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Brexit: Varadkar says PM's plans 'do not fully meet agreed objectives' – live news Brexit: Varadkar says PM's plans 'do not fully meet agreed objectives' – live news
(32 minutes later)
Labour MP Stephen Kinnock has signalled that he might support the PM’s proposals.
This from BBC Wales:
Could @SKinnock back the UK Government’s proposed Brexit Deal? His response here... pic.twitter.com/uoqdnr6fRO
This from the Daily Mirror’s political editor Pippa Crerar:
Blame the EU. Blame Parliament. Blame the courts. If Boris Johnson breaks his ‘do or die’ pledge, it won’t be his fault. https://t.co/XtQ8bIcpoi
The MP Mike Gapes, who left the Labour party in February to form what is now known as Change UK - the Independent Group, has described the government’s new withdrawal proposals as a “No Deal Scam” and a “Trojan Horse”.
There is nothing fair or reasonable in this plan. It is a No Deal Scam. It is a Trojan Horse which will jeopardise the Good Friday Agreement and also undermine the future prosperity of the United Kingdom. https://t.co/hr8qPiDUUK
The Independent’s John Rentoul reports that Michael Gove will tell Peston tonight that he believes the new proposal has “got a very good chance of getting through” the Commons if the EU accepts it.
“A pretty solid majority” in the Commons for the new Brexit deal, says Michael Gove to @Peston, ITV, 2245 tonight pic.twitter.com/F6huAvT5ug
Guy Verhofstadt, a member of the pro-European Renew Europe group in the EU parliament and chair of the European parliament’s Brexit steering group, said earlier that he would publish a statement tomorrow detailing ”what is not acceptable” about the PM’s proposals.
“The reaction of the Brexit steering group was not positive”Guy Verhofstadt, European Parliament’s Brexit Steering group chair says Britain’s latest Brexit proposals do not have “the safeguards Ireland needs”https://t.co/wVD3Abd5l5 pic.twitter.com/QBTzNpBImW
Buzzfeed’s Alex Wickham reports that aides of the PM have instructed Tory MPs via a memo on how to play the blame game if the EU rejects Johnson’s proposals.Buzzfeed’s Alex Wickham reports that aides of the PM have instructed Tory MPs via a memo on how to play the blame game if the EU rejects Johnson’s proposals.
NEW: Boris Johnson's senior aides have ordered Tory MPs to call the EU 'crazy' if it rejects their new Brexit proposalsInternal memo sent tonight reveals how the govt plans to blame Brussels for 'ending negotiations' if talks break downRead it here: https://t.co/LzJt12yjLqNEW: Boris Johnson's senior aides have ordered Tory MPs to call the EU 'crazy' if it rejects their new Brexit proposalsInternal memo sent tonight reveals how the govt plans to blame Brussels for 'ending negotiations' if talks break downRead it here: https://t.co/LzJt12yjLq
An extract of the memo reads:An extract of the memo reads:
If the EU maintains the position that in effect Northern Ireland is never allowed to leave the Customs Union, then it is impossible to negotiate any deal - in which case there will be checks according to the Commission’s own logic. This will be seen by everybody as a crazy policy. We have offered a compromise to avoid this situation.If the EU maintains the position that in effect Northern Ireland is never allowed to leave the Customs Union, then it is impossible to negotiate any deal - in which case there will be checks according to the Commission’s own logic. This will be seen by everybody as a crazy policy. We have offered a compromise to avoid this situation.
It ends with a statement hat will infuriate MPs who voted for the Benn bill, which has enshrined in law that the PM must seek another extension if no deal is passed by October 19:It ends with a statement hat will infuriate MPs who voted for the Benn bill, which has enshrined in law that the PM must seek another extension if no deal is passed by October 19:
Government policy is to oppose any further delay which would be extremely damaging for democratic politics and the economy.Government policy is to oppose any further delay which would be extremely damaging for democratic politics and the economy.
