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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 |
| (30 minutes later) | |
| The government intends to prorogue parliament this evening, but before MPs get sent away for their five-week recess, they have got a huge amount to get through. Here is the timetable for the rest of the day. | |
| I use the word “timetable” provisionally, because at this point it is not at all clear how long everything will take. In theory, if everything took the maximum amount of time allocated, the Commons could still be sitting at 8am tomorrow morning. No one expects that to happen. But it is likely that the final vote, on whether or not to have an early election, will come after midnight. | |
| Here is what we know. | |
| 2.30pm: Gavin Williamson, the education secretary, takes questions. | |
| 3.30pm: Two MPs make applications for emergency debates under standing order 24. They are Dominic Grieve, the Tory pro-European, and Jeremy Corbyn. Taking advantage of the Speaker’s decision to allow SO24 motions to be used not just for neutral motions (ie, ones with no practical effect), Grieve has used the process to table a “humble address” that would be force the government to release written material. And he is asking for not just one batch of material, but two: all private correspondence relating to the decision to prorogue parliament, and the Operation Yellowhammer government no-deal planning documents. Corbyn’s motion is about the rule of law, but I have not seen the text yet. | |
| The Speaker will have to decide whether to accept one or both motions. Given the level of anger in the Commons about the prorogation decision, it is quite likely both will be allowed. | |
| In theory each debate could last up to three hours, taking you to 10pm if both motions were to be put to a vote. But at Westminster today there is an assumption that MPs will get through the SO24 debate or debates more quickly. | |
| Early evening?: The government has tabled five motions under the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Act. Up to 90 minutes is allocated for each debate, but it is understood that four of the motions will get pulled, and the other one is not expected to take the full 90 minutes. | |
| Early/mid evening?: MPs have to conclude the parliamentary buildings (restoration and renewal) bill, which is returning from the Lords. Up to an hour has been set aside for this debate, but, again, it could wrap up more quickly than that. | |
| 9pm or later?: MPs begin the 90-minute debate on Boris Johnson’s motion calling for an early election. Johnson is expected to win the vote technically, because most MPs voting are expected to vote in favour, but lose the vote in practical terms, because under the Fixed-term Parliaments Act two thirds of MPs (434) must vote in favour for the election election to happen. | |
| Around 11pm or later?: Parliament prorogues. This involves a ceremony taking place in the House of Lords, with MPs summoned to attend, as happens with the Queen’s speech - only without the Queen. | |
| Plaid Cymru, the Welsh nationalist party, is suggesting Boris Johnson could be impeached if he ignores the law designed to rule out a no-deal Brexit on 31 October. Liz Saville Roberts, Plaid’s Wesminster leader, said this after the meeting of opposition leaders this morning. | Plaid Cymru, the Welsh nationalist party, is suggesting Boris Johnson could be impeached if he ignores the law designed to rule out a no-deal Brexit on 31 October. Liz Saville Roberts, Plaid’s Wesminster leader, said this after the meeting of opposition leaders this morning. |
| I am glad that as opposition parties, we are united in our belief that Boris Johnson’s attempt to undermine the rule of law must be stopped. | I am glad that as opposition parties, we are united in our belief that Boris Johnson’s attempt to undermine the rule of law must be stopped. |
| If the prime minister refuses to seek an extension to the period under article 50, he will have broken the law – plain and simple – and he must be subject to legal repercussions. | If the prime minister refuses to seek an extension to the period under article 50, he will have broken the law – plain and simple – and he must be subject to legal repercussions. |
| I told other opposition parties this morning that if he does break the law, we should be ready to impeach Boris Johnson – a procedure that he himself supported in 2004 when current Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price sought to impeach Tony Blair for lying. | I told other opposition parties this morning that if he does break the law, we should be ready to impeach Boris Johnson – a procedure that he himself supported in 2004 when current Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price sought to impeach Tony Blair for lying. |
| Saville Roberts did not mention the fact that Price’s attempt to impeach Blair in 2004 got nowhere. As this Commons library briefing (pdf) explains, “impeachment is considered obsolete, as it has been superseded by other forms of accountability”. Ken Macdonald, a former director of public prosecutions, has suggested Johnson could be jailed for contempt of court if he ignored this law. | Saville Roberts did not mention the fact that Price’s attempt to impeach Blair in 2004 got nowhere. As this Commons library briefing (pdf) explains, “impeachment is considered obsolete, as it has been superseded by other forms of accountability”. Ken Macdonald, a former director of public prosecutions, has suggested Johnson could be jailed for contempt of court if he ignored this law. |
| This is what Ian Blackford, the SNP leader at Westminster, said after the meeting of opposition parties this morning. | This is what Ian Blackford, the SNP leader at Westminster, said after the meeting of opposition parties this morning. |
| It is clear there must be an early election - but it cannot happen while the Tory government is threatening to subvert the law to force through a catastrophic no-deal Brexit on 31 October. | It is clear there must be an early election - but it cannot happen while the Tory government is threatening to subvert the law to force through a catastrophic no-deal Brexit on 31 October. |
| If Boris Johnson wants an election he must obey the law and take a no-deal Brexit off the table. It is beyond belief that the prime minister is disrespecting democracy by seeking to shut down parliament and railroad through an extreme Brexit against the will of parliament and the people. | If Boris Johnson wants an election he must obey the law and take a no-deal Brexit off the table. It is beyond belief that the prime minister is disrespecting democracy by seeking to shut down parliament and railroad through an extreme Brexit against the will of parliament and the people. |
| Once the threat of no deal is off the table, we will move for an early election. | Once the threat of no deal is off the table, we will move for an early election. |
