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Brexit: Varadkar confirms support for extension after Johnson loses key vote – live news Brexit: Johnson and Corbyn meet to discuss timetable for bill – live news
(32 minutes later)
The EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has said the EU27 need some clarification on what the UK will do next, before they decide on another Brexit extension.
EU’s Chief Brexit Negotiator @MichelBarnier on possible #Brexit extension: “First of all we need some clarification on the UK side what will be the next step for them & as far as the request asked last week by the British Gov for the extension, it’s for EU27 to decide” - @SkyNews pic.twitter.com/SrGftEXR9f
This is from the Times’s political editor, Francis Elliott –
EXCL: I understand Boris Johnson and Jeremy Corbyn are meeting to discuss a new programme motion.
Shadow justice secretary Richard Burgon said this morning that the withdrawal agreement would take “a couple of weeks” to debate, not months.
“I don’t think three months will be required to discuss the Bill,” he told the BBC. “I would have thought it can be done in a matter of weeks, but it’s not for me to decide. The reality is, what was put forward was completely insufficient.”
You can see a reminder here of what exactly a programme motion is –
What just happened in the Commons – and what's next for Brexit?
First minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon and the first minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford are holding a press conference in Westminster to set out the Welsh and Scottish governments’ position on the Brexit withdrawal bill. Guardian political correspondent Peter Walker is there tweeting.First minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon and the first minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford are holding a press conference in Westminster to set out the Welsh and Scottish governments’ position on the Brexit withdrawal bill. Guardian political correspondent Peter Walker is there tweeting.
I’m at a double-first-minister press conference in Westminster with Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford. Sturgeon says Johnson’s deal is not the solution even if passed, and she wants an extension long enough for an election. pic.twitter.com/6EZoXwsaEuI’m at a double-first-minister press conference in Westminster with Nicola Sturgeon and Mark Drakeford. Sturgeon says Johnson’s deal is not the solution even if passed, and she wants an extension long enough for an election. pic.twitter.com/6EZoXwsaEu
Both Sturgeon and Drakeford note that the UK govt asked Scottish and Welsh devolved assemblies for consent on the Brexit deal - and that both are withholding this. This remains a difficult narrative for Boris Johnson given his talk about Brexit benefitting the union.Both Sturgeon and Drakeford note that the UK govt asked Scottish and Welsh devolved assemblies for consent on the Brexit deal - and that both are withholding this. This remains a difficult narrative for Boris Johnson given his talk about Brexit benefitting the union.
Mark Drakeford notes that Welsh ports and businesses will be “at the front line” of a new customs border with Northern Ireland, and that increased regulations will hamper this. It was “a huge breach of trust” by Johnson, he says.Mark Drakeford notes that Welsh ports and businesses will be “at the front line” of a new customs border with Northern Ireland, and that increased regulations will hamper this. It was “a huge breach of trust” by Johnson, he says.
In comments briefed ahead of the conference, Sturgeon said:In comments briefed ahead of the conference, Sturgeon said:
The UK government has sought to pass the Withdrawal bill through Westminster without an opportunity for detailed scrutiny in either the UK or Scottish Parliaments. That is unacceptable.The UK government has sought to pass the Withdrawal bill through Westminster without an opportunity for detailed scrutiny in either the UK or Scottish Parliaments. That is unacceptable.
It is imperative that this bill is subject to detailed scrutiny in all of the UK’s legislatures and that the views of the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly are taken into account.It is imperative that this bill is subject to detailed scrutiny in all of the UK’s legislatures and that the views of the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly are taken into account.
The european parliament, which doesn’t have a say over the decision, has also come out in support of an extension until 31 January.The european parliament, which doesn’t have a say over the decision, has also come out in support of an extension until 31 January.
President of the european parliament, David Sassoli, said:President of the european parliament, David Sassoli, said:
After the vote of the British Parliament to allow more time to examine details of the withdrawal agreement and Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s decision to pause the bill following the vote, the British government’s request for an extension until January 31 remains on the table.After the vote of the British Parliament to allow more time to examine details of the withdrawal agreement and Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s decision to pause the bill following the vote, the British government’s request for an extension until January 31 remains on the table.
I think it is advisable, as requested by President Donald Tusk, that the European Council should accept this extension.I think it is advisable, as requested by President Donald Tusk, that the European Council should accept this extension.
