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Brexit: MPs vote against motion for recess for Tory conference – live news Brexit: MPs vote against motion for recess for Tory conference – live news
(32 minutes later)
Jacob Rees-Mogg has told MPs that he expects Sajid Javid to be in the Commons on Tuesday for Treasury questions, and Boris Johnson to be there on Wednesday, for PMQs, the Independent’s John Rentoul reports.
Rees-Mogg provisionally confirms the chancellor will take Treasury Qs on Tues and Johnson will take PMQs on Weds
Valerie Vaz, the shadow leader of the Commons, asks if Rees-Mogg can arrange for Geoffrey Cox, the attorney general, to apologise to the Commons for calling it “dead”.
She says Rees-Mogg himself should also apologise to the doctor he criticised, David Nicholl.
She asks Rees-Mogg to explain why he reportedly called the supreme court judgment at cabinet a “constitutional coup”.
And she asks how long a prorogation would need to be before a Queen’ speech.
Rees-Mogg says he would not describe parliament as dead himself. He would describe it as addled, like the 1614 parliament.
He says he is happy to repeat the apology to Nicholl he has already given.
On the “constitutional coup” comment, Rees-Mogg says cabinet minutes are revealed after 30 years. He tells Vaz:
Just because newspapers print gossip from cabinet meetings does not make it fact.
(Actually, the 30-year rule is becoming a 20-year rule.)
On prorogation, he says it does not take much time at all to get the Commons ready for the state opening of parliament. But quite a lot of changes have to be made in the Lords, he says. And he says before the ceremony the “unsightly barriers” outside the Houses of Parliament which are there for security purposes have to be removed.
Jacob Rees-Mogg, the leader of the Commons, delivers a business statement for next week.Jacob Rees-Mogg, the leader of the Commons, delivers a business statement for next week.
On Monday MPs will hold debates on Northern Ireland under the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Act. On Tuesday they will vote various statutory instruments. On Wednesday MPs will debate the second reading of the domestic abuse bill. And on Thursday there will be a general debate on women’s mental health, and on MoD spending.On Monday MPs will hold debates on Northern Ireland under the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Act. On Tuesday they will vote various statutory instruments. On Wednesday MPs will debate the second reading of the domestic abuse bill. And on Thursday there will be a general debate on women’s mental health, and on MoD spending.
Richard Burgon, the shadow justice secretary, is making a point of order.Richard Burgon, the shadow justice secretary, is making a point of order.
He says the Commons library has confirmed to him today that the soonest an election could take place would be Tuesday 5 November.He says the Commons library has confirmed to him today that the soonest an election could take place would be Tuesday 5 November.
This would be after the 31 October deadline for Brexit, he says.This would be after the 31 October deadline for Brexit, he says.
He asks the Speaker, John Bercow, to confirm this. Burgon says he think it is important for the public to understand that, even if Labour backed an election now, it could not take place before the PM’s deadline for Brexit.He asks the Speaker, John Bercow, to confirm this. Burgon says he think it is important for the public to understand that, even if Labour backed an election now, it could not take place before the PM’s deadline for Brexit.
Bercow confirms that this is his understanding of the rules.Bercow confirms that this is his understanding of the rules.
Boris Johnson has suffered another Commons defeat. MPs have voted down the government motion for a mini recess next week during the Tory conference by 306 votes to 289 – a majority of 17.Boris Johnson has suffered another Commons defeat. MPs have voted down the government motion for a mini recess next week during the Tory conference by 306 votes to 289 – a majority of 17.
The BBC’s Europe editor, Katya Adler, has posted a good thread on Twitter about the latest thinking within the EU as to what will happen with Brexit. She says EU sources think the chances of a deal at the October summit are now “pretty much nil”. Here are the first two tweets, but it is worth reading the whole thing (which you can do by clicking on the first post).The BBC’s Europe editor, Katya Adler, has posted a good thread on Twitter about the latest thinking within the EU as to what will happen with Brexit. She says EU sources think the chances of a deal at the October summit are now “pretty much nil”. Here are the first two tweets, but it is worth reading the whole thing (which you can do by clicking on the first post).
