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Brexit: Bercow refuses to allow 'meaningful vote' on deal today - live news Brexit: full text of withdrawal agreement bill published - live news
(32 minutes later)
The Liberal Democrat shadow Brexit secretary, Tom Brake, has responded to the publication of the withdrawal agreement bill, saying:
The Tory Brexit plan would hurt jobs, the environment and vital public services including the NHS. The Conservative government is trying to crash this bill through Parliament before anyone realises just how bad it is.
MPs have had a chance to vote on Brexit again and again, yet as the Conservative government bring another withdrawal agreement to parliament they still refuse to let the people have the final say. If parliamentarians can change their minds then the people should be able to too.
Liberal Democrats will continue to fight to stop Brexit. Our priority is to secure a People’s Vote with the option to stay in the EU.
The government has published the full text of the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) bill.
The document, which sets out how the government intends to implement the Brexit deal, runs to 110 pages and MPs have been given until Thursday to scrutinise it and vote on it.
Here’s a brief look at it, courtesy of Huffington Post UK’s Paul Waugh:
Here it is! pic.twitter.com/cA4XsrYl6E
Paper version hot off the press at the Vote Office.It's 110 pages long.Explanatory notes are 125 pages long. pic.twitter.com/TSjbACPkJk
Key Clauses 32 33 and 34.32 repeals need for Meaningful Vote (another bit of Grieve innivstion dies).33 disapplies CRAG34 inserts Workers Rights into legislation. pic.twitter.com/fCM5QMyVN5
The immunity arrangements for US personnel and their families at the RAF Croughton annex will be reviewed in the aftermath of the death of Harry Dunn, the foreign secretary Dominic Raab has said. He has told MPs:
We will continue to fight for justice for them. I’ve already commissioned a review of the immunity arrangements for US personnel and their families at the Croughton annex holding privileges and immunities under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
As this case has demonstrated, I do not believe the current arrangements are right and the review will look at how we can make sure that the arrangements at Croughton cannot be used in this way again.
Gove has confirmed that direct rule of Northern Ireland by Westminster would be necessary if Stormont is not back up and running once Brexit goes through. But he says it’s a step “no one should take lightly”.Gove has confirmed that direct rule of Northern Ireland by Westminster would be necessary if Stormont is not back up and running once Brexit goes through. But he says it’s a step “no one should take lightly”.
In response, the shadow Cabinet Office minister, Jon Trickett, said:In response, the shadow Cabinet Office minister, Jon Trickett, said:
The prime minister thinks the only way to get legislation for this sellout deal through this House of Commons is to bully and blackmail MPs with the threat of no deal.The prime minister thinks the only way to get legislation for this sellout deal through this House of Commons is to bully and blackmail MPs with the threat of no deal.
But the prime minister has lost the consent of the House. He double-crossed the DUP. He’s taken a bulldozer to most of our procedures.But the prime minister has lost the consent of the House. He double-crossed the DUP. He’s taken a bulldozer to most of our procedures.
He reminds me more than anything else of acting in the manner of the Godfather, casting confetti at a Mafia family wedding in the way that he’s disposed of the goodwill of the House.He reminds me more than anything else of acting in the manner of the Godfather, casting confetti at a Mafia family wedding in the way that he’s disposed of the goodwill of the House.
Continuing his statement, Gove said:Continuing his statement, Gove said:
It remains the case that Northern Ireland will face unique challenges in a no-deal Brexit and we will need to take steps to ensure effective governance and to give direction to the Northern Ireland civil service.It remains the case that Northern Ireland will face unique challenges in a no-deal Brexit and we will need to take steps to ensure effective governance and to give direction to the Northern Ireland civil service.
This arrangement settlement has been sustainable to date, but leaving without a deal would represent a formidable challenge to the current position.This arrangement settlement has been sustainable to date, but leaving without a deal would represent a formidable challenge to the current position.
In that case, we would have to start formal engagement with the Irish government about further arrangements for providing strengthened decision-making, and that would include the real possibility of restoring a form of direct rule.In that case, we would have to start formal engagement with the Irish government about further arrangements for providing strengthened decision-making, and that would include the real possibility of restoring a form of direct rule.
