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Brexit: Parliament to be prorogued tonight, Downing Street confirms – live news Brexit: Parliament to be prorogued tonight, Downing Street confirms – live news
(32 minutes later)
Back in the public administration committee, Sir Mark Sedwill, the cabinet secretary, said that in the event of a general election, essential government business could continue. That would include the Brexit talks, he said.
Boris Johnson and Leo Varadkar have issued a joint statement following their talks in Dublin. Here it is in full.
They said that while “common ground” was established in some areas, “significant gaps” remain between them.
The prime minister and the taoiseach had a positive and constructive meeting in Government Buildings this morning.
This was an essential and timely opportunity for the prime minister and the taoiseach to establish a relationship and a better understanding of each other’s positions.
They spoke privately over breakfast for more than half an hour before joining their delegations for another half hour meeting.
While they agreed that the discussions are at an early stage, common ground was established in some areas although significant gaps remain.
The UK and Ireland are committed to securing an agreement between the European Union and the UK, and recognise that negotiations take place through the Brussels task force.
They also shared their commitment to the Belfast/Good Friday agreement and the restoration of the power-sharing institutions in Northern Ireland.
They look forward to meeting each other again in the near future.
Labour’s Rupa Huq goes next.
Q: When were you told of the PM’s plan to prorogue parliament for five weeks?
Sedwill says the paper has been revealed in court. He was on holiday at the time, but he was kept informed, and read that paper on the day it was submitted to the PM, or the day after.
The SNP’s Ronnie Cowan asks if, in the event of a vote of no confidence, the PM could just run down the clock for 14 days without recommending an alternative PM to the Queen.
Sedwill confirms that that is the case.
Sedwill suggests that, following a vote of no confidence, the prime minster would not be obliged to suggest an alternative PM to the Queen.
Sir Mark Sedwill, the cabinet secretary, has just started giving evidence to the Commons public administration and constitutional affairs committee.
There is a live feed here.
Sedwill has just said the prime minister is under a duty to resign only when he, or she, can make a recommendation to the Queen as to who is most likely to be able to command the confidence of the House of Commons.
That is a political judgment the PM must exercise, with advice from the cabinet secretary.
Q: Does the PM need to test that, with a sitting House of Commons?
No, says Sedwill.
He says when Boris Johnson was appointed there was talk of having a vote of confidence in the house. But that did not go ahead.
From Sky’s Sam CoatesFrom Sky’s Sam Coates
Exc: No10 has seen polling that means if there was an election now, Boris Johnson would do worse than Theresa May, according to Jason Stein, who was a Tory special advisor and Amber Rudd aide until Saturday night Here’s what he told me for a Sky News interview: pic.twitter.com/bDszzB2Ky7Exc: No10 has seen polling that means if there was an election now, Boris Johnson would do worse than Theresa May, according to Jason Stein, who was a Tory special advisor and Amber Rudd aide until Saturday night Here’s what he told me for a Sky News interview: pic.twitter.com/bDszzB2Ky7
Downing Street has also insisted, again, that Boris Johnson will refused to request an article 50 extension - even though legislation passed last week, and due to receive royal assent later today, would require him to do this if MPs do not pass a deal or vote to approve a no-deal Brexit. The prime minister’s spokesman told journalists at the morning lobby briefing:Downing Street has also insisted, again, that Boris Johnson will refused to request an article 50 extension - even though legislation passed last week, and due to receive royal assent later today, would require him to do this if MPs do not pass a deal or vote to approve a no-deal Brexit. The prime minister’s spokesman told journalists at the morning lobby briefing:
The prime minister is not going to seek an extension.The prime minister is not going to seek an extension.
If MPs want to resolve this there is an easy way - vote for an election today and let the public decide.If MPs want to resolve this there is an easy way - vote for an election today and let the public decide.
Nigel Farage, the Brexit party leader, claims that Boris Johnson has changed tack and that he is now going “all out” for Theresa May’s Brexit deal.Nigel Farage, the Brexit party leader, claims that Boris Johnson has changed tack and that he is now going “all out” for Theresa May’s Brexit deal.
