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Brexit: Hammond says Johnson wrong to claim progress in EU talks – live news Brexit: Hammond says Johnson wrong to claim progress in EU talks – live news
(32 minutes later)
Here is the former Tory minister Sam Gyimah on why he will vote against the government today.
I will vote against the Government tonight because it is the right thing to do. Here is my statement. pic.twitter.com/DzFElRIbVq
In August 21 Conservatives, including Philip Hammond, signed a letter to Boris Johnson asking for assurances that he did not want to take the UK out of the EU without a deal. The list of signatories is a good guide as to how might rebel tonight.
Hammond's letter to Johnson looks like it is preparing an ambush. After recess his group of MPs will say: “You have not met our reasonable request therefore we are going to block you.” pic.twitter.com/w1gIeh1Vpf
BuzzFeed’s Alex Wickham has been keeping a tally of how many Tories will actually vote against the government tonight. He has got 14 confirmed rebels, and another eight potential rebels who either have not decided who they will vote or won’t say.
His 14 confirmed rebels are: David Gauke, Rory Stewart, Justine Greening, Dominic Grieve, Sir Oliver Letwin, Philip Hammond, Antoinette Sandbach, Alistair Burt, Richard Harrington, Guto Bebb, Caroline Nokes, Margot James, Sam Gyimah and Sir Nicholas Soames.
My colleague Francis Perraudin has mini profiles of the rebels here.
Who are the Tory rebel MPs?
Dominic Cummings, wearing his distinctive gilet and jeans combination, arrived early at Downing street on Tuesday ahead of a major day for the government.
Keith Simpson, the MP for Broadland in Norfolk, has joined Justine Greening in announcing he will step down at the next general election. Simpson said on Radio Norfolk that he made the decision months ago but now feels like “the first officer to man the lifeboats on the Titanic”.Keith Simpson, the MP for Broadland in Norfolk, has joined Justine Greening in announcing he will step down at the next general election. Simpson said on Radio Norfolk that he made the decision months ago but now feels like “the first officer to man the lifeboats on the Titanic”.
Spoke on Radio Norfolk first thing and sai I would not be seeking reselection for Broadland constituency. Decided that months ago but now feel like the first officer to man the lifeboats on the Titanic! #OldSweatSpoke on Radio Norfolk first thing and sai I would not be seeking reselection for Broadland constituency. Decided that months ago but now feel like the first officer to man the lifeboats on the Titanic! #OldSweat
Dominic Grieve has told Sky News he thinks Boris Johnson will struggle to get two thirds of MPs to vote for a general election, which he needs under the Fixed-term Parliaments Act. The former attorney general added that if the UK crashes out of the EU after 31 October, the government will spend the following weeks desperately trying to reach an agreement with the bloc.Dominic Grieve has told Sky News he thinks Boris Johnson will struggle to get two thirds of MPs to vote for a general election, which he needs under the Fixed-term Parliaments Act. The former attorney general added that if the UK crashes out of the EU after 31 October, the government will spend the following weeks desperately trying to reach an agreement with the bloc.
On a general election:On a general election:
I think that it [calling an election] is entirely dependent on Jeremy Corbyn. If he [Boris Johnson] wants to have a general election, he’s got to get a two thirds majority of the house to trigger it and really, that’s entirely in Jeremy Corbyn’s gift.I think that it [calling an election] is entirely dependent on Jeremy Corbyn. If he [Boris Johnson] wants to have a general election, he’s got to get a two thirds majority of the house to trigger it and really, that’s entirely in Jeremy Corbyn’s gift.
I personally have serious doubts that a general election is going to solve the issue. I think the risk is that we’re going to end up with another hung parliament and no clarity of direction at all. I would prefer this matter to be resolved in a referendum.I personally have serious doubts that a general election is going to solve the issue. I think the risk is that we’re going to end up with another hung parliament and no clarity of direction at all. I would prefer this matter to be resolved in a referendum.