We will, of course, do everything to ensure that the interests of all communities across Ireland were safeguarded in any arrangements.We will, of course, do everything to ensure that the interests of all communities across Ireland were safeguarded in any arrangements.
We all must recognise that this would be a gravestone, from which experience shows us it would be hard to return, particularly in the context of leaving without a deal.We all must recognise that this would be a gravestone, from which experience shows us it would be hard to return, particularly in the context of leaving without a deal.
Madame deputy speaker, even as we prepare for the challenges of no-deal, we will make the case at every forum that we can for leaving with a good deal.Madame deputy speaker, even as we prepare for the challenges of no-deal, we will make the case at every forum that we can for leaving with a good deal.
Delivering a statement to MPs on the government’s preparations for a no-deal Brexit, the minister responsible – Michael Gove – has said:Delivering a statement to MPs on the government’s preparations for a no-deal Brexit, the minister responsible – Michael Gove – has said:
Parliament had the opportunity on Saturday to support a meaningful vote which would have allowed us to proceed smoothly to ratification of our deal and exit on 31 October. But the House instead voted in such a way as to put an orderly exit on that day in doubt.Parliament had the opportunity on Saturday to support a meaningful vote which would have allowed us to proceed smoothly to ratification of our deal and exit on 31 October. But the House instead voted in such a way as to put an orderly exit on that day in doubt.
With no clear agreement yet in this House to ratify our withdrawal agreement and no certainty that an extension will be granted by 31 October, I must I fear take the appropriate steps now to prepare for the increased possibility that the legal default position will follow, and we will leave on 31 October without a deal.With no clear agreement yet in this House to ratify our withdrawal agreement and no certainty that an extension will be granted by 31 October, I must I fear take the appropriate steps now to prepare for the increased possibility that the legal default position will follow, and we will leave on 31 October without a deal.
The clear advice to me now from officials is that we must now intensify contingency arrangements.The clear advice to me now from officials is that we must now intensify contingency arrangements.
We will now accelerate our efforts to help businesses and individuals mitigate any dislocation and disruption that may ensue.We will now accelerate our efforts to help businesses and individuals mitigate any dislocation and disruption that may ensue.
Hundreds of public servants across the UK will have to be redeployed, they will transfer to work in operation centres ready to identify challenges, work together to resolve problems quickly, and implement contingency plans.Hundreds of public servants across the UK will have to be redeployed, they will transfer to work in operation centres ready to identify challenges, work together to resolve problems quickly, and implement contingency plans.
And, of course, we must maintain our public information campaign, from tomorrow this will reflect the renewed urgency of preparation.”And, of course, we must maintain our public information campaign, from tomorrow this will reflect the renewed urgency of preparation.”
Ken Clarke, now sitting as an independent MP, has said all-night Commons sittings were used when debating the Maastricht Treaty in 1992 and much time was given to the original European Communities bill.Ken Clarke, now sitting as an independent MP, has said all-night Commons sittings were used when debating the Maastricht Treaty in 1992 and much time was given to the original European Communities bill.
Clarke, who had the Conservative whip removed after he backed attempts to block the UK leaving the EU without a deal, asked the leader of the Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg:Clarke, who had the Conservative whip removed after he backed attempts to block the UK leaving the EU without a deal, asked the leader of the Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg:
They were both debated for weeks on end with many all-night sittings. I think the Maastricht Bill we had at least 20-odd days sitting in order to satisfy the Eurosceptic members of the Conservative party who wanted full discussion of it.They were both debated for weeks on end with many all-night sittings. I think the Maastricht Bill we had at least 20-odd days sitting in order to satisfy the Eurosceptic members of the Conservative party who wanted full discussion of it.
So, can my right honourable friend reassure me that the government is not simply to try to confine debate by narrowing the time and it is content, if the House wishes, to facilitate as much time as we need to consider it carefully?So, can my right honourable friend reassure me that the government is not simply to try to confine debate by narrowing the time and it is content, if the House wishes, to facilitate as much time as we need to consider it carefully?
