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Brexit: Boris Johnson to address MPs as minister brands parliament 'dead' with 'no moral right to sit' – live news Brexit: Boris Johnson to address MPs as minister brands parliament 'dead' with 'no moral right to sit' – live news
(32 minutes later)
Geoffrey Cox, the attorney general, told MPs earlier that the government would comply with the Benn Act that is intended to stop a no-deal Brexit on 31 October. (See 12.34pm.) But ITV’s political editor Robert Peston has had a message from a government source implying that, although the PM would be willing to write a letter to the EU formally requesting an article 50 extension (in the event of there being no Brexit deal by 19 October), he would also send a second letter containing all sorts of arguments intended to ensure that the EU would say no.Geoffrey Cox, the attorney general, told MPs earlier that the government would comply with the Benn Act that is intended to stop a no-deal Brexit on 31 October. (See 12.34pm.) But ITV’s political editor Robert Peston has had a message from a government source implying that, although the PM would be willing to write a letter to the EU formally requesting an article 50 extension (in the event of there being no Brexit deal by 19 October), he would also send a second letter containing all sorts of arguments intended to ensure that the EU would say no.
Peston himself is not one of those people included to use capital letters in his tweets, and so I’m presuming that the angry, Trump-style capitalisation comes from an original message sent by his source. Peston himself is not one of those people inclined to use capital letters in his tweets, and so I’m presuming that the angry, Trump-style capitalisation comes from an original message sent by his source.
BREAKING: Important clarification from senior government source of what Attorney General meant when he said @BorisJohnson would abide by Benn Act, that compels him in absence of a Brexit deal to write letter to EU requesting Brexit delay. Government source: “We will ‘comply’...BREAKING: Important clarification from senior government source of what Attorney General meant when he said @BorisJohnson would abide by Benn Act, that compels him in absence of a Brexit deal to write letter to EU requesting Brexit delay. Government source: “We will ‘comply’...
“with Benn Act IF and only if it is triggered (which it may not be, if there is a deal). That is NOT the same as ‘the PM will ask for a delay’! HOW we comply with the Benn Act is the real question, and also what would be in our SECOND letter”. In other words...“with Benn Act IF and only if it is triggered (which it may not be, if there is a deal). That is NOT the same as ‘the PM will ask for a delay’! HOW we comply with the Benn Act is the real question, and also what would be in our SECOND letter”. In other words...
Johnson still believes he can lawfully render the Benn Act nul and void, presumably by sending a second letter that would dissuade the EU from granting a delay. Lady Hale and the Supreme Court look set to be back in action before the end of October...Johnson still believes he can lawfully render the Benn Act nul and void, presumably by sending a second letter that would dissuade the EU from granting a delay. Lady Hale and the Supreme Court look set to be back in action before the end of October...
adjudicating on another momentous dispute between PM and parliament. Unless that is MPs become persuaded that the only safe way to avoid no deal on 31 October would be to remove and replace Johnson as prime minister.adjudicating on another momentous dispute between PM and parliament. Unless that is MPs become persuaded that the only safe way to avoid no deal on 31 October would be to remove and replace Johnson as prime minister.
Tom Watson, the deputy Labour leader and shadow culture secretary, is speaking now.Tom Watson, the deputy Labour leader and shadow culture secretary, is speaking now.
He says it is hard to see how the grant to Hacker House was justified. It was awarded under a scheme intended to develop cyber-skills in the UK. But this company is headquartered in California, and its owner lives in the US, he says. And it refuses to say how many employees it has in the UK, or where they work.He says it is hard to see how the grant to Hacker House was justified. It was awarded under a scheme intended to develop cyber-skills in the UK. But this company is headquartered in California, and its owner lives in the US, he says. And it refuses to say how many employees it has in the UK, or where they work.
Then he turns to Boris Johnson. Watson goes on:Then he turns to Boris Johnson. Watson goes on:
The truth is our prime minister does reckless things. He is a man whose character rends him unfit for the office he holds.The truth is our prime minister does reckless things. He is a man whose character rends him unfit for the office he holds.
Warman repeats his point about Johnson not being involved in the decision to award the grant to Hacker House. He criticises Watson for raising issues irrelevant to this issue.Warman repeats his point about Johnson not being involved in the decision to award the grant to Hacker House. He criticises Watson for raising issues irrelevant to this issue.
In the Commons Matt Warman, the culture minister, is answering an urgent question about the £100,000 grant to Hacker House - a company run by Jennifer Arcuri, a close friend of Boris Johnson’s.In the Commons Matt Warman, the culture minister, is answering an urgent question about the £100,000 grant to Hacker House - a company run by Jennifer Arcuri, a close friend of Boris Johnson’s.
He confirms that Hacker House has had a grant. He says the culture department is reviewing whether this grant was properly awarded.He confirms that Hacker House has had a grant. He says the culture department is reviewing whether this grant was properly awarded.
