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Brexit: Jo Johnson, brother of Boris Johnson, to stand down – live news Brexit: Jo Johnson, brother of Boris Johnson, to stand down – live news
(31 minutes later)
Here is the Guardian’s Politics Weekly podcast. Heather Stewart is joined by Theresa May’s former press secretary Paul Harrison, the psephologist John Curtice and Guardian journalists Jonathan Freedland, Zoe Williams and Larry Elliott to discuss Boris Johnson’s triple Commons defeat, Sajid Javid’s spending review and the snap General Election
Sorry your browser does not support audio - but you can download here and listen https://audio.guim.co.uk/2019/09/05-53485-gdn.pw.190905.sb.johnson-commons-humiliation-spending-review-election.mp3
These are from the BBC’s Damian Grammaticas. @ph_lamberts is Philippe Lamberts, co-president of the Greens/European Free Alliance group in the European parliament and a member of the parliament’s Brexit steering group.
UK-EU negotiations are “window-dressing” so Boris Johnson “can send someone to Brussels to give an appearance of negotiation, so he can claim something is going on” European Parliament #Brexit Steering Group member @ph_lamberts tells BBC after briefing by @MichelBarnier on talks pic.twitter.com/tXmKzIhhEm
and EU Parliament #Brexit Steering Committee member @ph_lamberts v critical of @BorisJohnson, accusing UK PM of “lying”, tells BBC “when in Biarritz he said at the G7 tremendous progress was achieved, he was just lying… no progress had been achieved”
European Parliament #Brexit Steering Group member @ph_lamberts tells BBC there’s still no real negotiation almost two weeks later. “There is no negotiation going on at the moment so we sensed that the Johnson government was not… coming to us in good faith.” pic.twitter.com/k0g6pwNuTO
So @ph_lamberts on Euro Parliament Brexit Steering Group believes Boris Johnson wants a no-deal “they claim they want a deal” but “their whole strategy.. is to force a no-deal Brexit, for which he knows there is no democratic majority, that was proven in the Commons yesterday”
Speaking to Boris Johnson earlier, the US vice-president, Mike Pence, claimed that a US-UK trade deal could potentially quadruple the volume of trade between the two countries. Pence said:
I spoke to President Trump this morning, your friend, and he sent his very best greetings and to assure you that the United States supports the UK’s decision to leave the European Union.
But he also wanted me to convey that the United States is ready, willing and able to immediately negotiate a free trade agreement with the UK.
The president often says the US has the biggest economy in the world and we truly believe that a free trade agreement between the United States and the UK could increase trade between our country by three or four times.
Guy Verhofstadt, the European parliament’s lead Brexit spokesman, has strongly condemned the government’s decision to described the Benn bill designed to rule out a no-deal Brexit as a “surrender bill”. His tweet references a comment from Sajid Javid, the chancellor, but it is Boris Johnson who is using the phrase most enthusiastically.
Opposing a no deal is not "surrender". This is the language of Europe's dark past. It implies Britain's European allies & neighbours are enemies. I refuse to believe the majority of British people think this is the case. https://t.co/A5gMbVgKPl
The Welsh assembly is has been holding a debate on the Brexit crisis this afternoon. Earlier the first minister Mark Drakeford spoke in Cardiff about his government and Labour’s approach to the crisis. Here are his main points:The Welsh assembly is has been holding a debate on the Brexit crisis this afternoon. Earlier the first minister Mark Drakeford spoke in Cardiff about his government and Labour’s approach to the crisis. Here are his main points:
Drakeford said no-deal Brexit would be “disastrous” for the economy and rural life in Wales.Drakeford said no-deal Brexit would be “disastrous” for the economy and rural life in Wales.
Asked what citizens would notice in the first week after a no-deal exit, he said travel to Europe would be more difficult, access to some medicines less secure and claimed shoppers would notice goods missing from supermarket shelves. “People will rapidly see impacts.”Asked what citizens would notice in the first week after a no-deal exit, he said travel to Europe would be more difficult, access to some medicines less secure and claimed shoppers would notice goods missing from supermarket shelves. “People will rapidly see impacts.”