And I see no reason at all why we should just all rise in the evening so that everybody can go to dinner and not sit on a Friday for the convenience of the House of Lords.And I see no reason at all why we should just all rise in the evening so that everybody can go to dinner and not sit on a Friday for the convenience of the House of Lords.
If the government is, for some reason, insistent on dashing for this completely silly and irrelevant date which it keeps staking its fate on then give some proper time for debate. Two-and-a-bit days of ordinary parliamentary hours is plainly quite insufficient.If the government is, for some reason, insistent on dashing for this completely silly and irrelevant date which it keeps staking its fate on then give some proper time for debate. Two-and-a-bit days of ordinary parliamentary hours is plainly quite insufficient.
Rees-Mogg responded by describing Clarke as “somebody who has always wanted us to remain in the European Union and disapproves of referendums”. This is relevant, he says, because Clarke has never tried to hide his views using procedural methods.Rees-Mogg responded by describing Clarke as “somebody who has always wanted us to remain in the European Union and disapproves of referendums”. This is relevant, he says, because Clarke has never tried to hide his views using procedural methods.
Using accelerated procedures has come about because of the deadline that we have of 31 October. And here I disagree with him: This is not a phony deadline. The deadline was set because of the work of article 50 and, the point being, that it should have ended in March.Using accelerated procedures has come about because of the deadline that we have of 31 October. And here I disagree with him: This is not a phony deadline. The deadline was set because of the work of article 50 and, the point being, that it should have ended in March.
The SNP Commons leader, Pete Wishart, said:The SNP Commons leader, Pete Wishart, said:
What he proposes in this business statement around the withdrawal agreement bill is totally unacceptable. Three days to consider a bill, somebody suggested it’s 100 pages, how on earth are we going to have the chance to assess that properly? No economic impacts, no economic assessments.What he proposes in this business statement around the withdrawal agreement bill is totally unacceptable. Three days to consider a bill, somebody suggested it’s 100 pages, how on earth are we going to have the chance to assess that properly? No economic impacts, no economic assessments.
Wishart said it was only last week that the Queen “put on her best crown” and came to Parliament for the Queen’s Speech. He asked when that would be discussed, and asked if it was just a “supreme waste of time”.Wishart said it was only last week that the Queen “put on her best crown” and came to Parliament for the Queen’s Speech. He asked when that would be discussed, and asked if it was just a “supreme waste of time”.
Rees-Mogg told the Commons the “Benn act and another known as the Boles Cooper act” were brought through at short notice. He said: “A king emperor left in 24 hours, and we are removing an imperial yoke in over a week.”Rees-Mogg told the Commons the “Benn act and another known as the Boles Cooper act” were brought through at short notice. He said: “A king emperor left in 24 hours, and we are removing an imperial yoke in over a week.”
Back to Brexit and the shadow Commons leader, Valerie Vaz, has told MPs:Back to Brexit and the shadow Commons leader, Valerie Vaz, has told MPs:
At every stage, the government has been running scared of this House and democracy and it’s now attempting to force through a flawed Brexit deal which sells out people’s jobs, rights and our communities.At every stage, the government has been running scared of this House and democracy and it’s now attempting to force through a flawed Brexit deal which sells out people’s jobs, rights and our communities.
The Commons leader, Jacob Rees-Mogg, began his reply by condemning abuse aimed at politicians after he and his son were targeted as they left Parliament on Saturday.The Commons leader, Jacob Rees-Mogg, began his reply by condemning abuse aimed at politicians after he and his son were targeted as they left Parliament on Saturday.
I’ve had many really kind inquiries about my son. He is a 12-year-old boy, he found nothing more exciting than being escorted home by the police – I’m not sure he should have found it so exciting but he did.I’ve had many really kind inquiries about my son. He is a 12-year-old boy, he found nothing more exciting than being escorted home by the police – I’m not sure he should have found it so exciting but he did.
