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Brexit: Bercow condemns five-week prorogation as 'act of executive fiat' amid uproar in Commons - live news Brexit: Bercow condemns five-week prorogation as 'act of executive fiat' amid uproar in Commons - live news
(32 minutes later)
William Hague, the former Conservative leader and former foreign secretary, has used his Telegraph column today (paywall) to deliver a damning verdict on Boris Johnson’s decision to remove the whip from the 21 rebels who voted against the government on Brexit last week. Many others have criticised the decision, of course, including Amber Rudd when she resigned as work and pensions secretary at the weekend, but given that Hague is somone whose default mode is loyalty to the party, his critique is remarkable. He describes what Johnson did as “a disgusting act of hypocrisy”.
Here is an extract.
All of us who have been Tory leader have made mistakes, but this one is the most egregious and counter-productive act of self-harm committed by the party leadership that I can recall in my lifetime. If we do not speak out about it, there is little prospect that lessons will be learned ...
It is not possible to be aware of [the] record and characters [of those who have had the whip removed] without thinking that their expulsion from the parliamentary ranks of the Conservative party, partly at the behest of people who have spent years rebelling, is a disgusting act of hypocrisy.
Space does not allow me to go through the work of each of these 21. But when I recall Nicholas Soames sitting assiduously on the backbenches and loyally supporting Tory leaders when I arrived in the Commons in 1989, and that he was still in the same spot, still supporting them, when I left in 2015, I cannot accept that he can be tossed out of the party after one rebellion on the whim of advisers who have only just turned up ...
The final problem with this whole episode is that it appears to send a signal – that if you are a “moderate” Tory, a socially liberal, fiscally responsible, internationalist Conservative who believes in the necessity of compromise and balance in our national affairs – you have to start to think about joining a new party.
Job creation across the UK has slowed... but there’s good news too – wages are picking up, my colleague Graeme Wearden writes on his business live blog, covering today’s unemployment figures. The full details are here.
UK job creation slows, but total wage growth hits 11-year high – business live
Anyone who has followed Boris Johnson’s career in detail will know that there is a long list of people who have put their trust in him and who at some point discover they have been let down. Are the DUP about to join the club?Anyone who has followed Boris Johnson’s career in detail will know that there is a long list of people who have put their trust in him and who at some point discover they have been let down. Are the DUP about to join the club?
As my colleague Lisa O’Carroll wrote in a post on this blog yesterday, there is increasing speculation that Boris Johnson is moving towards accepting some version of a Northern Ireland only backstop as a solution to the Brexit crisis. Newsnight’s Nicholas Watt went into this in more detail in a report yesterday. Here is an excerpt from a blog setting out his understanding of Johnson’s thinking. As my colleague Lisa O’Carroll wrote in a post on this blog yesterday, there is increasing speculation that Boris Johnson is moving towards accepting some version of a Northern Ireland-only backstop as a solution to the Brexit crisis. Newsnight’s Nicholas Watt went into this in more detail in a report yesterday. Here is an excerpt from a blog setting out his understanding of Johnson’s thinking.
The Tories familiar with Boris Johnson’s thinking say he is now willing to contemplate a version of the so-called “Northern Ireland only backstop”. Under this plan Northern Ireland would be closely bound to the EU on areas where there are already elements of an all Ireland economy - agriculture and electricity. The Tories familiar with Boris Johnson’s thinking say he is now willing to contemplate a version of the so-called “Northern Ireland-only backstop”. Under this plan Northern Ireland would be closely bound to the EU on areas where there are already elements of an all Ireland economy – agriculture and electricity.
But Great Britain would be free to chart its own course. That would free GB to have a free trade agreement with the EU but would create a border down the Irish Sea. All of that could be achieved by amending the backstop in the Brexit withdrawal agreement to apply only to Northern Ireland. The separate political declaration would be amended to say that a Canada Plus trade deal would be negotiated for Great Britain. The government would be wary of calling the new mechanism a backstop, because it regards the current backstop as anti-democratic. But Great Britain would be free to chart its own course. That would free GB to have a free trade agreement with the EU but would create a border down the Irish Sea. All of that could be achieved by amending the backstop in the Brexit withdrawal agreement to apply only to Northern Ireland. The separate political declaration would be amended to say that a Canada-plus trade deal would be negotiated for Great Britain. The government would be wary of calling the new mechanism a backstop, because it regards the current backstop as anti-democratic.