He said Labour wanted a general election. He said:He said Labour wanted a general election. He said:
Of course we want a general election. What we’re not prepared to do is sign up to a general election until we are as certain as we possibly can be that this prime minister would not subvert any agreement and still try to find a way to take the UK out of the EU without a deal.Of course we want a general election. What we’re not prepared to do is sign up to a general election until we are as certain as we possibly can be that this prime minister would not subvert any agreement and still try to find a way to take the UK out of the EU without a deal.
He dismissed the idea that during the next general election Welsh Labour should forge pacts with other parties to counter a possible Tory/Brexit Party alliance. He said:He dismissed the idea that during the next general election Welsh Labour should forge pacts with other parties to counter a possible Tory/Brexit Party alliance. He said:
I’m instinctively not attracted to them [pacts]. I think it is better than the democratic choices lie in the hands of the voters rather than in deals between parties. I think we have to trust the citizens of Wales to make their decision.I’m instinctively not attracted to them [pacts]. I think it is better than the democratic choices lie in the hands of the voters rather than in deals between parties. I think we have to trust the citizens of Wales to make their decision.
He said he would not be releasing the details of Operation Yellowhammer – the civil contingency planning – that it is privy to. He said the Yellowhammer papers have been shared with the Welsh government on a confidential basis.He said he would not be releasing the details of Operation Yellowhammer – the civil contingency planning – that it is privy to. He said the Yellowhammer papers have been shared with the Welsh government on a confidential basis.
On possible problems at Holyhead port on Anglesey – which links mainland Britain to the Republic of Ireland – if there is a no deal Brexit, Drakeford said the government’s intelligence suggested that there would be delays of hours rather than days. But he said the position was “inherently volatile”. He said the “smallest changes” could lead to traffic jams stretching off the island on to the north Wales mainland.On possible problems at Holyhead port on Anglesey – which links mainland Britain to the Republic of Ireland – if there is a no deal Brexit, Drakeford said the government’s intelligence suggested that there would be delays of hours rather than days. But he said the position was “inherently volatile”. He said the “smallest changes” could lead to traffic jams stretching off the island on to the north Wales mainland.
He stressed that Welsh Labour was a party of remain, even though Wales overall voted leave. He said:He stressed that Welsh Labour was a party of remain, even though Wales overall voted leave. He said:
We will will continue to argue that Wales’ best interests are best protected by continued membership of the EU. Leaving the EU without a deal will be felt in the lives of every single family and every single community in Wales.We will will continue to argue that Wales’ best interests are best protected by continued membership of the EU. Leaving the EU without a deal will be felt in the lives of every single family and every single community in Wales.
Andrea Leadsom, the business secretary, has put a message on Twitter saying it “has” been a pleasure to work with Jo Johnson, the outgoing universities minister. Johnson has now been removed from the official list of ministers on the government’s website. But the business department is still unable to confirm that his ministerial resignation will take effect from today. Asked about this, it is just referring reporters to Leadsom’s tweet. Johnson’s own tweet about the timing of his departure was ambiguous. (See 11.26am.)Andrea Leadsom, the business secretary, has put a message on Twitter saying it “has” been a pleasure to work with Jo Johnson, the outgoing universities minister. Johnson has now been removed from the official list of ministers on the government’s website. But the business department is still unable to confirm that his ministerial resignation will take effect from today. Asked about this, it is just referring reporters to Leadsom’s tweet. Johnson’s own tweet about the timing of his departure was ambiguous. (See 11.26am.)
It has been a pleasure to work with @JoJohnsonUK, both in Parliament for nine years and most recently as a Minister at BEIS; his expertise and knowledge of the area were a huge asset to the department. I wish him all the best.It has been a pleasure to work with @JoJohnsonUK, both in Parliament for nine years and most recently as a Minister at BEIS; his expertise and knowledge of the area were a huge asset to the department. I wish him all the best.