This extension will allow the United Kingdom to clarify its position and the European Parliament to exercise its role.This extension will allow the United Kingdom to clarify its position and the European Parliament to exercise its role.
Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, tweeted last night that he would recommend the EU27 accept the UK request for an extension. Here is a story from the Guardian’s Brussels bureau chief, Daniel Boffey –Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, tweeted last night that he would recommend the EU27 accept the UK request for an extension. Here is a story from the Guardian’s Brussels bureau chief, Daniel Boffey –
EU signals it is likely to give UK a Brexit delay up to 31 JanuaryEU signals it is likely to give UK a Brexit delay up to 31 January
The taoiseach Leo Varadkar has hinted that a Brexit extension to 31 January is the panacea to the latest impasse to hit Boris Johnson’s deal.The taoiseach Leo Varadkar has hinted that a Brexit extension to 31 January is the panacea to the latest impasse to hit Boris Johnson’s deal.
He spoke to the European council president Donald Tusk today and they “noted” that an extension to the end of January would not prohibit an earlier departure from the bloc. The issue will be discussed at a key meeting in Brussels tonight.He spoke to the European council president Donald Tusk today and they “noted” that an extension to the end of January would not prohibit an earlier departure from the bloc. The issue will be discussed at a key meeting in Brussels tonight.
Here’s the full statement from the Irish government –Here’s the full statement from the Irish government –
An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, spoke with the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, this morning regarding the UK’s request for an extension.An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, spoke with the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, this morning regarding the UK’s request for an extension.
The Taoiseach confirmed his support for President Tusk’s proposal to grant the request for an extension which was sought by the UK. They noted that it would still be possible for the UK to leave before January 31st 2020 if the Withdrawal Agreement has been ratified in advance of that date.The Taoiseach confirmed his support for President Tusk’s proposal to grant the request for an extension which was sought by the UK. They noted that it would still be possible for the UK to leave before January 31st 2020 if the Withdrawal Agreement has been ratified in advance of that date.
The matter is likely to be discussed further at tonight’s meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives in Brussels.The matter is likely to be discussed further at tonight’s meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives in Brussels.
More from Lisa O’Carroll, who is watching Northern Ireland secretary Julian Smith giving evidence at the Northern Ireland affairs committee.More from Lisa O’Carroll, who is watching Northern Ireland secretary Julian Smith giving evidence at the Northern Ireland affairs committee.
DUP MP Jim Shannon furious over Brexit deal. Tells Julian Smith it is an "absolutely despicable deal" "which alienates unionist people"."The union flag in Northern Ireland is a week bit tattered at the moment"DUP MP Jim Shannon furious over Brexit deal. Tells Julian Smith it is an "absolutely despicable deal" "which alienates unionist people"."The union flag in Northern Ireland is a week bit tattered at the moment"
Paisley says "£18bn worth of trade" from NI to GB has been "burdened" to satisfy £3.2bn (to EU) worth of trade. Smith tells him that is "scaremongering"Paisley incredulous: "They are Brendan's (NIO's) figures. Smith: "We are scaremongering on the fact there will be burdens"Paisley says "£18bn worth of trade" from NI to GB has been "burdened" to satisfy £3.2bn (to EU) worth of trade. Smith tells him that is "scaremongering"Paisley incredulous: "They are Brendan's (NIO's) figures. Smith: "We are scaremongering on the fact there will be burdens"
Anti-Brexit activist Gina Miller has been making the case for a general election “as soon as possible”.Anti-Brexit activist Gina Miller has been making the case for a general election “as soon as possible”.
"We'll see day after day of torturous voting." Anti-Brexit campaigner @thatginamiller says 'it is time' for an election and if one is called she'll create a 'tactical voting website' to advise those who want to #StopBrexit. Get the latest #Brexit news: https://t.co/u3VyGgJu0o pic.twitter.com/dmqAuNsKIw"We'll see day after day of torturous voting." Anti-Brexit campaigner @thatginamiller says 'it is time' for an election and if one is called she'll create a 'tactical voting website' to advise those who want to #StopBrexit. Get the latest #Brexit news: https://t.co/u3VyGgJu0o pic.twitter.com/dmqAuNsKIw
"Even if Boris Johnson was to bring back this EU treaty, I've no doubt that Parliament would amend it by adding back in to it a customs union" says Brexit Party leader Nigel Faragehttps://t.co/t67F2xRpxt pic.twitter.com/om22NEzhMc"Even if Boris Johnson was to bring back this EU treaty, I've no doubt that Parliament would amend it by adding back in to it a customs union" says Brexit Party leader Nigel Faragehttps://t.co/t67F2xRpxt pic.twitter.com/om22NEzhMc
Nigel Farage has told the BBC that a general election is now the “only possible route to get some resolution”.Nigel Farage has told the BBC that a general election is now the “only possible route to get some resolution”.