Downing St confirmed that a backstop in any form is unacceptable to the prime minister. But he is willing to recognise, as he told MPs last week, that “agri-food is increasingly managed on a common basis across the island of Ireland”.Downing St confirmed that a backstop in any form is unacceptable to the prime minister. But he is willing to recognise, as he told MPs last week, that “agri-food is increasingly managed on a common basis across the island of Ireland”.
But there is potentially a big problem with this plan. The DUP would oppose anything that would create a new regulatory border between Britain and Northern Ireland (although Watt, in his blog, quotes one source explaining why a version of this proposal might be acceptable to the unionists).But there is potentially a big problem with this plan. The DUP would oppose anything that would create a new regulatory border between Britain and Northern Ireland (although Watt, in his blog, quotes one source explaining why a version of this proposal might be acceptable to the unionists).
This morning Arlene Foster, the DUP leader, spoke to Sky News before flying to London. She said she would be speaking to Johnson later. Asked about the suggestions that Johnson was planning a Northern Ireland only backstop, she claimed this was “very wide of the mark”. Perhaps she is right, but it did sound a little as if she was not 100% convinced and as if she was seeking to lay down a marker to the PM. This morning Arlene Foster, the DUP leader, spoke to Sky News before flying to London. She said she would be speaking to Johnson later. Asked about the suggestions that Johnson was planning a Northern Ireland-only backstop, she claimed this was “very wide of the mark”. Perhaps she is right, but it did sound a little as if she was not 100% convinced and as if she was seeking to lay down a marker to the PM.
She told Sky News:She told Sky News:
There’s been a lot of speculation about that ... What we’re focused on is about getting a deal that works for the whole of the United Kingdom, one that works for Northern Ireland, one that does not have Northern Ireland hived off into a different customs union than the rest of the United Kingdom, breaking up the single market of the United Kingdom. That would be unheard off. To think that any United Kingdom prime minister would be involved in that sort of thing would just be an anathema. Jeremy Corbyn has said that in the past, our own prime minister has said that. So I think all of this speculation is very wide of the mark.There’s been a lot of speculation about that ... What we’re focused on is about getting a deal that works for the whole of the United Kingdom, one that works for Northern Ireland, one that does not have Northern Ireland hived off into a different customs union than the rest of the United Kingdom, breaking up the single market of the United Kingdom. That would be unheard off. To think that any United Kingdom prime minister would be involved in that sort of thing would just be an anathema. Jeremy Corbyn has said that in the past, our own prime minister has said that. So I think all of this speculation is very wide of the mark.
When it was put to her that some people might think she was being naive, and that Johnson was more committed to delivering Brexit than to sticking with the DUP, she replied:When it was put to her that some people might think she was being naive, and that Johnson was more committed to delivering Brexit than to sticking with the DUP, she replied:
What people are talking about is not delivering Brexit; what people are talking about is the break-up of the United Kingdom. That is not something that any prime minister in the United Kingdom is going to in any conscience go along with.What people are talking about is not delivering Brexit; what people are talking about is the break-up of the United Kingdom. That is not something that any prime minister in the United Kingdom is going to in any conscience go along with.
Parliament is not sitting, but there is still plenty of politics around. Here is the agenda for the day.Parliament is not sitting, but there is still plenty of politics around. Here is the agenda for the day.
9.30am: Boris Johnson chairs cabinet.9.30am: Boris Johnson chairs cabinet.
9.30am: Tony Blair, the former Labour prime minister, gives a speech at the launch of the King’s College London International School for Government.9.30am: Tony Blair, the former Labour prime minister, gives a speech at the launch of the King’s College London International School for Government.
10am: A new group, MPs for a Deal, to give a briefing. Its members include Stephen Kinnock, Rory Stewart, Norman Lamb and Caroline Flint.10am: A new group, MPs for a Deal, to give a briefing. Its members include Stephen Kinnock, Rory Stewart, Norman Lamb and Caroline Flint.