Perhaps Boris Johnson hopes his brother will stay on for a bit? According to the Sun, he begged Jo last night not to quit. The Sun also quotes Jo Johnson saying that, apart from on Brexit, his brother’s policies are excellent. He told the paper:Perhaps Boris Johnson hopes his brother will stay on for a bit? According to the Sun, he begged Jo last night not to quit. The Sun also quotes Jo Johnson saying that, apart from on Brexit, his brother’s policies are excellent. He told the paper:
What is so clearly in the national interest is everything the government is doing in its strong, one nation domestic policy agenda: more police on the streets, more doctors and nurses in our hospitals, a welcoming face to scientists and international students.What is so clearly in the national interest is everything the government is doing in its strong, one nation domestic policy agenda: more police on the streets, more doctors and nurses in our hospitals, a welcoming face to scientists and international students.
That’s exactly what a Conservative prime minister should be doing and what Boris does so well.That’s exactly what a Conservative prime minister should be doing and what Boris does so well.
Michael Gove is to meet Ireland’s deputy prime minister, Simon Coveney, at the weekend for talks on Brexit as tensions mount over Brexit and the Irish border.Michael Gove is to meet Ireland’s deputy prime minister, Simon Coveney, at the weekend for talks on Brexit as tensions mount over Brexit and the Irish border.
The meeting, in Cambridge, will take place just before Boris Johnson’s visit to Dublin on Monday when he will meet the taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, for the first time since becoming prime minister.The meeting, in Cambridge, will take place just before Boris Johnson’s visit to Dublin on Monday when he will meet the taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, for the first time since becoming prime minister.
From my colleague Jessica ElgotFrom my colleague Jessica Elgot
Some Labour MPs starting to believe now there are enough of them to oppose a general election on Monday to mean the motion would fall even if whipped to support. It would need to be a pretty momentous rebellion of more than half the PLP.Some Labour MPs starting to believe now there are enough of them to oppose a general election on Monday to mean the motion would fall even if whipped to support. It would need to be a pretty momentous rebellion of more than half the PLP.
More Labour MPs have been using Twitter to say that the party should not vote for an early election until after an article 50 extension has been agreed. Here are the latest tweets I’ve seen, echoing views from other Labour MPs covered earlier. (See 11.03am and 11.07am.)More Labour MPs have been using Twitter to say that the party should not vote for an early election until after an article 50 extension has been agreed. Here are the latest tweets I’ve seen, echoing views from other Labour MPs covered earlier. (See 11.03am and 11.07am.)
From Anna McMorrinFrom Anna McMorrin
Brexit is the most important issue facing our country in a generation. We must protect the country from a disastrous No Deal exit, sort negotiations and secure an extension before we have an election. #NoToNoDeal #PeoplesVoteBrexit is the most important issue facing our country in a generation. We must protect the country from a disastrous No Deal exit, sort negotiations and secure an extension before we have an election. #NoToNoDeal #PeoplesVote
From Paul WilliamsFrom Paul Williams
I won’t be voting for a general election until after 31st October. Johnson is trying to trick Parliament into letting him crash out of the EU without a deal, whilst pretending he is negotiating. He’s lying. I won’t let his lies cost Teesside jobs in chemical & car industriesI won’t be voting for a general election until after 31st October. Johnson is trying to trick Parliament into letting him crash out of the EU without a deal, whilst pretending he is negotiating. He’s lying. I won’t let his lies cost Teesside jobs in chemical & car industries
From Paul SweeneyFrom Paul Sweeney
I did not vote for an election last night because Boris Johnson would use an early vote to push through no deal by default. I want a General Election once an extension has been agreed with the EU. We avoided that trap. Now we'll let Johnson stew in the mess he's made for himself.I did not vote for an election last night because Boris Johnson would use an early vote to push through no deal by default. I want a General Election once an extension has been agreed with the EU. We avoided that trap. Now we'll let Johnson stew in the mess he's made for himself.