The Boris bravado has disappeared in Dublin, saying No Deal would be a “failure of statecraft”.He is now going all out for Mrs May’s “deal”, with Northern Ireland to be hived off from the rest of the UK. A clean break Brexit is the only way forward.The Boris bravado has disappeared in Dublin, saying No Deal would be a “failure of statecraft”.He is now going all out for Mrs May’s “deal”, with Northern Ireland to be hived off from the rest of the UK. A clean break Brexit is the only way forward.
Here are the main quotes from the Boris Johnson/Leo Varadkar press conference.Here are the main quotes from the Boris Johnson/Leo Varadkar press conference.
Boris Johnson insisted that he genuinely wanted to secure a Brexit deal before 31 October and he described a no-deal Brexit as “a failure of statecraft for which we would all be responsible”. This is a marked change of tone from Johnson, who in the past has repeatedly insisted that the dangers of no deal have been exaggerated by his critics. He said:Boris Johnson insisted that he genuinely wanted to secure a Brexit deal before 31 October and he described a no-deal Brexit as “a failure of statecraft for which we would all be responsible”. This is a marked change of tone from Johnson, who in the past has repeatedly insisted that the dangers of no deal have been exaggerated by his critics. He said:
I want to find a deal. I have looked carefully at no-deal. Yes, we could do it, the UK could certainly get through it, but be in no doubt that outcome would be a failure of statecraft for which we would all be responsible.I want to find a deal. I have looked carefully at no-deal. Yes, we could do it, the UK could certainly get through it, but be in no doubt that outcome would be a failure of statecraft for which we would all be responsible.
He also insisted a deal could be achieved.He also insisted a deal could be achieved.
I would overwhelmingly prefer to find an agreement. I do believe that a deal can be done by October 18 [the final day of the EU summit] so let’s do it together.I would overwhelmingly prefer to find an agreement. I do believe that a deal can be done by October 18 [the final day of the EU summit] so let’s do it together.
He said he was “undaunted” by the opposition to his strategy in parliament. He said:He said he was “undaunted” by the opposition to his strategy in parliament. He said:
We will come out on October 31, and I’m sure that parliamentarians will see the wisdom of doing that and respecting, honouring, the referendum result - the democratic referendum result.We will come out on October 31, and I’m sure that parliamentarians will see the wisdom of doing that and respecting, honouring, the referendum result - the democratic referendum result.
And, I’m absolutely undaunted by whatever may take place in parliament.And, I’m absolutely undaunted by whatever may take place in parliament.
I think what the British people want us to do is to deliver a deal and to get on and take us out on October 31.I think what the British people want us to do is to deliver a deal and to get on and take us out on October 31.
Leo Vardakar said that there would be no “clean break” for the UK from the EU, whatever happens later this year. Nigel Farage’s Brexit party, which poses a threat to the Tories at the next election, is demanding a no-deal Brexit, which it describes as a “clean-break Brexit”. In a reference to this terminology, Varadkar said:Leo Vardakar said that there would be no “clean break” for the UK from the EU, whatever happens later this year. Nigel Farage’s Brexit party, which poses a threat to the Tories at the next election, is demanding a no-deal Brexit, which it describes as a “clean-break Brexit”. In a reference to this terminology, Varadkar said:
The story of Brexit will not end if the United Kingdom leaves on 31 October or even 31 January – there is no such thing as a clean break. No such thing as just getting it done. Rather, we just enter a new phase.The story of Brexit will not end if the United Kingdom leaves on 31 October or even 31 January – there is no such thing as a clean break. No such thing as just getting it done. Rather, we just enter a new phase.
If there is no deal, I believe that’s possible, it will cause severe disruption for British and Irish people alike. We will have to get back to the negotiating table. When we do, the first and only items on the agenda will be citizens’ rights, the financial settlement and the Irish border. All the issues we had resolved in the withdrawal agreement we made with your predecessor. An agreement made in good faith by 28 governments.If there is no deal, I believe that’s possible, it will cause severe disruption for British and Irish people alike. We will have to get back to the negotiating table. When we do, the first and only items on the agenda will be citizens’ rights, the financial settlement and the Irish border. All the issues we had resolved in the withdrawal agreement we made with your predecessor. An agreement made in good faith by 28 governments.