As a really serious point, I think it’s very important that MPs can come and go from the precincts of Parliament feeling safe, and we must think about whether there’s more we need to do and whether sessional orders may be helpful in that regard.As a really serious point, I think it’s very important that MPs can come and go from the precincts of Parliament feeling safe, and we must think about whether there’s more we need to do and whether sessional orders may be helpful in that regard.
Rees-Mogg said the withdrawal agreement bill’s programme motion, which outlines its timetable, will be “down tonight in an orderly way” before noting: “The bill, of course, won’t be pulled.” He also dismissed Vaz’s claims and pointed to the government’s two attempts to hold an election, adding: “If anybody is frit they are on the opposition benches.”Rees-Mogg said the withdrawal agreement bill’s programme motion, which outlines its timetable, will be “down tonight in an orderly way” before noting: “The bill, of course, won’t be pulled.” He also dismissed Vaz’s claims and pointed to the government’s two attempts to hold an election, adding: “If anybody is frit they are on the opposition benches.”
DUP MPs have asked for clarification from the UK government on whether Northern Ireland goods travelling to other parts of the UK will require customs declarations. The DUP MP Gavin Robinson said:DUP MPs have asked for clarification from the UK government on whether Northern Ireland goods travelling to other parts of the UK will require customs declarations. The DUP MP Gavin Robinson said:
Mr Speaker these responses are calamitous. Can he answer that question that was asked earlier: is it the case that Northern Ireland goods will require customs declarations to enter what is supposed to be unfettered access to the rest of their own country?Mr Speaker these responses are calamitous. Can he answer that question that was asked earlier: is it the case that Northern Ireland goods will require customs declarations to enter what is supposed to be unfettered access to the rest of their own country?
To heckles of “answer it” from fellow DUP MPs, Smith said:To heckles of “answer it” from fellow DUP MPs, Smith said:
On the issue of checks and forms, unfettered access is a key part of this protocol, and I’ll be working to ensure we deliver on that in the interest of Northern Ireland business in the coming weeks.On the issue of checks and forms, unfettered access is a key part of this protocol, and I’ll be working to ensure we deliver on that in the interest of Northern Ireland business in the coming weeks.
Calling for Stormont MLAs to have their pay reduced again due to the deadlock, Lady Sylvia Hermon said:Calling for Stormont MLAs to have their pay reduced again due to the deadlock, Lady Sylvia Hermon said:
As members of the legislative assembly at Stormont continue to be unable to fulfil their responsibilities, what consideration has the secretary of state given to cutting their salaries yet again?As members of the legislative assembly at Stormont continue to be unable to fulfil their responsibilities, what consideration has the secretary of state given to cutting their salaries yet again?
Smith said:Smith said:
I plan to review all elements relating to the assembly if we’re unable to move things forwards over the coming days.I plan to review all elements relating to the assembly if we’re unable to move things forwards over the coming days.
The chairman of the Commons Northern Ireland select committee, Simon Hoare, suggested that the UK Parliament consider legislating on the Irish Language act to get the talks at Stormont moving.The chairman of the Commons Northern Ireland select committee, Simon Hoare, suggested that the UK Parliament consider legislating on the Irish Language act to get the talks at Stormont moving.
The secretary of state has provided a window which could possibly see this House overcome the hurdle which seems insurmountable for the parties in Northern Ireland and that is to legislate for the Irish Language act; therefore taking it out of the debate between the principal parties in Northern Ireland and, in my judgment, removing the hurdle which the roadblock, sorry to mix my metaphors, to getting Stormont back up and running.The secretary of state has provided a window which could possibly see this House overcome the hurdle which seems insurmountable for the parties in Northern Ireland and that is to legislate for the Irish Language act; therefore taking it out of the debate between the principal parties in Northern Ireland and, in my judgment, removing the hurdle which the roadblock, sorry to mix my metaphors, to getting Stormont back up and running.
Responding, Smith said:Responding, Smith said:
The Irish Language act is one of a number of issues that are being discussed in the talks process. I’d say again the most important and the best way to resolve these issues is through the Stormont talks.The Irish Language act is one of a number of issues that are being discussed in the talks process. I’d say again the most important and the best way to resolve these issues is through the Stormont talks.