From Gareth ThomasFrom Gareth Thomas
I won’t be voting for an early election; it’s the last thing our people and country needs with a no-deal Brexit still hanging over our heads. https://t.co/eCF1GIzK3vI won’t be voting for an early election; it’s the last thing our people and country needs with a no-deal Brexit still hanging over our heads. https://t.co/eCF1GIzK3v
From David LammyFrom David Lammy
I won't vote for an election unless it is guaranteed to happen after October 31st.We desperately need a Labour government, but the immediate priority is to stop no-deal.Boris Johnson cannot be trusted. We won't let him trick us into crashing out.I won't vote for an election unless it is guaranteed to happen after October 31st.We desperately need a Labour government, but the immediate priority is to stop no-deal.Boris Johnson cannot be trusted. We won't let him trick us into crashing out.
From Owen SmithFrom Owen Smith
If Labour agrees to an election now we will be doing our country an historic disservice. We would be enabling Brexit and saving Boris Johnson’s skin. We should refuse any election before October 31st, with a No Deal Brexit definitively ruled out. https://t.co/s4HO2PuH3UIf Labour agrees to an election now we will be doing our country an historic disservice. We would be enabling Brexit and saving Boris Johnson’s skin. We should refuse any election before October 31st, with a No Deal Brexit definitively ruled out. https://t.co/s4HO2PuH3U
From Ben BradshawFrom Ben Bradshaw
Johnson’s premiership is in tatters. His October election call a last desperate throw of dice. Labour & the other opposition parties must not save him, but ensure an election is only called after October 31st, when he will have failed completely.Johnson’s premiership is in tatters. His October election call a last desperate throw of dice. Labour & the other opposition parties must not save him, but ensure an election is only called after October 31st, when he will have failed completely.
But Diane Abbott, the shadow home secretary and a key ally of Jeremy Corbyn’s, has released a video this afternoon saying that the party would be prepared to vote for a general election after the Benn bill has got royal consent. That is what Corbyn told the Commons last night. (See 10.05am.)But Diane Abbott, the shadow home secretary and a key ally of Jeremy Corbyn’s, has released a video this afternoon saying that the party would be prepared to vote for a general election after the Benn bill has got royal consent. That is what Corbyn told the Commons last night. (See 10.05am.)
The @UKLabour Party is ready for a General Election and ready to make Boris Johnson the shortest-lived Prime Minister in History. However, Boris Johnson has proved he cannot be trusted and so we will not vote through an election on his terms. pic.twitter.com/0h8t37fwrRThe @UKLabour Party is ready for a General Election and ready to make Boris Johnson the shortest-lived Prime Minister in History. However, Boris Johnson has proved he cannot be trusted and so we will not vote through an election on his terms. pic.twitter.com/0h8t37fwrR
Here is Nigel Farage, the Brexit party leader, on Jo Johnson’s decision to stand down.Here is Nigel Farage, the Brexit party leader, on Jo Johnson’s decision to stand down.
The centre of gravity in the Conservative party is shifting rapidly. https://t.co/upOYLwb4XqThe centre of gravity in the Conservative party is shifting rapidly. https://t.co/upOYLwb4Xq
Dame Caroline Spelman, the Conservative former environment secretary, has said she is standing down at the next election. Along with Labour’s Jack Dromey (they are both West Midlands MPs with many constituents working in the car industry), she tabled amendments earlier this year that led to the Commons voting against a no-deal Brexit. (The votes were not binding.) She also rebelled yesterday to back the Benn bill designed to rule out a no-deal Brexit.Dame Caroline Spelman, the Conservative former environment secretary, has said she is standing down at the next election. Along with Labour’s Jack Dromey (they are both West Midlands MPs with many constituents working in the car industry), she tabled amendments earlier this year that led to the Commons voting against a no-deal Brexit. (The votes were not binding.) She also rebelled yesterday to back the Benn bill designed to rule out a no-deal Brexit.