On the days following a no-deal Brexit:On the days following a no-deal Brexit:
[If we crash out of the bloc] it’s not going to be over, is it? The moment we leave the EU, every single sinew of the UK government machine will be dedicated to trying to do a deal, a trade deal with the EU from the outside. It is going to take up every week, month, day of our working lives for the next five to 10 years, and we’re going to be negotiating from a position of maximum weakness and disadvantage.[If we crash out of the bloc] it’s not going to be over, is it? The moment we leave the EU, every single sinew of the UK government machine will be dedicated to trying to do a deal, a trade deal with the EU from the outside. It is going to take up every week, month, day of our working lives for the next five to 10 years, and we’re going to be negotiating from a position of maximum weakness and disadvantage.
Here is more detail on what Shami Chakrabarti, the shadow attorney general, told the Today programme earlier about Labour’s stance on when it would and would not back an early general election. There has been some confusion over this because at one point yesterday Jeremy Corbyn said the party would back one under any circumstances. Then, later in the day, first the shadow Brexit minister Jenny Chapman (here), and then the shadow Northern Ireland secretary Tony Lloyd (here), said support for an early general election was conditional. Here is more detail on what Shami Chakrabarti, the shadow attorney general, told the Today programme earlier about Labour’s stance on when it would and would not back an early general election. There has been some confusion over this because at one point yesterday Jeremy Corbyn said the party would back one under any circumstances. Then, later in the day, first the shadow Brexit minister Jenny Chapman (here), and then the shadow Northern Ireland secretary, Tony Lloyd (here), said support for an early general election was conditional.
Labour’s stance is crucial because, although Number 10 is saying that Boris Johnson will go for an election on 14 October if he loses the vote tonight, under the Fixed-term Parliaments Act an early election cannot happen without Labour’s support. Labour’s stance is crucial because, although No 10 is saying Boris Johnson will go for an election on 14 October if he loses the vote tonight, under the Fixed-term Parliaments Act an early election cannot happen without Labour’s support.
Chakrabarti tried to clear things up on the Today programme this morning. Some shadow ministers “freelance” when they give media interviews (ie, they push their own views as much as the official party line), but Chakrabarti had good relations with Corbyn’s office and she is a reliable guide to the official “line”. This is what she said about when Labour would support an early election. Chakrabarti tried to clear things up on the Today programme this morning. Some shadow ministers “freelance” when they give media interviews (ie, they push their own views as much as the official party line), but Chakrabarti had good relations with Corbyn’s office and is a reliable guide to the official line. This is what she said about when Labour would support an early election.
So to clear it up, it’s about sequencing ...So to clear it up, it’s about sequencing ...
What we need to ensure is that we get this legislation locked down. And that’s quite hard, because remember, we’ve got ministers who say that they’ll ignore legislation. So that’s another thing to consider. We’ve got to get a locked-in guarantee that Britain would not crash out of the EU in an election campaign period.What we need to ensure is that we get this legislation locked down. And that’s quite hard, because remember, we’ve got ministers who say that they’ll ignore legislation. So that’s another thing to consider. We’ve got to get a locked-in guarantee that Britain would not crash out of the EU in an election campaign period.
We’ve also got to try as best as possible to ensure that it wouldn’t be possible for the sitting, squatting prime minister in this period to set the general election and then change the date. We’ve also got to try as best as possible to ensure that it wouldn’t be possible for the sitting, squatting, prime minister in this period to set the general election and then change the date.
Chakrabarti said that Corbyn would be meeting other opposition leaders in parliament this morning to discuss this matter further. When pressed on whether she was saying that the election would have to take place after 31 October for Labour to support it (which was what Tony Lloyd implied last night), she replied: Chakrabarti said Corbyn would be meeting other opposition leaders in parliament this morning to discuss the matter further. When pressed on whether she was saying the election would have to take place after 31 October for Labour to support it (which was what Lloyd implied last night), she replied:
We certainly need to make sure that the Boris Johnson can’t go in for the kind of shenanigans he’s been going in for with his chums last week, where the date is perhaps moved so that you could crush out by default during this period of a campaign. We certainly need to make sure that Boris Johnson can’t go in for the kind of shenanigans he’s been going in for with his chums last week, where the date is perhaps moved so that you could crash out [of the EU] by default during this period of a campaign.