Varadkar said, even if there were a deal, negotiations between the UK and the EU would have to continue.Varadkar said, even if there were a deal, negotiations between the UK and the EU would have to continue.
We will enter talks on a future relationship agreement between the EU and UK. It’s going to be tough dealing with issues ranging from tariffs to fishing rights, product standards and state aid. It will then have to be ratified by 31 parliaments.We will enter talks on a future relationship agreement between the EU and UK. It’s going to be tough dealing with issues ranging from tariffs to fishing rights, product standards and state aid. It will then have to be ratified by 31 parliaments.
He said that, even if Johnson agreed a deal by 31 October, negotiating a free trade deal with the EU during the time set aside for the transition, and getting it ratified by all EU parliaments, would be a “Herculean task”.He said that, even if Johnson agreed a deal by 31 October, negotiating a free trade deal with the EU during the time set aside for the transition, and getting it ratified by all EU parliaments, would be a “Herculean task”.
He said that he was prepared to listen to Johnson’s ideas for an alternative to the backstop, but he would not just accept a “promise”. He said:He said that he was prepared to listen to Johnson’s ideas for an alternative to the backstop, but he would not just accept a “promise”. He said:
I am ready to listen, but what we will not do is replace a legal guarantee with a promise.I am ready to listen, but what we will not do is replace a legal guarantee with a promise.
He said he thought the EU would need a “good reason” if it were to agree to another article 50 extension. He wanted this matter resolved at the October summit, he said. He explained:He said he thought the EU would need a “good reason” if it were to agree to another article 50 extension. He wanted this matter resolved at the October summit, he said. He explained:
I’m very keen to have this matter resolved at the EU summit. Brexit has dominated politics for far too long now. This is an opportunity for common ground and finding a solution.I’m very keen to have this matter resolved at the EU summit. Brexit has dominated politics for far too long now. This is an opportunity for common ground and finding a solution.
As for an extension, we’d like to see this dealt with but if there is a good reason to have an extension we would consider it.As for an extension, we’d like to see this dealt with but if there is a good reason to have an extension we would consider it.
He said Ireland would oppose the reintroduction of direct rule in Northern Ireland, which he said would be “contrary to the St Andrews agreement”.He said Ireland would oppose the reintroduction of direct rule in Northern Ireland, which he said would be “contrary to the St Andrews agreement”.
Johnson claimed he had “an abundance of proposals” for alternatives to the backstop. But he refused to give any detail of what they were. He said:Johnson claimed he had “an abundance of proposals” for alternatives to the backstop. But he refused to give any detail of what they were. He said:
I’ve seen the old border and how absolutely vital it is we keep the open border, on the plan, it’s fairly obvious, we need to find a way of ensuring that the UK is not kept locked in backstop arrangement while giving Ireland the assurance that it needs.I’ve seen the old border and how absolutely vital it is we keep the open border, on the plan, it’s fairly obvious, we need to find a way of ensuring that the UK is not kept locked in backstop arrangement while giving Ireland the assurance that it needs.
Whether it’s electronic pre-clearance or concept of the unity of island for agri-foods, and other ideas we’ll bring forward to address the full range.Whether it’s electronic pre-clearance or concept of the unity of island for agri-foods, and other ideas we’ll bring forward to address the full range.
I don’t underestimate the technical problems but I do think there is a way through.I don’t underestimate the technical problems but I do think there is a way through.
Varadkar said having no backstop would mean there being no deal. He said:Varadkar said having no backstop would mean there being no deal. He said:
In the absence of agreed alternative arrangements, no backstop is no deal for us.In the absence of agreed alternative arrangements, no backstop is no deal for us.