12pm: Downing Street lobby briefing.12pm: Downing Street lobby briefing.
After cabinet Johnson is due to do a school visit to promote government plans to open more free schools.After cabinet Johnson is due to do a school visit to promote government plans to open more free schools.
And Sky News is reporting that Arlene Foster, the DUP leader, is coming to London today. It is thought she will be meeting Johnson. I will post more on that shortly.And Sky News is reporting that Arlene Foster, the DUP leader, is coming to London today. It is thought she will be meeting Johnson. I will post more on that shortly.
Here is more from what Harriet Harman, the former Labour deputy leader, told the Today programme about how she would conduct herself if elected Commons Speaker. (See 8.27am.) She said:Here is more from what Harriet Harman, the former Labour deputy leader, told the Today programme about how she would conduct herself if elected Commons Speaker. (See 8.27am.) She said:
I think the Speaker has to be scrupulously neutral as between different views within the House.I think the Speaker has to be scrupulously neutral as between different views within the House.
The Speaker doesn’t vote, doesn’t take sides in debates.The Speaker doesn’t vote, doesn’t take sides in debates.
But, the Speaker is not neutral as between parliament and the executive.But, the Speaker is not neutral as between parliament and the executive.
The Speaker has to be on parliament’s side and stand up for parliament.The Speaker has to be on parliament’s side and stand up for parliament.
Asked about John Bercow’s conduct as Speaker, Harman said:Asked about John Bercow’s conduct as Speaker, Harman said:
He has been right to say to ministers: ‘You have got to come to the house. You have got to account for yourself.’He has been right to say to ministers: ‘You have got to come to the house. You have got to account for yourself.’
John Bercow, who is effectively working his notice as Speaker now, delivered a short speech from the chair as the prorogation ceremony was beginning early this morning condemning the government’s decision to prorogue for five weeks.John Bercow, who is effectively working his notice as Speaker now, delivered a short speech from the chair as the prorogation ceremony was beginning early this morning condemning the government’s decision to prorogue for five weeks.
Here is an extract from Hansard.Here is an extract from Hansard.
I have already made the point that if people have the manners to listen, which they have not, that I will play my part. This is not, however, a normal prorogation. It is not typical. It is not standard. It is one of the longest for decades, and it represents, not just in the minds of many colleagues but for huge numbers of people outside an act of executive fiat.I have already made the point that if people have the manners to listen, which they have not, that I will play my part. This is not, however, a normal prorogation. It is not typical. It is not standard. It is one of the longest for decades, and it represents, not just in the minds of many colleagues but for huge numbers of people outside an act of executive fiat.
I quite understand. I have already said that I respect Black Rod, who is doing her duty. The Queen’s Commissioners are doing their duty, and I will play my part. I completely understand. [Interruption.] It is not disorder. I do not require advice on order from you, Mr Stuart. You are a master of disorder, man. I completely understand why very large numbers of Members are much more comfortable staying where they are. Mr Stuart, if you do not like it, you are perfectly entitled to your view. I could not give a flying flamingo what your view is. [Interruption.] Thank you very much indeed.I quite understand. I have already said that I respect Black Rod, who is doing her duty. The Queen’s Commissioners are doing their duty, and I will play my part. I completely understand. [Interruption.] It is not disorder. I do not require advice on order from you, Mr Stuart. You are a master of disorder, man. I completely understand why very large numbers of Members are much more comfortable staying where they are. Mr Stuart, if you do not like it, you are perfectly entitled to your view. I could not give a flying flamingo what your view is. [Interruption.] Thank you very much indeed.
And here is some video.And here is some video.
Good morning. I’m Andrew Sparrow, taking over from Patrick Greenfield.Good morning. I’m Andrew Sparrow, taking over from Patrick Greenfield.
If you are interested in all the chaos and protest that erupted in the Commons in the early hours of this morning as parliament was prorogued, here is our overnight story.If you are interested in all the chaos and protest that erupted in the Commons in the early hours of this morning as parliament was prorogued, here is our overnight story.