Dodds’ colleague, Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson, said he “cannot emphasise enough” how important the principle of consent is to unionists.Dodds’ colleague, Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson, said he “cannot emphasise enough” how important the principle of consent is to unionists.
The idea that a decision of the momentous nature of the one we will be expected to take in four years’ time does not reflect adequately the principle of consent – as expressed in the Belfast agreement – has serious implications for our ability to support the restoration of devolution without that safeguard.The idea that a decision of the momentous nature of the one we will be expected to take in four years’ time does not reflect adequately the principle of consent – as expressed in the Belfast agreement – has serious implications for our ability to support the restoration of devolution without that safeguard.
And I say with all seriousness to the secretary of state, if this issue is not addressed it goes well beyond this Brexit deal.And I say with all seriousness to the secretary of state, if this issue is not addressed it goes well beyond this Brexit deal.
Responding, Smith told MPS:Responding, Smith told MPS:
This protocol is for a reserved matter. It is not for the assembly. The Belfast agreement is extremely clear that there will be matters which will not be subject to the consent mechanism in the assembly.This protocol is for a reserved matter. It is not for the assembly. The Belfast agreement is extremely clear that there will be matters which will not be subject to the consent mechanism in the assembly.
The DUP’s Westminster leader, Nigel Dodds, accused the government of not doing enough to restore powersharing to Northern Ireland.The DUP’s Westminster leader, Nigel Dodds, accused the government of not doing enough to restore powersharing to Northern Ireland.
On health, education, crime, policing, investment and all the rest of it still the government sits on its hands and allows no government for Northern Ireland. Is he now realising that with Brexit coming we have to have power in the hands of ministers whether in the assembly or here? We can’t go on abdicating that decision?On health, education, crime, policing, investment and all the rest of it still the government sits on its hands and allows no government for Northern Ireland. Is he now realising that with Brexit coming we have to have power in the hands of ministers whether in the assembly or here? We can’t go on abdicating that decision?
Smith was asked by the shadow Northern Ireland secretary, Tony Lloyd, whether he could assure MPs the Police Service of Northern Ireland has the “resources in the event of any form of civic disturbance?”Smith was asked by the shadow Northern Ireland secretary, Tony Lloyd, whether he could assure MPs the Police Service of Northern Ireland has the “resources in the event of any form of civic disturbance?”
Lloyd said he didn’t want to “emphasise what kind of civic disturbance there could be” but said there could be a “period of prolonged public unrest”. Smith replied:Lloyd said he didn’t want to “emphasise what kind of civic disturbance there could be” but said there could be a “period of prolonged public unrest”. Smith replied:
The government has invested a further £20m, or nearly £20m, and stands ready to continue to support the PSNI financially.The government has invested a further £20m, or nearly £20m, and stands ready to continue to support the PSNI financially.
This is a sensitive period, with police officers under threat day in, day out. But I am comforted that the PSNI is well resourced, and I think it is doing an exceptional job.This is a sensitive period, with police officers under threat day in, day out. But I am comforted that the PSNI is well resourced, and I think it is doing an exceptional job.
I don’t see any need for any circumstance for the British Army operating in that way. The PSNI are doing all of the functions along with our security services in an exceptional manner.I don’t see any need for any circumstance for the British Army operating in that way. The PSNI are doing all of the functions along with our security services in an exceptional manner.
In the Commons, the Northern Ireland Secretary, Julian Smith, has been facing questions. He has told MPs:In the Commons, the Northern Ireland Secretary, Julian Smith, has been facing questions. He has told MPs:
A new legal framework for lawful access to abortion services in Northern Ireland will be put in place by 31 March 2020, in line with the 2018 UN CEDAW report. I will be consulting on the new framework very soon.A new legal framework for lawful access to abortion services in Northern Ireland will be put in place by 31 March 2020, in line with the 2018 UN CEDAW report. I will be consulting on the new framework very soon.