Prorogation is the process that happens when parliament gets suspended at the end of one session of parliament before the start of another, which starts with a new Queens’s speech. It is not the same as parliament being dissolved, which is what happens before a general election. And it is not the same as when parliament gets adjourned, for a recess, as happens over a holiday period. If you want to learn more about the process, this House of Commons library briefing note (pdf) may tell you everything you need to know.Prorogation is the process that happens when parliament gets suspended at the end of one session of parliament before the start of another, which starts with a new Queens’s speech. It is not the same as parliament being dissolved, which is what happens before a general election. And it is not the same as when parliament gets adjourned, for a recess, as happens over a holiday period. If you want to learn more about the process, this House of Commons library briefing note (pdf) may tell you everything you need to know.
No 10 has confirmed at the morning lobby briefing that parliament will be prorogued at the end of proceedings tonight. This is from Sky’s Lewis Goodall.No 10 has confirmed at the morning lobby briefing that parliament will be prorogued at the end of proceedings tonight. This is from Sky’s Lewis Goodall.
Break: Parliament is to be prorogued tonight. No Parliament, select committees or scrutiny of the executive until October 14th. Perfectly legal but the longest prorogation in modern history, in the middle of the biggest political crisis since the war.Break: Parliament is to be prorogued tonight. No Parliament, select committees or scrutiny of the executive until October 14th. Perfectly legal but the longest prorogation in modern history, in the middle of the biggest political crisis since the war.
Up to 100 demonstrators gathered outside Leinster House, the Irish parliament, in Dublin this morning ahead of Boris Johnson’s visit to Dublin, PA Media reports. The protest was led by Seamus McDonnell from Co Armagh, who chanted: “No customs, no border, no Brexit.”Up to 100 demonstrators gathered outside Leinster House, the Irish parliament, in Dublin this morning ahead of Boris Johnson’s visit to Dublin, PA Media reports. The protest was led by Seamus McDonnell from Co Armagh, who chanted: “No customs, no border, no Brexit.”
Sinn Féin councillor Dessie Ellis said:Sinn Féin councillor Dessie Ellis said:
We’re here today to protest against Boris Johnson’s visit to Dublin. We want to send out a strong message that we will not stand for a hard border or any border. There are people from all around the country here to tell him that today but particularly from the border region.We’re here today to protest against Boris Johnson’s visit to Dublin. We want to send out a strong message that we will not stand for a hard border or any border. There are people from all around the country here to tell him that today but particularly from the border region.
People living in the border region will suffer immensely if a border comes back so the taoiseach needs to stand strong, stand his ground and give that message from the Irish people.People living in the border region will suffer immensely if a border comes back so the taoiseach needs to stand strong, stand his ground and give that message from the Irish people.
The Criminal Bar Association has condemned suggestions from the government that it might try to ignore the law saying the PM would have to request a Brexit extension by 19 October, unless Boris Johnson either agrees a deal or gets MPs to vote for no deal. This is from the CBA’s chair, Caroline Goodwin:The Criminal Bar Association has condemned suggestions from the government that it might try to ignore the law saying the PM would have to request a Brexit extension by 19 October, unless Boris Johnson either agrees a deal or gets MPs to vote for no deal. This is from the CBA’s chair, Caroline Goodwin:
As the CBA our role is not to say ‘remain’ or ‘leave’ but part of our role is to explain the law – criminal law – and play our part in upholding the rule of law. Standing up for the rule of law underpins our civil society – the economy, justice system, societal cohesion.As the CBA our role is not to say ‘remain’ or ‘leave’ but part of our role is to explain the law – criminal law – and play our part in upholding the rule of law. Standing up for the rule of law underpins our civil society – the economy, justice system, societal cohesion.
In or out, the EU, a government that stands up for the rule of law acts in the best interests of the people – parliament included. Any government – the executive – which ignores the rule of law and actively seeks to break the law undermines the entire justice system, opens the door wide open to mob rule and very quickly to anarchy.In or out, the EU, a government that stands up for the rule of law acts in the best interests of the people – parliament included. Any government – the executive – which ignores the rule of law and actively seeks to break the law undermines the entire justice system, opens the door wide open to mob rule and very quickly to anarchy.
How can a government on the one hand pledge to unleash a ‘reign of terror’ on criminals when its own leadership threatens to break the law?How can a government on the one hand pledge to unleash a ‘reign of terror’ on criminals when its own leadership threatens to break the law?