I am retiring as an MP at the next General Election. It has been a privilege to serve the constituency over the last 22 years, but the time has come for a new person to represent the interests of Meriden in a new Parliament which will be dominated by the consequences of BrexitI am retiring as an MP at the next General Election. It has been a privilege to serve the constituency over the last 22 years, but the time has come for a new person to represent the interests of Meriden in a new Parliament which will be dominated by the consequences of Brexit
Downing Street has rejected the claim attributed to Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, that talks with the UK are in “a state of paralysis”. (See 10.33am.) The prime minister’s spokesman said:Downing Street has rejected the claim attributed to Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, that talks with the UK are in “a state of paralysis”. (See 10.33am.) The prime minister’s spokesman said:
I haven’t seen anything from Michel Barnier on the record but in any event I would completely reject that assessment.I haven’t seen anything from Michel Barnier on the record but in any event I would completely reject that assessment.
Both sides agree to continue talks tomorrow after constructive discussions yesterday and we have seen from EU leaders that there is a willingness to find and agree solutions to the problems we have with the old deal.Both sides agree to continue talks tomorrow after constructive discussions yesterday and we have seen from EU leaders that there is a willingness to find and agree solutions to the problems we have with the old deal.
Boris Johnson has told the US vice-president, Mike Pence, that the NHS would not be for sale in any post-Brexit trade deal and that Britain is “not keen on that chlorinated chicken”. At a meeting in Downing Street, Johnson said:
The National Health Service is not on the table as far as our negotiations go. We are not keen on that chlorinated chicken.
More on Jo Johnson. This is from Robert Hutton’s report for Bloomberg.
When [Jo Johnson’s] older brother ran for the leadership in the summer, he joined the campaign, apparently having accepted that Britain had to leave the European Union. He took the view that own electoral district of Orpington, on the edge of southeast London, would be likely to fall to the Brexit party unless Britain left, according to a person familiar with his thinking.
Privately, he also took the view that Boris Johnson had no interest in a no-deal Brexit, and would seek a deal with the EU and then force hard-line Brexiteers in the party to vote for it. His resignation suggests that view has changed.
Scotland’s most senior judge, Lord Carloway, has said confidential Downing Street memos showing Boris Johnson agreed to prorogue parliament 12 days before he asked the Queen might be published.
The BBC and News UK, the publisher of the Times and Sun, applied to the court of session on Thursday morning to release three papers written by Nikki da Costa and the prime minister where they secretly agreed the prorogation strategy on 15 August.
Three Scottish judges – Lord Carloway, the lord president, and Lord Drummond-Young and Lord Brodie – are hearing an appeal by lawyers for 75 MPs and peers against a decision by Lord Doherty yesterday to reject their claims Johnson has illegally prorogued parliament.
Carloway said on Thursday morning the court could both order them to be published and released in unredacted form, at the end of the hearing, if he felt they were central to the appeal and it was also in the public interest to do so.
The MPs’ lawyer, Aidan O’Neill, revealed earlier this week he had been given three heavily-redacted memos marked “Official sensitive Number 10 only” hours before their court hearing on Tuesday, in breach of a court deadline. All three were circulated inside Number 10, including to Dominic Cummings, Johnson’s chief strategist, and Ed Lister, his chief of staff, but no cabinet minister other than Johnson.
The first on 15 August from Da Costa setting out their prorogation strategy was ticked by Johnson, with his scribbled note “yes”. He replied the next day with a handwritten note which said: “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.”
The UK government said they were blacked out because the censored parts were not relevant or protected by “legal professional privilege”. Andrew Webster QC, for the UK government, told the court it was essential to keep them confidential to preserve cabinet confidentiality.
In what O’Neill described as a snub to the Scottish courts, they were not given to the court of session as primary pieces of evidence backed up as affidavits, but were released only because they were being submitted as evidence to the parallel Gina Miller case in London, which started today.
Kenny McBrearty QC, appearing for the BBC and News UK, said it was in the public interest and in the interests of open justice for those memos to be published in full. If Number 10 had decided it was appropriate it was to give them to the court, where they were read out in part by O’Neill on Tuesday, then clearly they were not totally confidential.