As EU watches open-mouthed the scenes in Westminster.. in Paris, Berlin, Dublin, Brussels and the rest - leaders are asking: What Next?? And since no one knows for sure, there’s some contingency planning going on /1As EU watches open-mouthed the scenes in Westminster.. in Paris, Berlin, Dublin, Brussels and the rest - leaders are asking: What Next?? And since no one knows for sure, there’s some contingency planning going on /1
Chances of getting a deal with UK by the EU leaders’ mid Oct summit were never seen here to be high. Now contacts describe the likelihood as « pretty much nil ». Remember EU governments would need to see the text of a legally operable alternative to the backstop b4 the summit /2Chances of getting a deal with UK by the EU leaders’ mid Oct summit were never seen here to be high. Now contacts describe the likelihood as « pretty much nil ». Remember EU governments would need to see the text of a legally operable alternative to the backstop b4 the summit /2
MPs are now voting on whether to have a mini-recess for the Tory conference.MPs are now voting on whether to have a mini-recess for the Tory conference.
There has been no debate. After a statement on climate change, they went straight into a vote on a government business motion saying the house should rise today and return next Thursday.There has been no debate. After a statement on climate change, they went straight into a vote on a government business motion saying the house should rise today and return next Thursday.
The Tory conference in Manchester starts on Sunday, and is due to finish on Wednesday.The Tory conference in Manchester starts on Sunday, and is due to finish on Wednesday.
Dismissing concerns that incendiary language can contribute to the culture leading to MPs getting death threats and Jo Cox being murdered as “humbug” (see 1.15pm) was probably the most provocative thing that Boris Johnson said last night. But another jaw-dropping moment came when he said: “The best way to honour the memory of Jo Cox, and indeed to bring this country together, would be, I think, to get Brexit done.”Dismissing concerns that incendiary language can contribute to the culture leading to MPs getting death threats and Jo Cox being murdered as “humbug” (see 1.15pm) was probably the most provocative thing that Boris Johnson said last night. But another jaw-dropping moment came when he said: “The best way to honour the memory of Jo Cox, and indeed to bring this country together, would be, I think, to get Brexit done.”
Cox, of course, was passionately anti-Brexit. She was killed by a far-right terrorist motivated by hatred for people he referred to as “collaborators” and “traitors”.Cox, of course, was passionately anti-Brexit. She was killed by a far-right terrorist motivated by hatred for people he referred to as “collaborators” and “traitors”.
Rachel Johnson, the prime minister’s sister, has joined those condemning the PM for his language, and on Sky she singled out this comment for particular criticism. She said:Rachel Johnson, the prime minister’s sister, has joined those condemning the PM for his language, and on Sky she singled out this comment for particular criticism. She said:
I do think it was particularly tasteless for those grieving a mother, MP and friend to say the best way to honour her memory is to deliver the thing she and her family campaigned against. I think it was a very tasteless way of referring to the memory of a murdered MP, murdered by someone who said “Britain first”, of the far right tendency, which you could argue is being whipped up by this sort of language.I do think it was particularly tasteless for those grieving a mother, MP and friend to say the best way to honour her memory is to deliver the thing she and her family campaigned against. I think it was a very tasteless way of referring to the memory of a murdered MP, murdered by someone who said “Britain first”, of the far right tendency, which you could argue is being whipped up by this sort of language.
In an interview with Sky, Rachel Johnson also criticised her brother’s language generally.In an interview with Sky, Rachel Johnson also criticised her brother’s language generally.
My brother is using words like surrender and capitulation as if the people standing in the way of the blessed will of the people as defined by 17.4m votes in 2016 should be hung, drawn, quartered, tarred and feathered. I think that is highly reprehensible language to use.My brother is using words like surrender and capitulation as if the people standing in the way of the blessed will of the people as defined by 17.4m votes in 2016 should be hung, drawn, quartered, tarred and feathered. I think that is highly reprehensible language to use.
Although close to her brother, Rachel Johnson has never agreed with him on Brexit. She voted remain, joined the Lib Dems after the referendum, and then switched to Change UK, who adopted her as a candidate during the European elections. Like all the Change UK candidates, she failed to get elected.Although close to her brother, Rachel Johnson has never agreed with him on Brexit. She voted remain, joined the Lib Dems after the referendum, and then switched to Change UK, who adopted her as a candidate during the European elections. Like all the Change UK candidates, she failed to get elected.