We cannot expect people not to rob, rape and murder when a government declares it may break the law. We cannot lay rape to the rule of law.We cannot expect people not to rob, rape and murder when a government declares it may break the law. We cannot lay rape to the rule of law.
And this is what other journalists are saying about the Boris Johnson/Leo Varadkar press conference.And this is what other journalists are saying about the Boris Johnson/Leo Varadkar press conference.
From RTE’s Tony ConnellyFrom RTE’s Tony Connelly
RTÉ Europe Editor @tconnellyRTE says @LeoVaradkar gave @BorisJohnson a warm welcome, but didn’t hold back in pointing out the problems the UK faces securing a future trade relationship with the EU in the event of a no-deal #Brexit | Live blog: https://t.co/4Vw0XGf8xm pic.twitter.com/MOUxXHsNNhRTÉ Europe Editor @tconnellyRTE says @LeoVaradkar gave @BorisJohnson a warm welcome, but didn’t hold back in pointing out the problems the UK faces securing a future trade relationship with the EU in the event of a no-deal #Brexit | Live blog: https://t.co/4Vw0XGf8xm pic.twitter.com/MOUxXHsNNh
From Sky’s Adam BoultonFrom Sky’s Adam Boulton
Uncompromising opening statement from @LeoVaradkar as he meets @BorisJohnson face to face for first time, in Dublin. Tone - a bit of a tellingUncompromising opening statement from @LeoVaradkar as he meets @BorisJohnson face to face for first time, in Dublin. Tone - a bit of a telling
From the Sun’s Steve HawkesFrom the Sun’s Steve Hawkes
Leo Varadkar stands next to Boris Johnson and says there's no such thing as a clean break. The body language between the pair is direLeo Varadkar stands next to Boris Johnson and says there's no such thing as a clean break. The body language between the pair is dire
From the BBC’s Vicki YoungFrom the BBC’s Vicki Young
A different tone from Boris Johnson in Dublin saying a no deal #Brexit would be a failure of statecraft - “I would overwhelmingly prefer to find an agreement”A different tone from Boris Johnson in Dublin saying a no deal #Brexit would be a failure of statecraft - “I would overwhelmingly prefer to find an agreement”
From Euronews’s Darren McCaffreyFrom Euronews’s Darren McCaffrey
Big change in tone this morning from @BorisJohnson in Dublin:Stood next to @LeoVaradkar:NO DEAL would be "a failure of statecraft". He tells Varadkar he would "overwhelmingly prefer to get an agreement".Big change in tone this morning from @BorisJohnson in Dublin:Stood next to @LeoVaradkar:NO DEAL would be "a failure of statecraft". He tells Varadkar he would "overwhelmingly prefer to get an agreement".
From the BBC’s Faisal IslamFrom the BBC’s Faisal Islam
Key bits Varadkar-Johnson presser: - Taoiseach saying PM faces “Herculean task” in achieving FTA with EU in 3 years, that needs to be ratified in 31 parliaments- cant replace legal guarantee with a promise -havent received realistic workable legally binding proposals to dateKey bits Varadkar-Johnson presser: - Taoiseach saying PM faces “Herculean task” in achieving FTA with EU in 3 years, that needs to be ratified in 31 parliaments- cant replace legal guarantee with a promise -havent received realistic workable legally binding proposals to date
From politics.co.uk’s Ian DuntFrom politics.co.uk’s Ian Dunt
Quite painful to watch. Varadkar conducting himself as a leader and grounding his comments in reality. Johnson looks like a child who won a Willy Wonka ticket to appear alongside him. https://t.co/CbbHSaUE2gQuite painful to watch. Varadkar conducting himself as a leader and grounding his comments in reality. Johnson looks like a child who won a Willy Wonka ticket to appear alongside him. https://t.co/CbbHSaUE2g
From my colleague Dan SabbaghFrom my colleague Dan Sabbagh
In the book "The Art of the Press Conference" it will become known as "The Varadkar," the most thinly disguised contempt a leader can show for their counterpart and get away with it...In the book "The Art of the Press Conference" it will become known as "The Varadkar," the most thinly disguised contempt a leader can show for their counterpart and get away with it...