On same-sex marriage and opposite-sex civil partnerships, regulations are to be made no later than 13 January 2020.On same-sex marriage and opposite-sex civil partnerships, regulations are to be made no later than 13 January 2020.
There are two key areas we are going to consult on. How to allow for religious same-sex marriage ceremonies, and also the issue of conversion from civil partnership to marriage and vice-versa.There are two key areas we are going to consult on. How to allow for religious same-sex marriage ceremonies, and also the issue of conversion from civil partnership to marriage and vice-versa.
At the latest, the first civil same-sex marriages will take place on the week of Valentine’s Day 2020.At the latest, the first civil same-sex marriages will take place on the week of Valentine’s Day 2020.
There is clearly this concern about how does the [Northern Ireland] assembly – now the law is changing – how does it influence? It can influence, but we need to be clear that the law from tomorrow has changed across those two areas, and we can, obviously we will hear the views of the assembly, and we will work with them, but the law, from tomorrow, has changed.There is clearly this concern about how does the [Northern Ireland] assembly – now the law is changing – how does it influence? It can influence, but we need to be clear that the law from tomorrow has changed across those two areas, and we can, obviously we will hear the views of the assembly, and we will work with them, but the law, from tomorrow, has changed.
• Boris Johnson has been denied the opportunity to hold a second vote on his Brexit deal in the House of Commons after the Speaker, John Bercow, ruled that it would be “repetitive and disorderly”.Bercow said it would break longstanding conventions for MPs to debate and vote on the agreement struck in Brussels last week, little more than two days after Saturday’s historic sitting.“Today’s motion is in substance the same as Saturday’s motion, and the house has decided the matter. Today’s circumstances are in substance the same as Saturday’s circumstances,” Bercow said in the Commons on Monday.• Boris Johnson has been denied the opportunity to hold a second vote on his Brexit deal in the House of Commons after the Speaker, John Bercow, ruled that it would be “repetitive and disorderly”.Bercow said it would break longstanding conventions for MPs to debate and vote on the agreement struck in Brussels last week, little more than two days after Saturday’s historic sitting.“Today’s motion is in substance the same as Saturday’s motion, and the house has decided the matter. Today’s circumstances are in substance the same as Saturday’s circumstances,” Bercow said in the Commons on Monday.
• Soft-Brexit Tory MPs and independents are resisting the idea of attaching a customs union to Boris Johnson’s withdrawal agreement bill, meaning it would likely need an alliance of all opposition parties to pass.Conservative MPs and former Tories, who previously backed the idea of a customs union, suggested on Tuesday they would prefer not to reopen the issue and wanted to support Johnson’s deal.Damian Green, the leader of the One Nation caucus, and Oliver Letwin, who has been heavily involved in the parliamentary fight against a no-deal Brexit, both indicated they would back Johnson’s deal without a customs union appended.• Soft-Brexit Tory MPs and independents are resisting the idea of attaching a customs union to Boris Johnson’s withdrawal agreement bill, meaning it would likely need an alliance of all opposition parties to pass.Conservative MPs and former Tories, who previously backed the idea of a customs union, suggested on Tuesday they would prefer not to reopen the issue and wanted to support Johnson’s deal.Damian Green, the leader of the One Nation caucus, and Oliver Letwin, who has been heavily involved in the parliamentary fight against a no-deal Brexit, both indicated they would back Johnson’s deal without a customs union appended.
• The unconventional “form” of Boris Johnson’s extension request is irrelevant to the EU, the European commission has confirmed, as Germany’s economic affairs minister said “it goes without saying” that a further Brexit delay would be granted.Peter Altmaier, a key ally of the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, said he believed either a technical extension to allow extra time for legislation to pass, or a longer period to accommodate a general election or second referendum would be offered.• The unconventional “form” of Boris Johnson’s extension request is irrelevant to the EU, the European commission has confirmed, as Germany’s economic affairs minister said “it goes without saying” that a further Brexit delay would be granted.Peter Altmaier, a key ally of the German chancellor, Angela Merkel, said he believed either a technical extension to allow extra time for legislation to pass, or a longer period to accommodate a general election or second referendum would be offered.