Brexit: chants of 'shame' as suspension of parliament descends into chaosBrexit: chants of 'shame' as suspension of parliament descends into chaos
But if you want all the details, including the best tweets and the most candid pictures, do have a look at yesterday’s blog. My colleagues Mattha Busby and then Kate Lyons kept it going until 3.30am. It is a terrific read.But if you want all the details, including the best tweets and the most candid pictures, do have a look at yesterday’s blog. My colleagues Mattha Busby and then Kate Lyons kept it going until 3.30am. It is a terrific read.
Chaotic scenes in the Commons as parliament is suspended – as it happenedChaotic scenes in the Commons as parliament is suspended – as it happened
The mother of the house, Harriet Harman, has told the BBC that she will stand for the position of Speaker after John Bercow announced he would stand down on October 31. Harman insists that she would be a neutral figure in the house despite her support for remaining in the European Union.The mother of the house, Harriet Harman, has told the BBC that she will stand for the position of Speaker after John Bercow announced he would stand down on October 31. Harman insists that she would be a neutral figure in the house despite her support for remaining in the European Union.
Theresa May’s former advisers Nick Timothy and Fiona Hill have been included on her resignation honours list, provoking accusations of cronyism. They’ll both get CBEs while Robbie Gibb, her director of communications, will received a knighthood. You can read the full list following the link below.Theresa May’s former advisers Nick Timothy and Fiona Hill have been included on her resignation honours list, provoking accusations of cronyism. They’ll both get CBEs while Robbie Gibb, her director of communications, will received a knighthood. You can read the full list following the link below.
Theresa May accused of cronyism over resignation honours listTheresa May accused of cronyism over resignation honours list
Restoring power sharing in Stormont will surely be on the agenda in cabinet following a violent night in Derry on the Creggan estate. Police were attacked with petrol bombs and a device found in the city was an attempt to murder officers by the New IRA, according to the PSNI.Restoring power sharing in Stormont will surely be on the agenda in cabinet following a violent night in Derry on the Creggan estate. Police were attacked with petrol bombs and a device found in the city was an attempt to murder officers by the New IRA, according to the PSNI.
Petrol bombs thrown at police during rioting in Creggan Heights #Derry. Footage via @DerryFootage pic.twitter.com/EKSTtlubXKPetrol bombs thrown at police during rioting in Creggan Heights #Derry. Footage via @DerryFootage pic.twitter.com/EKSTtlubXK
Officers were carrying out searchings targeting dissident republicans.Officers were carrying out searchings targeting dissident republicans.
Command Wire Initiated Improvised Explosive Device located in Creggan made safe pic.twitter.com/3b40XTzeDtCommand Wire Initiated Improvised Explosive Device located in Creggan made safe pic.twitter.com/3b40XTzeDt
Yesterday, Boris Johnson and the Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar clashed on the prospect of resorting direct rule in Northern Ireland in the event of a no-deal Brexit. The Taoiseach said his government would oppose direct rule from London as it would violate the Good Friday agreement that ended decades of violence in Northern Ireland.Yesterday, Boris Johnson and the Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar clashed on the prospect of resorting direct rule in Northern Ireland in the event of a no-deal Brexit. The Taoiseach said his government would oppose direct rule from London as it would violate the Good Friday agreement that ended decades of violence in Northern Ireland.
The prime minister will host a cabinet meeting later today and there is be plenty to discuss with just 51 days to go until Brexit.The prime minister will host a cabinet meeting later today and there is be plenty to discuss with just 51 days to go until Brexit.
Former conservative MP Sir Oliver Letwin has told BBC Radio 4 that Boris Johnson should turn his attention to reaching an agreement with the European Union. Letwin says he would vote for “literally any deal” the government manages to agree with Brussels and he believes a large part of the house would also back an agreement. If he cannot get a majority to vote for the deal in the house, the prime minister should hold a referendum, Letwin adds.Former conservative MP Sir Oliver Letwin has told BBC Radio 4 that Boris Johnson should turn his attention to reaching an agreement with the European Union. Letwin says he would vote for “literally any deal” the government manages to agree with Brussels and he believes a large part of the house would also back an agreement. If he cannot get a majority to vote for the deal in the house, the prime minister should hold a referendum, Letwin adds.