The Lib Dem MP Layla Moran, who tabled the UQ, says she is not interested in Johnson’s personal life. But she is interested in ensuring that the rules are followed. She says these grants are supposed to go to UK companies, but that this firm does not seem to be genuinely based in the UK. And she asks if Johnson was involved in the award of the grant.The Lib Dem MP Layla Moran, who tabled the UQ, says she is not interested in Johnson’s personal life. But she is interested in ensuring that the rules are followed. She says these grants are supposed to go to UK companies, but that this firm does not seem to be genuinely based in the UK. And she asks if Johnson was involved in the award of the grant.
Warman says Johnson and his staff were not involved in the decision to award this grant.Warman says Johnson and his staff were not involved in the decision to award this grant.
He says Hacker House is registered with Companies House as being based in the UK.He says Hacker House is registered with Companies House as being based in the UK.
He says he is happy to answer questions about whether this grant was properly awarded. But he says Moran should not be using this issue to “spread tittle-tattle”.He says he is happy to answer questions about whether this grant was properly awarded. But he says Moran should not be using this issue to “spread tittle-tattle”.
Cox has just finished.Cox has just finished.
At this rate, Boris Johnson is unlikely to be starting his statement before 5pm.At this rate, Boris Johnson is unlikely to be starting his statement before 5pm.
Cox has just implied that the government will bring forward another motion calling for a general election.Cox has just implied that the government will bring forward another motion calling for a general election.
It tried twice earlier in the month, but on both occasions failed to get get the support of two-thirds of MPs, as required under the Fixed-term Parliaments Act for an early election to happen.It tried twice earlier in the month, but on both occasions failed to get get the support of two-thirds of MPs, as required under the Fixed-term Parliaments Act for an early election to happen.
Phillip Lee, the former Tory MP who defected to the Lib Dems, told Cox he should be showing more humility. He asks him if he can say if he has given Downing Street legal advice on bypassing the Benn Act.Phillip Lee, the former Tory MP who defected to the Lib Dems, told Cox he should be showing more humility. He asks him if he can say if he has given Downing Street legal advice on bypassing the Benn Act.
Cox said that he was not allowed to say whether he had given legal advice on a topic or not. But he said Lee was not in a position to urge him to show more humility. Having been elected for one party, and now sitting for another without holding a byelection, Lee should be “on his knees” begging for forgiveness from his constituents, Cox said.Cox said that he was not allowed to say whether he had given legal advice on a topic or not. But he said Lee was not in a position to urge him to show more humility. Having been elected for one party, and now sitting for another without holding a byelection, Lee should be “on his knees” begging for forgiveness from his constituents, Cox said.
Amber Rudd, the former Tory work and pensions secretary who now sits as an independent having resigned over Brexit, tells Cox she objects to him calling this a “dead” parliament. She says it was only elected in 2017. She says, if it is divided, that is because it reflects the divisions in Britain.Amber Rudd, the former Tory work and pensions secretary who now sits as an independent having resigned over Brexit, tells Cox she objects to him calling this a “dead” parliament. She says it was only elected in 2017. She says, if it is divided, that is because it reflects the divisions in Britain.
Cox replies:Cox replies:
If I had not been driven to this language, I would not have used it.If I had not been driven to this language, I would not have used it.
But he was driven to use this language, he says. No one worked harder than he did to get a compromise deal through parliament, he says. He goes on:But he was driven to use this language, he says. No one worked harder than he did to get a compromise deal through parliament, he says. He goes on:
I have now reached a sad conclusion that this parliament is no longer worth sitting. It should be gone, for any good it is doing.I have now reached a sad conclusion that this parliament is no longer worth sitting. It should be gone, for any good it is doing.
Here is a full version of what Geoffrey Cox said about parliament being a “disgrace” with “no moral right to sit”. He was responding to a question from Rory Stewart, the former international development secretary who lost the Tory whip after rebelling over Brexit. Cox said:Here is a full version of what Geoffrey Cox said about parliament being a “disgrace” with “no moral right to sit”. He was responding to a question from Rory Stewart, the former international development secretary who lost the Tory whip after rebelling over Brexit. Cox said:
I would agree with him that parliament has to determine the terms on which we leave, but this parliament has declined three times to pass a withdrawal act, with which the opposition – in relation to the withdrawal act – had absolutely no objection.I would agree with him that parliament has to determine the terms on which we leave, but this parliament has declined three times to pass a withdrawal act, with which the opposition – in relation to the withdrawal act – had absolutely no objection.
Then we now have a wide number of this house setting its face against leaving at all. And when this government draws the only logical inference from that position, which is that it must leave therefore without any deal at all, it still sets its face, denying the electorate the chance of having its say in how this matter should be resolved.Then we now have a wide number of this house setting its face against leaving at all. And when this government draws the only logical inference from that position, which is that it must leave therefore without any deal at all, it still sets its face, denying the electorate the chance of having its say in how this matter should be resolved.
This parliament is a dead parliament. It should no longer sit. It has no moral right to sit on these green benches ...This parliament is a dead parliament. It should no longer sit. It has no moral right to sit on these green benches ...
They don’t like to hear it Mr Speaker. Twice they have been asked to let the electorate decide upon whether they should be allowed to sit in their seats, while they block 17.4 million people’s vote. This parliament is a disgrace.They don’t like to hear it Mr Speaker. Twice they have been asked to let the electorate decide upon whether they should be allowed to sit in their seats, while they block 17.4 million people’s vote. This parliament is a disgrace.