Here is the blame game memo— if Brussels refuses to negotiate on Northern Ireland customs, No10 will say the EU is "crazy" and has made a deal "impossible"— it would be the EU that "ends negotiations" if this happens, Boris Johnson's aides claimhttps://t.co/LzJt12yjLq pic.twitter.com/ha77AIw1g9Here is the blame game memo— if Brussels refuses to negotiate on Northern Ireland customs, No10 will say the EU is "crazy" and has made a deal "impossible"— it would be the EU that "ends negotiations" if this happens, Boris Johnson's aides claimhttps://t.co/LzJt12yjLq pic.twitter.com/ha77AIw1g9
The memo also states, however, that the government is “obviously happy to negotiate details”, adding to efforts by No 10 to distance itself from previous assertions that this proposal would be a “final” offer.The memo also states, however, that the government is “obviously happy to negotiate details”, adding to efforts by No 10 to distance itself from previous assertions that this proposal would be a “final” offer.
The Labour MP Ruth Smeeth has responded to reports that she and her colleague Gareth Snell would support the PM’s new deal if the EU agreed.The Labour MP Ruth Smeeth has responded to reports that she and her colleague Gareth Snell would support the PM’s new deal if the EU agreed.
Both MPs represent Leave constituencies, but voted against Theresa May’s deal three times.Both MPs represent Leave constituencies, but voted against Theresa May’s deal three times.
Twitter is always home to speculation but to clear up any confusion neither @gareth_snell nor I have changed our position. We want a deal that works for the Potteries. That protects our constituents and honours the Good Friday agreement. If the EU 27 support it then so will I.Twitter is always home to speculation but to clear up any confusion neither @gareth_snell nor I have changed our position. We want a deal that works for the Potteries. That protects our constituents and honours the Good Friday agreement. If the EU 27 support it then so will I.
On September 10, a cross-party group of MPs, nicknamed “MPs for a Deal”, was launched in Westminster, aiming to bring back a version of May’s deal for another vote. The group also called on Boris Johnson to put a new deal before MPs by October 14.On September 10, a cross-party group of MPs, nicknamed “MPs for a Deal”, was launched in Westminster, aiming to bring back a version of May’s deal for another vote. The group also called on Boris Johnson to put a new deal before MPs by October 14.
Both Smeeth and Snell are members, and, like the rest of the group, desperate to avoid a no deal exit.Both Smeeth and Snell are members, and, like the rest of the group, desperate to avoid a no deal exit.
When May’s deal failed to pass parliament for the third time on March 29, only five Labour MP’s supported it. Stephen Kinnock, also a member of MPs for a Deal, claimed last month that up to 50 Labour MPs could back a deal at the next opportunity.When May’s deal failed to pass parliament for the third time on March 29, only five Labour MP’s supported it. Stephen Kinnock, also a member of MPs for a Deal, claimed last month that up to 50 Labour MPs could back a deal at the next opportunity.
My colleague Heather Stewart has written a piece on Labour’s reaction to Boris Johnson’s proposal, in which she quotes shadow chancellor John McDonnell calling the PM’s plans “a cynical attempt to force through a no-deal Brexit”.My colleague Heather Stewart has written a piece on Labour’s reaction to Boris Johnson’s proposal, in which she quotes shadow chancellor John McDonnell calling the PM’s plans “a cynical attempt to force through a no-deal Brexit”.
PM's Brexit plan 'neither credible nor workable', claims LabourPM's Brexit plan 'neither credible nor workable', claims Labour
DUP leader Arlene Foster on why her party would support the PM’s proposed new deal:DUP leader Arlene Foster on why her party would support the PM’s proposed new deal:
This is a sensible way forward. It allows the people of Northern Ireland consent in a way not provided by the anti-democratic backstop. We hope that people will look at it in a serious way.https://t.co/R2EMusDWsF pic.twitter.com/AnJ17Qdic0This is a sensible way forward. It allows the people of Northern Ireland consent in a way not provided by the anti-democratic backstop. We hope that people will look at it in a serious way.https://t.co/R2EMusDWsF pic.twitter.com/AnJ17Qdic0
Here an interesting tweet from Labour peer Stewart Wood on a clever rewording of “customs clearance centres” from the government.Here an interesting tweet from Labour peer Stewart Wood on a clever rewording of “customs clearance centres” from the government.
