in whom the sovereignty rests.
There is no consent in this house to leave the European Union without a deal. There is no majority for no deal in the country.There is no consent in this house to leave the European Union without a deal. There is no majority for no deal in the country.
As I have said before: if the prime minister has confidence in his Brexit policy - when he has one he can put forward - he should put it before the people in a public vote.As I have said before: if the prime minister has confidence in his Brexit policy - when he has one he can put forward - he should put it before the people in a public vote.
And so, he wants to table a motion for a general election, fine get the bill through first in order to take no-deal off the table.And so, he wants to table a motion for a general election, fine get the bill through first in order to take no-deal off the table.
Here is the full text of Boris Johnson’s statement after the result was announced.Here is the full text of Boris Johnson’s statement after the result was announced.
Let there be no doubt about the consequences of this vote tonight.Let there be no doubt about the consequences of this vote tonight.
It means that parliament is on the brink of wrecking any deal we might be able to strike in Brussels.It means that parliament is on the brink of wrecking any deal we might be able to strike in Brussels.
Because tomorrow’s bill would hand control of the negotiations to the EU.Because tomorrow’s bill would hand control of the negotiations to the EU.
And that would mean more dither, more delay, more confusion.And that would mean more dither, more delay, more confusion.
And it would mean that the EU themselves would be able decide how long to keep this country in the EU.And it would mean that the EU themselves would be able decide how long to keep this country in the EU.
And since I refuse to go along with that plan we are going to have to make a choice. I don’t want an election. The public don’t want an election. But if the House votes for this bill tomorrow, the public will have to choose who goes to Brussels on October 17 to sort this out and take this country forward.And since I refuse to go along with that plan we are going to have to make a choice. I don’t want an election. The public don’t want an election. But if the House votes for this bill tomorrow, the public will have to choose who goes to Brussels on October 17 to sort this out and take this country forward.
Everyone will know if the Rt Hon Gentleman is the prime minister, he will go to Brussels, he will beg for an extension, you will accept whatever Brussels demands and we’ll have years more arguments over Brexit.Everyone will know if the Rt Hon Gentleman is the prime minister, he will go to Brussels, he will beg for an extension, you will accept whatever Brussels demands and we’ll have years more arguments over Brexit.
And by contrast, everyone will know that if I am prime minister, I will go to Brussels, I will go for a deal and get a deal but if they won’t do a deal we will leave anyway on 31 October.And by contrast, everyone will know that if I am prime minister, I will go to Brussels, I will go for a deal and get a deal but if they won’t do a deal we will leave anyway on 31 October.
The people of this country will have to choose.The people of this country will have to choose.
The leader of the Opposition has been begging for an election for two years.The leader of the Opposition has been begging for an election for two years.
I don’t want an election but if MPs vote tomorrow to stop the negotiations and to compel another pointless delay of Brexit, potentially for years, then that will be the only way to resolve this.I don’t want an election but if MPs vote tomorrow to stop the negotiations and to compel another pointless delay of Brexit, potentially for years, then that will be the only way to resolve this.
I can confirm that tonight we will are tabling a motion under the Fixed-term Parliaments Act.I can confirm that tonight we will are tabling a motion under the Fixed-term Parliaments Act.