O’Neill has made a separate submission to the three judges, arguing the documents could only be redacted by the court. Downing Street could not unilaterally decide which sections to release, without proper scrutiny. Downing Street had also chosen not to apply for a public interest immunity (PII) certificate – an orthodox route to keep key documents secret.
Asked about Jo Johnson’s resignation at business questions, Jacob Rees-Mogg, the leader of the Commons, said MPs were used to the idea that people within families might disagree on policy. He pointed out that his own sister, Annunziata, had jointed the Brexit party and got elected as an MEP.
In the Commons the Tory MP Sir David Amess has just asked Jacob Rees-Mogg, the leader of the Commons, if he agrees that the party conferences could be shortened, to allow the Commons to sit for longer in the autumn. Rees-Mogg did not agree, but John Bercow, the Speaker, enthusiastically backed the idea, saying that it was “bizarre” that so much time was set aside for the meeting of private organisations.
Jacob Rees-Mogg, the leader of the Commons, has just told MPs that on Monday the government will hold a second vote on having an early general election.
There was a vote last night that was passed, but without the two-thirds majority needed for the vote to lead to an early general election (two thirds of all MPs would have to vote for one, not just two thirds of MPs participating in the division).
Under Commons rules the government is not meant to put motions to a vote if they have already been defeated. But government sources say that this would not apply next week because Labour abstained last night on the grounds that the Benn bill, designed to stop a no-deal Brexit on 31 October, was not yet law. But by Monday next week that bill should be law, so the circumstances will have changed, justifying a second vote.
Before MPs debate an early election on Monday, Rees-Mogg said they would also consider the remaining stages of the Benn bill, following its return from the Lords, as well as hold a debate required under the Northern Ireland (executive formation) bill.
Jo Swinson, the Lib Dem leader, issued this statement welcoming Luciana Berger to her party. (See 11.14am.) Swinson said:
Luciana is a passionate advocate for women’s and LGBT+ rights, and she’s at the forefront of efforts to counter antisemitism and prevent discrimination. I’m delighted to welcome her to the Liberal Democrats, where we can work together to stop Brexit and build a fairer, more equal society for all.
Luciana becomes the fourth MP in three months to cross the floor and join the Liberal Democrats. We’re thrilled to add her perspective, expertise and skills to our ever-growing parliamentary team.
The Liberal Democrats are growing in strength as we lead the fight to stop Brexit altogether. We are fully behind a people’s vote, and we are the rallying point for remainers and the liberal centre ground.
The other MPs who have joined the Lib Dems recently are Chuka Umunna, Sarah Wollaston and Phillip Lee.
And this is what Berger said in a statement about her move.
This is a moment of national crisis. The Liberal Democrats are unequivocal in wanting to stop Brexit and are committed to securing Britain’s future as a tolerant, open and inclusive society.
I am joining Jo Swinson and the Liberal Democrats today, in the national interest, to offer a vital, positive alternative to Johnson and Corbyn and help build a future that our country deserves.
Rachel Johnson, sister of Boris and Jo, claims the family avoids discussing Brexit, especially over meals.
I’m afraid to say this is rubbish. I said last night at a charity do that the family avoids the topic of Brexit especially at meals as we don’t want to gang up on the PM! https://t.co/IDXB1DrEN0
Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister, also raised Jo Johnson at first minister’s questions, the Sun’s Chris Musson reports.
Tap-in for @NicolaSturgeon at #FMQs: "Boris Johnson's own brother can't stomach the direction he's taking the country in. The question is why should the people of Scotland be forced to put up with it?"
Here is Angela Rayner, the shadow education secretary, on Jo Johnson’s resignation.
Boris Johnson poses such a threat that even his own brother doesn’t trust him.
We have now had four higher education ministers in two years - just the latest sign of the chaos that the Tories have caused to education and the threat that a disastrous no-deal Brexit poses to our colleges and universities.
We need a general election as soon as no-deal is off the table, so that a Labour government can transform our education system and society so they work for the many, not just a privileged few.