Chakrabarti also said that Labour’s priority at the moment was preventing a no-deal Brexit. But she also said that beyond that the party wanted an election because “we live and breathe for a general”. Chakrabarti said Labour’s priority was preventing a no-deal Brexit, But beyond that the party wanted an election because “we live and breathe for a general”.
What does this all mean? Chakrabarti seems to be setting up to three conditions. What does this all mean? Chakrabarti seems to be setting out up to three conditions.
1) The Benn bill, designed to prevent a no-deal Brexit on 31 October, would have to pass. That is what getting the legislation “locked down” implies. But there is no chance of that bill becoming law before Wednesday, when Johnson wants to hold a vote on an early election if he loses tonight.1) The Benn bill, designed to prevent a no-deal Brexit on 31 October, would have to pass. That is what getting the legislation “locked down” implies. But there is no chance of that bill becoming law before Wednesday, when Johnson wants to hold a vote on an early election if he loses tonight.
2) Ministers would have to promise to obey the bill. As Michael Gove, the Cabinet Office minister, revealed in an interview on Sunday, at the moment they are not giving those assurances. And in in his statement outside Number 10 yesterday, Johnson said he would never ask the EU to delay Brexit - implying that he would not be bound by the law if it passed and if, under its terms, it became obligatory to seek an article 50 extension. 2) Ministers would have to promise to obey the bill. As Michael Gove, the Cabinet Office minister, revealed in an interview on Sunday, at the moment they are not giving those assurances. And in in his statement outside No 10 yesterday, Johnson said he would never ask the EU to delay Brexit – implying he would not be bound by the law if it passed and if, under its terms, it became obligatory to seek an article 50 extension.
3) Ministers would have to give an assurance that the date of the election would not change after MPs voted for one. Tony Lloyd implied last night that it would be best for Labour to wait until an article 50 extension had been secured, and 31 October had passed without a no-deal Brexit, before allowing an election. An alternative option might be to hold an election before 31 October, knowing that if Labour won, Corbyn could then request an article 50 extension (or, in extremis, revoke article 50 - although he has never said he would do that). But yesterday there were suggestions that Johnson could agree to an election on 14 October, and then change the date once parliaments was dissolved to ensure it happened after a no-deal on 31 October. 3) Ministers would have to give an assurance that the date of the election would not change after MPs voted for one. Lloyd implied last night that it would be best for Labour to wait until an article 50 extension had been secured, and 31 October had passed without a no-deal Brexit, before agreeing to an election. An alternative option might be to hold an election before 31 October, knowing that if Labour won, Corbyn could then request an article 50 extension (or, in extremis, revoke article 50 – although he has never said he would do that). But yesterday there were suggestions that Johnson could agree to an election on 14 October, and then change the date once parliament was dissolved to ensure it happened after a no-deal Brexit on 31 October.
Lawyers for a group of 75 opposition MPs and peers will appear in court in Edinburgh this morning to urge a judge to prevent Boris Johnson from suspending parliament, bolstered by the support of Scotland’s most senior legal figure, the lord advocate, James Wolffe QC.Lawyers for a group of 75 opposition MPs and peers will appear in court in Edinburgh this morning to urge a judge to prevent Boris Johnson from suspending parliament, bolstered by the support of Scotland’s most senior legal figure, the lord advocate, James Wolffe QC.
The case, being brought by a group of MPs led by Joanna Cherry QC and Jolyon Maugham QC, of the Good Law Project, is the first to be heard in full of three live legal actions against the prime minister, with the others in Belfast and London.The case, being brought by a group of MPs led by Joanna Cherry QC and Jolyon Maugham QC, of the Good Law Project, is the first to be heard in full of three live legal actions against the prime minister, with the others in Belfast and London.
The case in Edinburgh has further significance after Aidan O’Neill QC, the lawyer acting for the MPs and peers, told the court last week he wanted Johnson to provide a sworn affidavit explaining why prorogation was necessary and legally sound. That surprise request has yet to be fully debated and tested in court.The case in Edinburgh has further significance after Aidan O’Neill QC, the lawyer acting for the MPs and peers, told the court last week he wanted Johnson to provide a sworn affidavit explaining why prorogation was necessary and legally sound. That surprise request has yet to be fully debated and tested in court.