| The government has spent tens of thousands of pounds in recent days on adverts promising “Brexit is happening” on 31 October, despite increasing uncertainty over whether it actually will, PA Media reports. Figures from Facebook showed the government had paid out £30,531 on the targeted posts in the five days since they were launched on 4 September – the same week MPs voted to block a no-deal departure. The adverts point to information for businesses and members of the public on how to prepare for the planned exit on Halloween. | The government has spent tens of thousands of pounds in recent days on adverts promising “Brexit is happening” on 31 October, despite increasing uncertainty over whether it actually will, PA Media reports. Figures from Facebook showed the government had paid out £30,531 on the targeted posts in the five days since they were launched on 4 September – the same week MPs voted to block a no-deal departure. The adverts point to information for businesses and members of the public on how to prepare for the planned exit on Halloween. |
| Jeremy Corbyn has described the government’s decision to prorogue parliament this evening as “disgraceful”. Asked about the move, Corbyn said: | Jeremy Corbyn has described the government’s decision to prorogue parliament this evening as “disgraceful”. Asked about the move, Corbyn said: |
| I think it is disgraceful. Parliament should be sitting. Parliament should be holding the government to account. And the prime minister appears to want to run away from questions. | I think it is disgraceful. Parliament should be sitting. Parliament should be holding the government to account. And the prime minister appears to want to run away from questions. |
| Corbyn also confirmed that the opposition parties have agreed not to back an early election until the government has complied with the bill ruling out a no-deal Brexit on 31 October. | Corbyn also confirmed that the opposition parties have agreed not to back an early election until the government has complied with the bill ruling out a no-deal Brexit on 31 October. |
| This is from Jo Swinson, the Lib Dem leader, commenting after a meeting with Jeremy Corbyn and other opposition leaders this morning. | This is from Jo Swinson, the Lib Dem leader, commenting after a meeting with Jeremy Corbyn and other opposition leaders this morning. |
| Tonight, the @LibDems will vote against the PM’s election, which he could use to tip us into a No Deal. We will not support an election until Article 50 has been extended. Other opposition leaders have confirmed the same in cross-party meeting this morning. | Tonight, the @LibDems will vote against the PM’s election, which he could use to tip us into a No Deal. We will not support an election until Article 50 has been extended. Other opposition leaders have confirmed the same in cross-party meeting this morning. |
| One consequence of the decision to prorogue parliament this evening is that Boris Johnson will not have to give evidence to the Commons liaison committee at a session that was scheduled for Wednesday. Hilary Benn, the Labour chair of the Commons Brexit committee (and a member of the liaison committee) has issue this statement on behalf of the People’s Vote campaign, which wants a second referendum. He said: | One consequence of the decision to prorogue parliament this evening is that Boris Johnson will not have to give evidence to the Commons liaison committee at a session that was scheduled for Wednesday. Hilary Benn, the Labour chair of the Commons Brexit committee (and a member of the liaison committee) has issue this statement on behalf of the People’s Vote campaign, which wants a second referendum. He said: |
| It is extraordinary that Boris Johnson will shut down parliament this evening for over a month at the very moment when we need our elected MPs to be in the House of Commons holding the government to account. It also means that the prime minister will avoid having to face questions from the liaison committee on Wednesday. I don’t think he was relishing the prospect. | It is extraordinary that Boris Johnson will shut down parliament this evening for over a month at the very moment when we need our elected MPs to be in the House of Commons holding the government to account. It also means that the prime minister will avoid having to face questions from the liaison committee on Wednesday. I don’t think he was relishing the prospect. |
| Richard Benyon, one of the 21 Conservative MPs who lost the whip last week after he voted against the government, has announced he is standing down at the next election. | Richard Benyon, one of the 21 Conservative MPs who lost the whip last week after he voted against the government, has announced he is standing down at the next election. |
| Today I have announced that I will not be seeking re-election at the forthcoming General Election. Read my full statement here: https://t.co/mO16xmNjwQ | Today I have announced that I will not be seeking re-election at the forthcoming General Election. Read my full statement here: https://t.co/mO16xmNjwQ |
| Here is a full list of MPs who are standing down. There are now almost 20 MPs, elected as Tories at the last election, who have said they are not standing again. Almost all are from the centrist, one nation wing of the party. There are another 13 who could go because they lost the whip last week and may struggle to get re-elected as independents. | Here is a full list of MPs who are standing down. There are now almost 20 MPs, elected as Tories at the last election, who have said they are not standing again. Almost all are from the centrist, one nation wing of the party. There are another 13 who could go because they lost the whip last week and may struggle to get re-elected as independents. |
| 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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 taskforce. | 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 taskforce. |
| They also shared their commitment to the Belfast/Good Friday agreement and the restoration of the power-sharing institutions in Northern Ireland. | 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. | They look forward to meeting each other again in the near future. |
| Labour’s Rupa Huq goes next. | Labour’s Rupa Huq goes next. |
| Q: When were you told of the PM’s plan to prorogue parliament for five weeks? | 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. | 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. | 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 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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? | Q: Does the PM need to test that, with a sitting House of Commons? |
| No, says Sedwill. | 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. | 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 Coates | From 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/bDszzB2Ky7 | 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/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. |