The Brexit party leader said:The Brexit party leader said:
Obviously what they want is a general election or a second referendum - they want some degree of resolution. So I would have thought at least until the end of January, perhaps even longer.Obviously what they want is a general election or a second referendum - they want some degree of resolution. So I would have thought at least until the end of January, perhaps even longer.
On an electoral pact, he said:On an electoral pact, he said:
I would work with anybody that wanted to honour the result of the referendum for us to leave the European Union and to leave its institutions and to be an independent country, but right at the moment that looks very unlikely.I would work with anybody that wanted to honour the result of the referendum for us to leave the European Union and to leave its institutions and to be an independent country, but right at the moment that looks very unlikely.
Guardian readers have reacted to last night’s developments in the commons.Guardian readers have reacted to last night’s developments in the commons.
“This may seal Boris’s fate. The EU looks [prepared] to grant the extension now because there will be nothing to stop the vote of no confidence and a GE [general election],” said one. “The outcome of that is obviously uncertain, but in this situation, risks have to be taken to try to avert catastrophe.”“This may seal Boris’s fate. The EU looks [prepared] to grant the extension now because there will be nothing to stop the vote of no confidence and a GE [general election],” said one. “The outcome of that is obviously uncertain, but in this situation, risks have to be taken to try to avert catastrophe.”
'Wrong on so many levels': readers on the Brexit bill votes'Wrong on so many levels': readers on the Brexit bill votes
Boris Johnson has issued a short statement about the 39 people who were found dead in a lorry container in Essex.Boris Johnson has issued a short statement about the 39 people who were found dead in a lorry container in Essex.
I’m appalled by this tragic incident in Essex. I am receiving regular updates from the Home Office & will work closely with Essex Police as we establish exactly what has happened. My thoughts are with all those who lost their lives & their loved ones.I’m appalled by this tragic incident in Essex. I am receiving regular updates from the Home Office & will work closely with Essex Police as we establish exactly what has happened. My thoughts are with all those who lost their lives & their loved ones.
Driver arrested after 39 bodies found in lorry container in EssexDriver arrested after 39 bodies found in lorry container in Essex
Another angry exchange, this time with Sylvia Hermon, independent unionist MP. Asks Smith what in deal guarantees Belfast/GFA won't be undermined. He points to article 2 of protocol. "Exactly," replies Hermon. "Can you explain why the PM could not remember or recall the details"Another angry exchange, this time with Sylvia Hermon, independent unionist MP. Asks Smith what in deal guarantees Belfast/GFA won't be undermined. He points to article 2 of protocol. "Exactly," replies Hermon. "Can you explain why the PM could not remember or recall the details"
When I asked about this on Saturday. Did Boris Johnson not know the details of his own deal? "This was deeply unhelpful to the unionist community who needed reassurances at that stage not now.When I asked about this on Saturday. Did Boris Johnson not know the details of his own deal? "This was deeply unhelpful to the unionist community who needed reassurances at that stage not now.
Guardian Brexit correspondent, Lisa O’Carroll, is following the Northern Ireland select committee.
Smith asked by Labour MP Conor McGinn would he like to "say sorry to unionists for making a promise you couldn't keep". Smith says: He'd like to say "this has no impact on the constitution of NI". "It has no impact on the workings of the assembly"
Ian Paisley." I have to go out and tell businesses in my community I don’t know what you have to do to carry out £18bn worth of trade with our country, not a foreign country.. I do not know what you will be charged and you want me to vote for this? "You can’t be serious."
Paisley lets rip at Tories. Asks Smith bluntly what county he lives in. Smith: I like in N Yorkshire and LondonPaisley If you had to move goods from N Yorkshire to Lon and have to fill in a form, you’d fill pretty aggrieved ..We are in the same country, it is disgraceful
The Northern Ireland secretary Julian Smith is giving evidence at the Northern Ireland affairs committee.
He said the government would be doing anything they could make any checks on goods moving between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK as “reduced and limited as possible”.
Smith said we now have a deal where Northern Ireland is out of the European Union.