The prime minister's sister, Rachel Johnson, has said it was "tasteless" to say the best way to honour Jo Cox's murder is to deliver what she had campaigned against.Read more: https://t.co/siPGb217U7 pic.twitter.com/5KEZx7nzSWThe prime minister's sister, Rachel Johnson, has said it was "tasteless" to say the best way to honour Jo Cox's murder is to deliver what she had campaigned against.Read more: https://t.co/siPGb217U7 pic.twitter.com/5KEZx7nzSW
Here is a fuller version of what the Labour MP Jess Phillips said when she asked her urgent question about Boris Johnson’s language. (See 12.11pm.) She said:Here is a fuller version of what the Labour MP Jess Phillips said when she asked her urgent question about Boris Johnson’s language. (See 12.11pm.) She said:
The use of language yesterday and over the past few weeks such as the surrender bill, such as invoking the war, such as betrayal and treachery, it has clearly been tested, and workshopped and worked up and entirely designed to inflame hatred and division.The use of language yesterday and over the past few weeks such as the surrender bill, such as invoking the war, such as betrayal and treachery, it has clearly been tested, and workshopped and worked up and entirely designed to inflame hatred and division.
I get it, it works, it is working.I get it, it works, it is working.
It is not sincere, it is totally planned, it is completely and utterly a strategy designed by somebody to harm and cause hatred in our country.It is not sincere, it is totally planned, it is completely and utterly a strategy designed by somebody to harm and cause hatred in our country.
When I hear of my friend Jo Cox’s murder and the way that it has made me and my colleagues feel, and feel scared, described as humbug (see 1.15pm), I actually don’t feel anger towards the prime minister, I feel pity for those of you who have to toe his line.When I hear of my friend Jo Cox’s murder and the way that it has made me and my colleagues feel, and feel scared, described as humbug (see 1.15pm), I actually don’t feel anger towards the prime minister, I feel pity for those of you who have to toe his line.
The people opposite me know how appalling it was to describe the murder of my friend as mere humbug.The people opposite me know how appalling it was to describe the murder of my friend as mere humbug.
I want to ask the prime minister to apologise and to tell him that the bravest, strongest thing to say is sorry - it will make him look good, it will not upset the people who want Brexit in this country if he acts for once like a statesman.I want to ask the prime minister to apologise and to tell him that the bravest, strongest thing to say is sorry - it will make him look good, it will not upset the people who want Brexit in this country if he acts for once like a statesman.
Calling me names, putting words in my mouth and in the mouth of my dead friend makes me cross and angry, it makes me scared even, but I will not react, the prime minister wants me to react so I join in the chaos that keeps this hatred and fear on our streets.Calling me names, putting words in my mouth and in the mouth of my dead friend makes me cross and angry, it makes me scared even, but I will not react, the prime minister wants me to react so I join in the chaos that keeps this hatred and fear on our streets.
I simply ask the minister to request the prime minister, who’s notable by his bravery today, I ask him to ask the prime minister to meet with me in private with his advisers and some of his colleagues, and my friends from Jo’s family so we can explain our grief and try to make him understand why it is so abhorrent that he has chosen a strategy to divide rather than to lead.I simply ask the minister to request the prime minister, who’s notable by his bravery today, I ask him to ask the prime minister to meet with me in private with his advisers and some of his colleagues, and my friends from Jo’s family so we can explain our grief and try to make him understand why it is so abhorrent that he has chosen a strategy to divide rather than to lead.
Boris Johnson said many provocative things during his long statement to the Commons last night, but his most incendiary answer was probably the one he gave in response to a question from Labour’s Paula Sherriff. Jeremy Corbyn referred to it directly in his statement. (See 12.59pm.) For the record, here is Sherriff’s question, and Johnson’s answer, in full.Boris Johnson said many provocative things during his long statement to the Commons last night, but his most incendiary answer was probably the one he gave in response to a question from Labour’s Paula Sherriff. Jeremy Corbyn referred to it directly in his statement. (See 12.59pm.) For the record, here is Sherriff’s question, and Johnson’s answer, in full.
Sherriff asked:Sherriff asked:
I genuinely do not seek to stifle robust debate, but this evening the prime minister has continually used pejorative language to describe an act of parliament that was passed by this house. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, that we should not resort to the use of offensive, dangerous or inflammatory language about legislation that we do not like.I genuinely do not seek to stifle robust debate, but this evening the prime minister has continually used pejorative language to describe an act of parliament that was passed by this house. I am sure you would agree, Mr Speaker, that we should not resort to the use of offensive, dangerous or inflammatory language about legislation that we do not like.