Wolffe will formally seek permission to take part in the Edinburgh challenge this morning but even with his backing the legal team suspect the judge, Lord Doherty, will back the UK government at this stage, leading to an immediate appeal which is expected to be heard later this week.Wolffe will formally seek permission to take part in the Edinburgh challenge this morning but even with his backing the legal team suspect the judge, Lord Doherty, will back the UK government at this stage, leading to an immediate appeal which is expected to be heard later this week.
The government lawyers insist the prime minister was acting lawfully by asking the Queen to prorogue parliament, since it is a routine procedure backed by statute; the Queen was using her royal prerogative powers as set out by the UK’s constitution.The government lawyers insist the prime minister was acting lawfully by asking the Queen to prorogue parliament, since it is a routine procedure backed by statute; the Queen was using her royal prerogative powers as set out by the UK’s constitution.
The former international trade secretary Liam Fox has been speaking to the BBC for the first time since he lost his cabinet position.The former international trade secretary Liam Fox has been speaking to the BBC for the first time since he lost his cabinet position.
Q: What do you think of the vote to seize control of the order paper tomorrow to stop no deal?Q: What do you think of the vote to seize control of the order paper tomorrow to stop no deal?
Fox says he regards the vote as a constitutional matter and supports the government withdrawing the whip from conservative MPs who rebel on Brexit because it’s an existential issue for the government.Fox says he regards the vote as a constitutional matter and supports the government withdrawing the whip from conservative MPs who rebel on Brexit because it’s an existential issue for the government.
“It’s equivalent to voting against the government in a confidence vote,” he said.“It’s equivalent to voting against the government in a confidence vote,” he said.
“We want there to be a deal. No one is trying to remove the whip from colleagues. It would be their own behaviour in the House of Commons that would make that a reality. It’s their choice.”“We want there to be a deal. No one is trying to remove the whip from colleagues. It would be their own behaviour in the House of Commons that would make that a reality. It’s their choice.”
Q: Do you think Johnson is handling negotiations better than May because of the no-deal threat?Q: Do you think Johnson is handling negotiations better than May because of the no-deal threat?
Fox does not answer the question but insists the European Union believes the prime minister would take the UK out of the block with or without a deal, adding that he had assurances from the prime minister that negotiations were ongoing.Fox does not answer the question but insists the European Union believes the prime minister would take the UK out of the block with or without a deal, adding that he had assurances from the prime minister that negotiations were ongoing.
Now, the SNP’s Europe spokesman, Stephen Gethins.Now, the SNP’s Europe spokesman, Stephen Gethins.
Q: What is your attitude towards a general election?Q: What is your attitude towards a general election?
“We’re really keen to see a general election and see the back of this dangerous and damaging Tory government,” he says, but cautions that getting no-deal Brexit off the table is the priority. Gethins says he does not trust the prime minister and wants to focus on stopping the UK crashing out the EU.“We’re really keen to see a general election and see the back of this dangerous and damaging Tory government,” he says, but cautions that getting no-deal Brexit off the table is the priority. Gethins says he does not trust the prime minister and wants to focus on stopping the UK crashing out the EU.
Nigel Farage, the Brexit party leader, is on the Today programme now.Nigel Farage, the Brexit party leader, is on the Today programme now.
He says if Boris Johnson were to promise a “clean break” in a general election, the Brexit party would support him.He says if Boris Johnson were to promise a “clean break” in a general election, the Brexit party would support him.
But that is not what Johnson is planning. Johnson wants to “reheat” Theresa May’s deal, he says.But that is not what Johnson is planning. Johnson wants to “reheat” Theresa May’s deal, he says.
He says there is “no aspect” of the treaty negotiated by May that is acceptable.He says there is “no aspect” of the treaty negotiated by May that is acceptable.
(Johnson’s view is that, without the backstop, the rest of the deal would be acceptable.)(Johnson’s view is that, without the backstop, the rest of the deal would be acceptable.)