From the Irish News’s Allison MorrisFrom the Irish News’s Allison Morris
There's a change of tone in the language being use by PM and Taoiseach, both sounding much more positive at the prospect of getting a deal before the October deadline #Brexit #BorisJohnson #LeoVaradkarThere's a change of tone in the language being use by PM and Taoiseach, both sounding much more positive at the prospect of getting a deal before the October deadline #Brexit #BorisJohnson #LeoVaradkar
That was a slightly longer press conference than we had been led to expect and, given the circumstances, it was perhaps not as frosty as it might have been. During the summer it emerged that, when Boris Johnson was foreign secretary, he once said about Leo Varadkar: “Why isn’t he called Murphy like all the rest of them?” Johnson campaigned for a policy outcome that will probably cause immense damage to the Irish economy, and for the last two years his Brexiter allies have frequently demonised Varadkar as the obstacle to a successful Brexit. Johnson then delayed his first visit to Dublin for weeks (despite this morning claiming that he believed it was important to speak to the Irish first – see 9.59am.) Varadkar could be forgiven for wanting to tell him to take a jump.That was a slightly longer press conference than we had been led to expect and, given the circumstances, it was perhaps not as frosty as it might have been. During the summer it emerged that, when Boris Johnson was foreign secretary, he once said about Leo Varadkar: “Why isn’t he called Murphy like all the rest of them?” Johnson campaigned for a policy outcome that will probably cause immense damage to the Irish economy, and for the last two years his Brexiter allies have frequently demonised Varadkar as the obstacle to a successful Brexit. Johnson then delayed his first visit to Dublin for weeks (despite this morning claiming that he believed it was important to speak to the Irish first – see 9.59am.) Varadkar could be forgiven for wanting to tell him to take a jump.
Instead, Varadkar sounded sincere about wanting to ensure Ireland remains a friend to the UK in the future. (Realistically, that’s the only sensible economic strategy.) And Johnson sounded considerably more measured and composed than he did in his public appearances on Thursday and Friday last week (not difficult). Perhaps shaken by the way people like his brother Jo Johnson and Amber Rudd have concluded he is not serious about finding a Brexit deal, he was much more negative about the reality of a no-deal Brexit than he has been for ages, describing it as “a failure of statecraft for which we would all be responsible”.Instead, Varadkar sounded sincere about wanting to ensure Ireland remains a friend to the UK in the future. (Realistically, that’s the only sensible economic strategy.) And Johnson sounded considerably more measured and composed than he did in his public appearances on Thursday and Friday last week (not difficult). Perhaps shaken by the way people like his brother Jo Johnson and Amber Rudd have concluded he is not serious about finding a Brexit deal, he was much more negative about the reality of a no-deal Brexit than he has been for ages, describing it as “a failure of statecraft for which we would all be responsible”.
But that did not prevent Johnson being disconcerted by some of the questions. He repeatedly dodged a question about when he last visited the Irish border. He ignored a question about whether he stood by the claim he one made about how technology could solve the border issue because that is how the congestion charge is enforced on the border between Camden and Islington. And he was humbled by a brilliant question pointing out that, while he is happy to use “dead in a ditch” as a metaphor, Brexit undermines arrangements that have preserved the peace in an country where until recently hundreds of people did end up dead in ditches literally.But that did not prevent Johnson being disconcerted by some of the questions. He repeatedly dodged a question about when he last visited the Irish border. He ignored a question about whether he stood by the claim he one made about how technology could solve the border issue because that is how the congestion charge is enforced on the border between Camden and Islington. And he was humbled by a brilliant question pointing out that, while he is happy to use “dead in a ditch” as a metaphor, Brexit undermines arrangements that have preserved the peace in an country where until recently hundreds of people did end up dead in ditches literally.