We stand here, Mr Speaker, under the shield of our departed friend [Jo Cox]. Many of us in this place are subject to death threats and abuse every single day. Let me tell the prime minister that they often quote his words – surrender act, betrayal, traitor – and I, for one, am sick of it. We must moderate our language, and that has to come from the prime minister first, so I should be interested in hearing his opinion. He should be absolutely ashamed of himself.We stand here, Mr Speaker, under the shield of our departed friend [Jo Cox]. Many of us in this place are subject to death threats and abuse every single day. Let me tell the prime minister that they often quote his words – surrender act, betrayal, traitor – and I, for one, am sick of it. We must moderate our language, and that has to come from the prime minister first, so I should be interested in hearing his opinion. He should be absolutely ashamed of himself.
Johnson replied:Johnson replied:
I have to say that I have never heard such humbug in all my life. The reality is that this is a bill ...I have to say that I have never heard such humbug in all my life. The reality is that this is a bill ...
At that point there was so much uproar that the Speaker had to intervene. When Johnson got to speak again, he continued:At that point there was so much uproar that the Speaker had to intervene. When Johnson got to speak again, he continued:
Mr Speaker, let me just explain why I call it the surrender act. That is because it would oblige us to stay in the EU for month after month, at a cost of a billion pounds per month. It would take away from this country the ability to decide how long that extension would be, and it would give that power to the EU. It would absolutely undermine our ability to continue to negotiate properly in Brussels; it takes away the fundamental ability of a country to walk away from the negotiations, and I am afraid that is exactly what it does. If I may say so respectfully to opposition members who are getting very agitated about this, the best way to get rid of the surrender act is not to have voted for it in the first place, to repeal it, and to vote for the deal that we are going to do. That is the way forward.Mr Speaker, let me just explain why I call it the surrender act. That is because it would oblige us to stay in the EU for month after month, at a cost of a billion pounds per month. It would take away from this country the ability to decide how long that extension would be, and it would give that power to the EU. It would absolutely undermine our ability to continue to negotiate properly in Brussels; it takes away the fundamental ability of a country to walk away from the negotiations, and I am afraid that is exactly what it does. If I may say so respectfully to opposition members who are getting very agitated about this, the best way to get rid of the surrender act is not to have voted for it in the first place, to repeal it, and to vote for the deal that we are going to do. That is the way forward.
If you want to read the all the exchanges, the Hansard is available here. But it is a long read; the exchanges lasted for more than three hours.If you want to read the all the exchanges, the Hansard is available here. But it is a long read; the exchanges lasted for more than three hours.
David Gauke, the former Tory justice secretary, who now sits as an independent having had the whip removed over a Brexit rebellion, says at best what Boris Johnson said last night could be described as “deeply insensitive”. But Gauke says what he is concerned about is that the government is deliberately pursuing a strategy intended to entrench division. He asks the minister to confirm that this is not government policy.David Gauke, the former Tory justice secretary, who now sits as an independent having had the whip removed over a Brexit rebellion, says at best what Boris Johnson said last night could be described as “deeply insensitive”. But Gauke says what he is concerned about is that the government is deliberately pursuing a strategy intended to entrench division. He asks the minister to confirm that this is not government policy.
Foster says the Tories will go into the next election committed to uniting the country.Foster says the Tories will go into the next election committed to uniting the country.
Here is an extract from Jeremy Corbyn’s statement at the start of this UQ. (See 12.24pm.) Corbyn said:Here is an extract from Jeremy Corbyn’s statement at the start of this UQ. (See 12.24pm.) Corbyn said:
It’s extremely disappointing that the prime minister has not respected this house by attending here today.It’s extremely disappointing that the prime minister has not respected this house by attending here today.
The prime minister’s language and demeanour yesterday was frankly nothing short of disgraceful.The prime minister’s language and demeanour yesterday was frankly nothing short of disgraceful.
Three years ago our colleague, our member, Jo Cox, was murdered by a far-right activist shouting: ‘Britain First, this is for Britain.’ The language that politicians use matters and has real consequences.Three years ago our colleague, our member, Jo Cox, was murdered by a far-right activist shouting: ‘Britain First, this is for Britain.’ The language that politicians use matters and has real consequences.