Q: If a no-deal Brexit does lead to problems like a shortage of medicine, will you own those problems?Q: If a no-deal Brexit does lead to problems like a shortage of medicine, will you own those problems?
Farage dismisses these ideas as scares. He says the people making these claims are the same people who said that leaving the exchange rate mechanism would be a disaster, or not joining the euro would be a disaster.Farage dismisses these ideas as scares. He says the people making these claims are the same people who said that leaving the exchange rate mechanism would be a disaster, or not joining the euro would be a disaster.
He says, unlike others in this debate, he has worked in trade. He accepts that there would be problems in the short-term in the event of a no-deal Brexit, but he says these problems could be overcome.He says, unlike others in this debate, he has worked in trade. He accepts that there would be problems in the short-term in the event of a no-deal Brexit, but he says these problems could be overcome.
The shadow attorney general, Shami Chakrabarti, has been on the Today programme denying that there is division in the party over whether to back an election (see 6.28am). She said Labour would “need to get the sequencing right” before backing an election, and would first need “a locked-in guarantee that Britain would not crash out of the EU during a campaign period”. Chakrabarti said if they could “lock things down to ensure we don’t crash out” then, of course, they would want a general election. “We are geared up for a general election and we want it as soon as possible.”The shadow attorney general, Shami Chakrabarti, has been on the Today programme denying that there is division in the party over whether to back an election (see 6.28am). She said Labour would “need to get the sequencing right” before backing an election, and would first need “a locked-in guarantee that Britain would not crash out of the EU during a campaign period”. Chakrabarti said if they could “lock things down to ensure we don’t crash out” then, of course, they would want a general election. “We are geared up for a general election and we want it as soon as possible.”
Q: What do you think of the treatment of Sonia Khan, your former special adviser who was sacked by Dominic Cummings from her job as Sajid Javid’s special adviser.Q: What do you think of the treatment of Sonia Khan, your former special adviser who was sacked by Dominic Cummings from her job as Sajid Javid’s special adviser.
Hammond says her treatment was “shocking”. He says Khan was very professional, even though she is a Brexiter, and did not agree with him on Brexit. He says she thinks Khan would have a good case if she went to an employment tribunal.Hammond says her treatment was “shocking”. He says Khan was very professional, even though she is a Brexiter, and did not agree with him on Brexit. He says she thinks Khan would have a good case if she went to an employment tribunal.
And that’s it. The interview is over.And that’s it. The interview is over.
You can watch the highlights here:
Q: Dominic Raab says the Benn bill will undermine the negotiations.Q: Dominic Raab says the Benn bill will undermine the negotiations.
Hammond says it will certainly delay it.Hammond says it will certainly delay it.
But he says the government is being “disingenuous”. He says “there is no progress”. Boris Johnson was given 30 days by Angela Merkel to come up with a solution to the backstop. Twelve days later nothing has happened.But he says the government is being “disingenuous”. He says “there is no progress”. Boris Johnson was given 30 days by Angela Merkel to come up with a solution to the backstop. Twelve days later nothing has happened.
Q: Johnson says it is the fault of the rebels.Q: Johnson says it is the fault of the rebels.
Hammond says Johnson is talking “nonsense”.Hammond says Johnson is talking “nonsense”.
He says “no progress is being made” because “the UK government has tabled no proposals”.He says “no progress is being made” because “the UK government has tabled no proposals”.
He says there are no alternative arrangements for the backstop that would meet the UK’s red lines.He says there are no alternative arrangements for the backstop that would meet the UK’s red lines.
He says he wants to see the UK’s proposals published. He wants to see them submitted to the EU, and he wants to see the EU’s response.He says he wants to see the UK’s proposals published. He wants to see them submitted to the EU, and he wants to see the EU’s response.
He says there is not even a UK negotiating team.He says there is not even a UK negotiating team.
Hammond says the threat to deselect rebel Tories is “rank hypocrisy” given there are eight cabinet ministers who have defied the whip in previous votes.Hammond says the threat to deselect rebel Tories is “rank hypocrisy” given there are eight cabinet ministers who have defied the whip in previous votes.