He also suggests that Johnson could back a second referendum, despite the fact that he opposes one now. Letwin explains:He also suggests that Johnson could back a second referendum, despite the fact that he opposes one now. Letwin explains:
Boris has often changed his mind about many things. And that’s one of his advantages, that he is very flexible.Boris has often changed his mind about many things. And that’s one of his advantages, that he is very flexible.
Boris Johnson suspended parliament amid chaotic scenes in the early hours of Tuesday following his sixth parliamentary defeat in six days, as MPs voted to block a snap election and to force the publication of No 10’s secret preparations for a no-deal Brexit, writes our Rowena Mason.Boris Johnson suspended parliament amid chaotic scenes in the early hours of Tuesday following his sixth parliamentary defeat in six days, as MPs voted to block a snap election and to force the publication of No 10’s secret preparations for a no-deal Brexit, writes our Rowena Mason.
Boris Johnson loses sixth vote in six days as election bid failsBoris Johnson loses sixth vote in six days as election bid fails
Welsh Labour MP Anna McMorrin had the tweet of the night from the house.Welsh Labour MP Anna McMorrin had the tweet of the night from the house.
Democracy shut down. Parliament silenced. #shameful pic.twitter.com/yqSB9tI2ScDemocracy shut down. Parliament silenced. #shameful pic.twitter.com/yqSB9tI2Sc
Our data team have made a useful graphic that tells you which way your MP voted on calling a general election.Our data team have made a useful graphic that tells you which way your MP voted on calling a general election.
Did your MP vote for an early general election?Did your MP vote for an early general election?
Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the day’s political goings-on. I’ll be bringing you the latest political developments this morning until Andrew Sparrow is ready to take charge.Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the day’s political goings-on. I’ll be bringing you the latest political developments this morning until Andrew Sparrow is ready to take charge.
MPs met until the early hours on an another dramatic night in Westminster as parliament was suspended for five weeks at the request of Boris Johnson. The consternation of many MPs and the Speaker of the House, John Bercow, was clear, with the outgoing speaker describing the prorogation as “not typical”, “not standard” and as representing “an act of executive fiat”.MPs met until the early hours on an another dramatic night in Westminster as parliament was suspended for five weeks at the request of Boris Johnson. The consternation of many MPs and the Speaker of the House, John Bercow, was clear, with the outgoing speaker describing the prorogation as “not typical”, “not standard” and as representing “an act of executive fiat”.
There were chaotic scenes in the house as Bercow began proceedings to prorogue parliament, as a group of opposition MPs carrying signs reading “silenced” drowned out Black Rod as she tried to address the Speaker, the ritual that initiates the suspension.There were chaotic scenes in the house as Bercow began proceedings to prorogue parliament, as a group of opposition MPs carrying signs reading “silenced” drowned out Black Rod as she tried to address the Speaker, the ritual that initiates the suspension.
Several MPs were also involved in altercation near the Speaker’s chair, as they attempted to prevent him leaving his seat and attending the House of Lords, the next step in the formalities required for the suspension of parliament.Several MPs were also involved in altercation near the Speaker’s chair, as they attempted to prevent him leaving his seat and attending the House of Lords, the next step in the formalities required for the suspension of parliament.
Cries of “shame on you” rose from the opposition benches as government MPs left the chamber. Labour MPs, who remained in their seats after government MPs and the Speaker had left to attend the House of Lords, sang Jerusalem and Bread of Heaven.Cries of “shame on you” rose from the opposition benches as government MPs left the chamber. Labour MPs, who remained in their seats after government MPs and the Speaker had left to attend the House of Lords, sang Jerusalem and Bread of Heaven.
Parliament won’t sit today, or for the next five weeks, but we’re anticipating a lot of furious reaction. Join us as we bring you that and all of the day’s other news.Parliament won’t sit today, or for the next five weeks, but we’re anticipating a lot of furious reaction. Join us as we bring you that and all of the day’s other news.
Tweet me at @pgreenfielduk if you have any questions.Tweet me at @pgreenfielduk if you have any questions.