NI Secretary Julian Smith says checks for goods between NI and GB post-Brexit will be “minimal” but he can’t say whether an entirely new IT system will be needed to enforce them.
Julian Smith - who was said to be on resignation watch after Amber Rudd left government - tells the NI committee that “no deal is a very, very bad idea for Northern Ireland” and his priority has been avoiding it
A reminder of what we have to look forward to in the commons today.
Proceedings kick off with questions to the cabinet office minister Michael Gove at 11.30am, before prime minister’s questions at midday.
Since the progress of the withdrawal agreement bill has been paused, the queen’s speech is back on the agenda. MPs will debate it this afternoon, with a special focus on the NHS.
From the former chancellor –
I believe in delivering Brexit. But I also believe in Parliamentary scrutiny. That’s why I voted for the Brexit bill to progress to the next stage, but against No10’s plan to rush it through at breakneck speed. Now’s the time for cool heads, to calmly consider the Bill.
Good point here from the Guardian’s diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour. Speaker John Bercow said he would stand down by 31 October.
Is Bercow standing down as Speaker do or die on 31st October ? Could there be a technical extension on the basis this is "no time for a novice" ?
Former Conservative deputy prime minister Michael Heseltine has been speaking to Sky News.
Asked whether he thought the Tories would win an election, he said: “No, I don’t.”
The issue is can the Brexit aspect of the Tory party peel off enough Labour votes, enough Labour marginal constituencies, to counter the number that the Tories are going to lose.
They are going to lose seats in Scotland and seats to the Lib Dems. I think they have alienated the Irish to such an extent that they won’t come back and support them, so you can see quite clearly where the Tories are going to lose seats. And I know where they think they can win Labour seats, but when it comes to it that’s a pretty big gamble.
My own guess is that a general election will be a re-run of what we have today – another period of uncertainty.
He said an election might put Johnson back in No 10, but without a majority.
Here are the full Burgon quotes from Sky News –
I’d like to see an election before Christmas. I want to get Boris Johnson and his Thatcherite mates out of Downing Street as soon as possible. So as soon as the EU has agreed that extension, so that Boris Johnson cannot push us through a no-deal without a mandate to do so, then we want a general election.
Not only to get Brexit sorted by under a Labour government putting it to a public vote between a credible leave option and remain, but also sorting out all the other crises that the Tories have caused in the last nine years in government, whether it be housing, jobs, public services or austerity.
Former Conservative and now independent MP Ken Clarke has told BBC News that the narrative on last night’s debate has been spun by “these strange people that Boris has put in Downing Street” (aka Dominic Cummings).
He said parliament voted by a clear majority in favour of leaving the European Union with a deal. “The only thing that was killed off was the idea that it had to be on halloween,” he said.
It’s always been a mystery to me why that date has been given a sacred significance. It’s a completely unimportant date. It was plucked out of the air last time the eurosceptics caused delay and stopped us leaving twice earlier this year and it has no significance.
Clarke said that even ministers were still discovering yesterday what the deal in its present form actually means. He said the Brexit secretary found out yesterday that, as it stands, the deal requires customs documents for all goods that pass between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.
“Things like that have got to be sorted out,” he said. “Parliament is not defying the people, it is just insisting that we have something that is sensible and works and is practical.”
Asked about the idea that “parliament is broken”, Clarke says: “This bloke in Downing Street (Cummings) keeps saying that. Even Boris has not said that ... The government has just got the second reading of its bill.”
Richard Burgon has been clear about Labour’s position when speaking to Sky news.
Labour’s @RichardBurgon VERY clear with @KayBurley “I would like to see an election before Christmas to get Boris and his Thatcherite mates out of Downing st. As soon as the EU has agreed an extension we will support a general election” Says ignore the polls “we will win”
The Lord chancellor and justice secretary Robert Buckland has been speaking to Sky news. Asked why the government wouldn’t just allow parliament to debate the withdrawal agreement bill for a bit, he says that the EU chose the 31 October deadline date and that we should respect that. “We’re not going to give up and walk away and pretend that this is too difficult,” he said.
.@KayBurley: "An election before Christmas?" Lord chancellor and justice secretary @RobertBuckland: "If that's the only way of resolving this (#Brexit deadlock), than yes, bring it on."Watch #KayBurley at #Breakfast: https://t.co/cMHO7fsDYJ pic.twitter.com/4cZ84TbNRG