Given the opportunity, since I am asked, let me tell them the truth: they could vote no confidence at any time, but they are too cowardly. They could agree to a motion to allow this house to dissolve but they are too cowardly.Given the opportunity, since I am asked, let me tell them the truth: they could vote no confidence at any time, but they are too cowardly. They could agree to a motion to allow this house to dissolve but they are too cowardly.
This parliament should have the courage to face the electorate. But it won’t, because so many of them are really all about preventing us leaving the European Union at all.This parliament should have the courage to face the electorate. But it won’t, because so many of them are really all about preventing us leaving the European Union at all.
But the time is coming, the time is coming Mr Speaker, when even these turkeys won’t be able to prevent Christmas.But the time is coming, the time is coming Mr Speaker, when even these turkeys won’t be able to prevent Christmas.
Cox has just told MPs that in future it might make sense for appointments to the supreme court to be approved by parliament.Cox has just told MPs that in future it might make sense for appointments to the supreme court to be approved by parliament.
In response to a question about whether allowing MPs to confirm judicial appointments would be necessary if the courts became more political, he said MPs might have to “reflect” on that. He said Brexit would mean “we are going to have to look again at our constitutional arrangements”. As the UK left the EU, a “great gap” would open up in the law, he said.In response to a question about whether allowing MPs to confirm judicial appointments would be necessary if the courts became more political, he said MPs might have to “reflect” on that. He said Brexit would mean “we are going to have to look again at our constitutional arrangements”. As the UK left the EU, a “great gap” would open up in the law, he said.
One matter may very well be whether there needs to be parliamentary scrutiny of judicial appointments in some manner.One matter may very well be whether there needs to be parliamentary scrutiny of judicial appointments in some manner.
But Cox said that he personally would not be “enthusiastic” about the idea.But Cox said that he personally would not be “enthusiastic” about the idea.
Jacob Rees Mogg, the leader of the House of Commons, is expected to lay out government business this afternoon. He is expected to request a short break for Conservative Party conference - a proposal which Jeremy Corbyn said they could oppose.Jacob Rees Mogg, the leader of the House of Commons, is expected to lay out government business this afternoon. He is expected to request a short break for Conservative Party conference - a proposal which Jeremy Corbyn said they could oppose.
The Conservative party has indicated it will continue with conference, scheduled to take place in Manchester from Sunday to Wednesday next week, whatever is decided by Parliament. James Cleverly, the party’s co-chairman, has Tweeted that it will go ahead.The Conservative party has indicated it will continue with conference, scheduled to take place in Manchester from Sunday to Wednesday next week, whatever is decided by Parliament. James Cleverly, the party’s co-chairman, has Tweeted that it will go ahead.
A debate could be held on any proposed break as early as Thursday. If the government loses that vote, it could give the Conservatives a real headache.A debate could be held on any proposed break as early as Thursday. If the government loses that vote, it could give the Conservatives a real headache.
Conference is a highly lucrative event for the party. If a break is not formally supported, it could force Tory ministers and MPs to return from conference events for votes.Conference is a highly lucrative event for the party. If a break is not formally supported, it could force Tory ministers and MPs to return from conference events for votes.
One option for the government would be to table non-controversial bills for next week, which would take up most of the day. However, they might still have to return for major votes.One option for the government would be to table non-controversial bills for next week, which would take up most of the day. However, they might still have to return for major votes.
It has also emerged that the government’s opponents in parliament could apply to the high court asking for a civil servant to go to Brussels if Boris Johnson has not brought back a deal by October 19th and refuses to request an article 50 extension.It has also emerged that the government’s opponents in parliament could apply to the high court asking for a civil servant to go to Brussels if Boris Johnson has not brought back a deal by October 19th and refuses to request an article 50 extension.
It is understood that an application would be made at the Royal Courts of Justice to direct a high ranking civil servant, possibly the cabinet secretary Mark Sedwill, to carry out parliament’s duty.It is understood that an application would be made at the Royal Courts of Justice to direct a high ranking civil servant, possibly the cabinet secretary Mark Sedwill, to carry out parliament’s duty.
The Queen’s speech, scheduled for October 14, is where the government will set out its agenda and forthcoming priorities.The Queen’s speech, scheduled for October 14, is where the government will set out its agenda and forthcoming priorities.
A vote is scheduled to take place five days later on October 21, where MPs will debate the measures put forward by the government.A vote is scheduled to take place five days later on October 21, where MPs will debate the measures put forward by the government.
Nick Boles, the former Conservative who now sits as an independent, asked Cox if he could give MPs an assurance that the government would abide by the Benn Act in the event of the government not agreeing a Brexit deal. In those circumstances, the act says, the PM must request a three-month Brexit extension.Nick Boles, the former Conservative who now sits as an independent, asked Cox if he could give MPs an assurance that the government would abide by the Benn Act in the event of the government not agreeing a Brexit deal. In those circumstances, the act says, the PM must request a three-month Brexit extension.
Cox gave a clear answer: “Yes.”Cox gave a clear answer: “Yes.”