Only yesterday, Boris Johnson had said that customs clearance centres would not be part of the government’s new withdrawal agreement proposals.Only yesterday, Boris Johnson had said that customs clearance centres would not be part of the government’s new withdrawal agreement proposals.
On Monday the Govt adamantly denied they were about to propose "customs clearance centres" either side of the Irish border. Today their proposal was published. They propose "designated centres". Congratulations to the adviser who invented a brilliant new name for the same thing.On Monday the Govt adamantly denied they were about to propose "customs clearance centres" either side of the Irish border. Today their proposal was published. They propose "designated centres". Congratulations to the adviser who invented a brilliant new name for the same thing.
As expected, Boris Johnson is being accused of trying to avoid parliamentary scrutiny by proroguing parliament again, in this instance by Labour MP Liz McInnes:
Why is Boris Johnson so scared of #PMQs? Seems to me he’ll do anything to get out of it - he’s only done it once since he became Prime Minister! https://t.co/Rk8zjYbdZp
Labour MP Hillary Benn has sharply criticised the PM’s proposals, and told Channel 4 that he does not think the plan upholds the principles of the Good Friday agreement.
"This is even worse than Theresa May's deal."Labour MP Hillary Benn criticises Boris Johnson's Brexit plan, saying "Theresa May at least followed through on her commitment to keep an open border in Northern Ireland." pic.twitter.com/bTjVn7RyNE
This from the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg on the reaction of Leo Varadkar to the proposals:
no commitment to go immediately into serious talks in the 'tunnel', but nor is there an immediate dismissal of the proposals.... makes it extremely hard to tell if there is any real chance of this getting off the ground or not https://t.co/u4sf9k4Rjd
The Labour MPs Ruth Smeeth and Gareth Snell have expressed support for Boris Johnson’s new withdrawal deal proposals, provided it would ever reach the Commons for a vote.
This from the BBC’s Nicholas Watt:
Gareth Snell and Ruth Smeeth have just told me they will vote for Boris Johnson’s #brexit deal if it is approved by the EU. They are two of the more prominent Labour MPs who represent Leave voting seats
The support of Smeeth and Snell could be significant for PM in parliament if the EU agrees to his deal. Looks like the DUP and the Brexiteer spartans on board. Add these two Labour MPs to the five who supported Theresa May’s deal in March and the PM is closing in
All of these parliamentary calculations are on the basis of the EU agreeing to PM’s offer. A minister, who is very keen to secure a deal, says of the Gareth Snell and Ruth Smeeth announcement: “That is all very well. But the EU is not going to agree to the PM’s offer.”