Hammond says he was re-adopted as a Tory candidate by his association last night. He says he does not think No 10 has the power to deselect him. There would be the fight of his life if they tried.Hammond says he was re-adopted as a Tory candidate by his association last night. He says he does not think No 10 has the power to deselect him. There would be the fight of his life if they tried.
He has been a Tory for 45 years. He says he will defend his party from incomers and entryists who are trying to turn it into a narrow sect. Some are not even Conservative party members.He has been a Tory for 45 years. He says he will defend his party from incomers and entryists who are trying to turn it into a narrow sect. Some are not even Conservative party members.
Q: Are you talking about Dominic Cummings, Boris Johnson’s de facto chief of staff?Q: Are you talking about Dominic Cummings, Boris Johnson’s de facto chief of staff?
Hammond says he understands that Cummings has never been a Tory member. That has not been denied.Hammond says he understands that Cummings has never been a Tory member. That has not been denied.
Good morning. I’m Andrew Sparrow, taking over from Frances Perraudin.Good morning. I’m Andrew Sparrow, taking over from Frances Perraudin.
Philip Hammond, the former chancellor and one of the most prominent rebel Tories backing the Benn bill designed to rule out a no-deal Brexit on 31 October, is being interviewed on the Today programme now.Philip Hammond, the former chancellor and one of the most prominent rebel Tories backing the Benn bill designed to rule out a no-deal Brexit on 31 October, is being interviewed on the Today programme now.
Justin Webb is interviewing him.Justin Webb is interviewing him.
Q: What are you going to do?Q: What are you going to do?
Hammond says he will support the bill. It is “a very modest bill in its ambitions”, he says. It seeks to extend by three months the period before the UK leaves the EU. If the government cannot renegotiate a Brexit deal, it will give the government more time.Hammond says he will support the bill. It is “a very modest bill in its ambitions”, he says. It seeks to extend by three months the period before the UK leaves the EU. If the government cannot renegotiate a Brexit deal, it will give the government more time.
Q: Do you have the numbers?Q: Do you have the numbers?
“I think so,” says Hammond. He says many colleagues have been “incensed” by No 10’s tactics.“I think so,” says Hammond. He says many colleagues have been “incensed” by No 10’s tactics.
Q: So you expect around 20 Tories to vote with you?Q: So you expect around 20 Tories to vote with you?
Hammond says they think they will have enough.Hammond says they think they will have enough.
Hammond says Tory rebels have enough support to win vote on Benn bill.Hammond says Tory rebels have enough support to win vote on Benn bill.
The former chancellor Philip Hammond is the next big Brexit name on the media rounds this morning. Last night, Runnymede and Weybridge Conservatives announced his reselection despite reported threats from No 10 that he would not be allowed to stand as a Tory candidate at a snap election if he voted against the government on Brexit this week. Would Conservative party HQ really overrule a local association?The former chancellor Philip Hammond is the next big Brexit name on the media rounds this morning. Last night, Runnymede and Weybridge Conservatives announced his reselection despite reported threats from No 10 that he would not be allowed to stand as a Tory candidate at a snap election if he voted against the government on Brexit this week. Would Conservative party HQ really overrule a local association?
Some reaction to Raab’s comments this morning and his refusal to confirm election plans that have been briefed to journalists by his own government.Some reaction to Raab’s comments this morning and his refusal to confirm election plans that have been briefed to journalists by his own government.
Anyone else how counting how many times Dominic Raab has said ‘we don’t want an election’Anyone else how counting how many times Dominic Raab has said ‘we don’t want an election’
Slightly bizarre that Foreign Secretary @DominicRaab can't confirm what his Govt is briefing ......namely Oct 14th election..... #r4TodaySlightly bizarre that Foreign Secretary @DominicRaab can't confirm what his Govt is briefing ......namely Oct 14th election..... #r4Today
Quite clear from briefings to journalists that plans for a snap election - including the date - are well advanced. Publicly ministers won’t acknowledge it at all... https://t.co/nZIB2zVoAiQuite clear from briefings to journalists that plans for a snap election - including the date - are well advanced. Publicly ministers won’t acknowledge it at all... https://t.co/nZIB2zVoAi