To dismiss concerns from members about the death threats they receive and to dismiss concerns that the language by the prime minister is being repeated in those death threats is reprehensible.To dismiss concerns from members about the death threats they receive and to dismiss concerns that the language by the prime minister is being repeated in those death threats is reprehensible.
To dismiss those concerns in an abusive way as he did is completely unacceptable ...To dismiss those concerns in an abusive way as he did is completely unacceptable ...
I’ve written to all members of the parliamentary Labour party expressing my solidarity to my friends and set out the conduct expected of all colleagues.I’ve written to all members of the parliamentary Labour party expressing my solidarity to my friends and set out the conduct expected of all colleagues.
No side of this house, as you’ve said Mr Speaker, has a monopoly of virtue.No side of this house, as you’ve said Mr Speaker, has a monopoly of virtue.
Inappropriate language has been used by all sides. But we all have a duty to keep our debates political and not to descend into personal abuse.Inappropriate language has been used by all sides. But we all have a duty to keep our debates political and not to descend into personal abuse.
Labour’s Paula Sherriff says she asked Boris Johnson to moderate his language last night. She says she accepts that in the past she has heckled ministers loudly.Labour’s Paula Sherriff says she asked Boris Johnson to moderate his language last night. She says she accepts that in the past she has heckled ministers loudly.
She says she was horrified to see this tweet from the Tory MP Simon Clarke after her intervention last night.She says she was horrified to see this tweet from the Tory MP Simon Clarke after her intervention last night.
This is the face of the Labour Party today. Utterly toxic. https://t.co/YidW5GppfEThis is the face of the Labour Party today. Utterly toxic. https://t.co/YidW5GppfE
She says she would not refer to Clarke as honourable.She says she would not refer to Clarke as honourable.
She asks the Cabinet Office minster Kevin Foster if the government supports this.She asks the Cabinet Office minster Kevin Foster if the government supports this.
Foster says that the government wants MPs to moderate their language, but he does not comment on Clarke’s tweet.Foster says that the government wants MPs to moderate their language, but he does not comment on Clarke’s tweet.
The Labour MP Dame Margaret Hodge tells MPs that, when she came into the Commons last night, she felt as if she was attending a meeting of the Bullingdon Club.The Labour MP Dame Margaret Hodge tells MPs that, when she came into the Commons last night, she felt as if she was attending a meeting of the Bullingdon Club.
The Lib Dem MP Luciana Berger says, as someone who has seen six people convicted for hate crimes directed at her, she wants Boris Johnson to tone down his inflammatory language.The Lib Dem MP Luciana Berger says, as someone who has seen six people convicted for hate crimes directed at her, she wants Boris Johnson to tone down his inflammatory language.
Kevin Foster tells Berger that her party campaigned on the slogan “bollocks to Brexit”.Kevin Foster tells Berger that her party campaigned on the slogan “bollocks to Brexit”.
More on the 1922 Committee meeting. This is from the FT’s Jim Pickard.More on the 1922 Committee meeting. This is from the FT’s Jim Pickard.
Apparently the biggest cheer at the 1922 meeting of Tory MPs was when Julian Lewis called for an electoral pact with the Brexit Party and Boris Johnson rejected it, arguing it would repel as many voters as it would attractApparently the biggest cheer at the 1922 meeting of Tory MPs was when Julian Lewis called for an electoral pact with the Brexit Party and Boris Johnson rejected it, arguing it would repel as many voters as it would attract
Ed Miliband, the former Labour leader, tells the Commons that he never saw David Cameron use the sort of language Boris Johnson did yesterday.Ed Miliband, the former Labour leader, tells the Commons that he never saw David Cameron use the sort of language Boris Johnson did yesterday.
He says talking about “surrender” implies we are at war with Europe. But we are not at war with Europe and we are not at war with each other, he says. He says this language is intended to cause division.He says talking about “surrender” implies we are at war with Europe. But we are not at war with Europe and we are not at war with each other, he says. He says this language is intended to cause division.
Some people say this strategy will work. I say this strategy will not work because the British people are better than this.Some people say this strategy will work. I say this strategy will not work because the British people are better than this.