And this just in from the BBC’s Katya Adler, on reactions of EU leaders to the new proposals and possible developments over the comings days and weeks:
Appreciation in EU circles this evening, of advances the PM perceived to have made on his regulatory offer since UKs informal ‘non papers’ on how to replace backstop. “I’m impressed” a key EU diplomat told me, describing himself as “lightly more optimistic” as a result BUT /1
Aside from other EU concerns with the PMs proposal, customs remains main sticking point. There EU contacts say the PM hasn’t budged his position despite EU repeatedly explaining their concerns re dangers to single market (smuggling) and to NIreland peace process /2
BUT sense in Brussels that the take it or leave it rhetoric of the PM was aimed at UK audience and that he’s willing to negotiate further in Brussels. Diplomats welcome PMs use of expression ‘broad landing zone’ however .. /3
This does not mean EU thinks a deal likely by the mid October EU leaders summit. Quite the opposite. Everyone I speak to believes it to be very unlikely. And only slightly less unlikely that a deal can be sealed by end of the month /4
Apart from it not bring clear how far the EU (Varadkar is key here) is willing to compromise +how far the PM will still move .. the very fractious +divided European Parliament has to approve deal (remember MEPs approved a motion saying deal without backstop is impossible?) AND /5
Then there’s the seething UK Parliament which also would have to approve a deal .. SO a long uncertain road ahead. Expect many, many questions from EU on legal text of the UK proposals over the coming days But ../6
Tonight at least EU goes to bed feeling less hopeless and doom and gloomy than it frankly expected to be on receiving the Johnson proposals /7
The BBC’s economics editor Faisal Islam has made an important point about the PM’s new withdrawal proposals and has flagged up that the government explicitly states in the new text that there is “no need” for a “level playing field” between the UK and the EU - a point that carried significance in previous negotiations, particularly in regard to the future relationship between the UK and the Euro bloc.
3 Lab MPs say signed up to deal having held out for MORE guarantees on keeping regulatory standards with EU, but this designed around “no need for extensive level playing field commitments” on worker/economic/ environmental standards “envisaged in previous [backstop] protocol” .. pic.twitter.com/GCOHShoTwk
The Political Declaration is surely ripped up alongside this Johnson announcement - there were three significant references to level playing field commitments in that document, now not sought/ “no need”. Can’t just be snipped out...Is Govt even seeking a PD? pic.twitter.com/O9gS5yLHlo
My colleagues Richard Partington and Rob Davies have written a story about the potentially “severe” damage the PM’s new backstop proposals could inflict on Northern Ireland’s economy.
Boris Johnson Brexit plan 'risks damaging Northern Ireland economy'
Meanwhile, the Domestic Abuse Bill has passed its second reading in parliament without a vote, unanimously supported by MPs. A carry over motion was passed to ensure the bill does not collapse if parliament is prorogued again next week.
This from Jess Phillips MP:
Minister has announced that today there is a carry over motion so the Domestic Abuse Bill will not fall again in Prorogation 2.0. For all who raised their voices thanks so much.
This from Brigid Fowler, senior researcher at the Hansard Society:
#DomesticAbuseBill has received its 2rd reading & the carry-over motion has just been agreed, so the Bill will survive next week's prorogation, & proceedings can continue on it in the new parly session (assuming prorogation & new session happen as gov plans)
For those of you wondering what the implications of another prorogation of parliament would be - it’s not entirely clear at this point.
What is for certain is that the Supreme Court judgment that ruled the last prorogation unlawful did not preclude the possibility of another, shorter prorogation, a detail the government is leaning on now.
Another prorogation on Tuesday would get the PM out of PMQs, which he will surely be criticised for by MPs.
This from ITV’s Robert Peston:
A couple of things about Queen’s Speech on 14 October. Will MPs try to block short prorogation at end of next week? And when vote of government’s programme comes on 21 or 22 October, and when government is defeated, how at that point could Boris Johnson continue in office? Murky
Here the full statement of Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar following a call with Boris Johnson:
The Taoiseach and the UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson spoke by phone this evening, shortly before 6pm.
They discussed the latest proposals from the UK.
The Taoiseach said the proposals do not fully meet the agreed objectives of the backstop.
However, he indicated that he would study them in further detail, and would consult with the EU institutions, including the Task Force and our EU partners.
The Taoiseach expects to speak with European Council President Donald Tusk, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, and with other EU heads of Government over the coming days.
This will include the Swedish and Danish Prime Ministers, with whom the Taoiseach has bilateral meetings on Thursday and Friday in their capitals.
The Taoiseach said he wants to see a deal agreed and ratified, and will continue to work in unity with our EU partners to this end.
The Taoiseach and the Prime Minister agreed they would speak again next week.