• Scotland’s most senior judge, Lord Carloway, has rejected a call by the UK government to end a case examining whether Boris Johnson broke a promise that he would not try to sabotage the request for a Brexit extension.After losing a Commons vote on Saturday on delaying his deal, Johnson sent an unsigned copy of the letter required by the Benn act but also sent another, personal, letter to Brussels that asked EU leaders not to agree to an extension. The judge said he would continue with the case until it was clear that Downing Street had complied with the act in full.• Scotland’s most senior judge, Lord Carloway, has rejected a call by the UK government to end a case examining whether Boris Johnson broke a promise that he would not try to sabotage the request for a Brexit extension.After losing a Commons vote on Saturday on delaying his deal, Johnson sent an unsigned copy of the letter required by the Benn act but also sent another, personal, letter to Brussels that asked EU leaders not to agree to an extension. The judge said he would continue with the case until it was clear that Downing Street had complied with the act in full.
• Northern Ireland’s unionist parties have recalled the Stormont assembly today in a last-minute attempt to stop the decriminalisation of abortion from coming into effect.The region’s restrictive abortion laws are set to change at midnight on Monday after the Commons voted last July to bring reproductive rights in Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK.• Northern Ireland’s unionist parties have recalled the Stormont assembly today in a last-minute attempt to stop the decriminalisation of abortion from coming into effect.The region’s restrictive abortion laws are set to change at midnight on Monday after the Commons voted last July to bring reproductive rights in Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK.
The leader of the House of Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg, is on his feet in the House of Commons and tells MPs that the government will try to pass key Brexit legislation through the Commons in three days this week.The leader of the House of Commons, Jacob Rees-Mogg, is on his feet in the House of Commons and tells MPs that the government will try to pass key Brexit legislation through the Commons in three days this week.
He added that the withdrawal agreement bill would be debated at second reading and committee stage on Tuesday, with further discussion on Wednesday before the conclusion of proceedings on Thursday.He added that the withdrawal agreement bill would be debated at second reading and committee stage on Tuesday, with further discussion on Wednesday before the conclusion of proceedings on Thursday.
If the bill passes second reading tomorrow - the first key vote on it - MPs will then get the chance to vote on the programme motion setting out this accelerated timetable.If the bill passes second reading tomorrow - the first key vote on it - MPs will then get the chance to vote on the programme motion setting out this accelerated timetable.
Rees-Mogg also spoke about his experience, and that of his son, as they were escorted by police out of parliament on Saturday. He was one of several MPs who the police guarded amid heckling. Diane Abbott was another.Rees-Mogg also spoke about his experience, and that of his son, as they were escorted by police out of parliament on Saturday. He was one of several MPs who the police guarded amid heckling. Diane Abbott was another.
“My 12-year-old son found nothing more exciting than being escorted by police,” said Rees-Mogg, who went on to say that it might be necessary to look at measures to ensure that MPs are able to come and go.“My 12-year-old son found nothing more exciting than being escorted by police,” said Rees-Mogg, who went on to say that it might be necessary to look at measures to ensure that MPs are able to come and go.
For readers wondering where Boris Johnson was earlier when Steve Barclay was taking questions on Brexit, including some asking why the prime minister as not doing so, we’ve been told by Downing Street that he is in Downing Street.For readers wondering where Boris Johnson was earlier when Steve Barclay was taking questions on Brexit, including some asking why the prime minister as not doing so, we’ve been told by Downing Street that he is in Downing Street.
But why wasn’t Johnson taking questions?But why wasn’t Johnson taking questions?
“Because Steve Barclay was,” a spokesperson replied when asked.“Because Steve Barclay was,” a spokesperson replied when asked.
I’ve conferred with colleagues and, as we understand it, convention is that you can’t demand a particular minister replies to your urgent question.I’ve conferred with colleagues and, as we understand it, convention is that you can’t demand a particular minister replies to your urgent question.
As it’s urgent they might not be available, and more junior ministers do often fill in.As it’s urgent they might not be available, and more junior ministers do often fill in.