Taoiseach @LeoVaradkar says the Government would oppose the introduction of Direct Rule in Northern Ireland, though he recognises the UK is the sovereign government in Northern Ireland | | Live #brexit blog: https://t.co/4Vw0XGf8xm pic.twitter.com/wMHQP70CXATaoiseach @LeoVaradkar says the Government would oppose the introduction of Direct Rule in Northern Ireland, though he recognises the UK is the sovereign government in Northern Ireland | | Live #brexit blog: https://t.co/4Vw0XGf8xm pic.twitter.com/wMHQP70CXA
Johnson claimed to have “an abundance of proposals” to resolve the backstop. (See 10.08am.) But, unless he is moving towards approving a Northern Ireland-only backstop (which is possible, although the DUP would erupt), his comments about wanting to preserve the all-Ireland economy while avoiding border checks and still taking the UK out of the EU, suggest he is still fundamentally stranded in ‘have cake and eat it’ territory.Johnson claimed to have “an abundance of proposals” to resolve the backstop. (See 10.08am.) But, unless he is moving towards approving a Northern Ireland-only backstop (which is possible, although the DUP would erupt), his comments about wanting to preserve the all-Ireland economy while avoiding border checks and still taking the UK out of the EU, suggest he is still fundamentally stranded in ‘have cake and eat it’ territory.
Johnson’s strategy is driven by the understandable belief that many British voters just want to see Brexit done and for the whole crisis to go away. But this may be misconceived. As Varadkar argued forcefully in his opening remarks, there is no such thing as a “clean-break Brexit”, and this problem will be with us for years. (See 9.47am.)Johnson’s strategy is driven by the understandable belief that many British voters just want to see Brexit done and for the whole crisis to go away. But this may be misconceived. As Varadkar argued forcefully in his opening remarks, there is no such thing as a “clean-break Brexit”, and this problem will be with us for years. (See 9.47am.)
Q: The Irish say they have received no new proposals today. Have you got anything today? And if you create an all-Ireland agrifoods zone, won’t that put a border in the Irish Sea that the DUP won’t accept.Q: The Irish say they have received no new proposals today. Have you got anything today? And if you create an all-Ireland agrifoods zone, won’t that put a border in the Irish Sea that the DUP won’t accept.
Johnson says the government has “an abundance of proposals”. But he does not want to share them with the media. He says he will discuss ideas with Varadkar. He wants changes to the political declaration, as well as to the withdrawal agreement.Johnson says the government has “an abundance of proposals”. But he does not want to share them with the media. He says he will discuss ideas with Varadkar. He wants changes to the political declaration, as well as to the withdrawal agreement.
He says he thinks he has “the ideal amount of time” to sort this out. Angela Merkel said 30 days would be enough to find a solution. She was right.He says he thinks he has “the ideal amount of time” to sort this out. Angela Merkel said 30 days would be enough to find a solution. She was right.
Varadkar says “no backstop is no deal”. That is not an option Ireland finds acceptable, he says.Varadkar says “no backstop is no deal”. That is not an option Ireland finds acceptable, he says.
And that’s it. I will give a verdict, summary and reaction soon.And that’s it. I will give a verdict, summary and reaction soon.
Q: When you talk about people being dead in ditches, there is a sense that you don’t really understand what is at stake here. When did you last visit the border? Do you still think it is like the border between Camden and Islington?Q: When you talk about people being dead in ditches, there is a sense that you don’t really understand what is at stake here. When did you last visit the border? Do you still think it is like the border between Camden and Islington?
Johnson says he thinks everyone here understands the importance of the border. The UK will never impose checks at the border, he says. There must be an open border, so goods and people can circulate in the normal way.Johnson says he thinks everyone here understands the importance of the border. The UK will never impose checks at the border, he says. There must be an open border, so goods and people can circulate in the normal way.
He says he genuinely thinks that solutions can be found.He says he genuinely thinks that solutions can be found.
Varadkar says he hopes this will get settled at the EU summit in October.Varadkar says he hopes this will get settled at the EU summit in October.
Most EU countries would prefer not to have an extension.Most EU countries would prefer not to have an extension.
But if there were a “good reason” for one, the EU would consider it.But if there were a “good reason” for one, the EU would consider it.