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John Major warns May that Tory/DUP deal could threaten Northern Ireland peace process - politics live John Major warns May that Tory/DUP deal could threaten Northern Ireland peace process - politics live
(35 minutes later)
3.29pm BST
15:29
The Commons has now adjourned. It meets again tomorrow when MPs will start being sworn in.
3.26pm BST
15:26
The SNP’s Stewart Hosie and the Lib Dem leader Tim Farron have spoken in the debate welcoming John Bercow’s election and Nigel Dodds, the DUP leader at Westminster, is speaking now.
He says the DUP is looking forward to this parliament. And he says his party is looking forward to the restoration of devolved government in Northern Ireland.
3.17pm BST
15:17
Jeremy Corbyn is speaking now.
He starts by congratulating Ken Clarke on being father of the House. He jokes about seeing Clarke in the tearoom smoking, drinking lager and eating a bacon sandwich while taking a break from a debate on healthy living.
He says he hopes that May will agree with him that democracy is a wonderful thing, and can throw up unexpected results. He says he looks forward to the Queen’s speech, when the “coalition of chaos” is ready. If it cannot form a government, the Labour party is ready to provide “strong and stable” government, he says.
He says this weekend marks the election of four black MPs 30 years ago, including Keith Vaz and Diane Abbott. It is vital all voices are represented in the Commons, he says.
He says Labour looks forward to this parliament, “however short it might be”.
He welcomes the fact that so many young people took part in the election. He is looking forward to this parliament to bring about change, he says.
3.09pm BST
15:09
Theresa May is speaking now.
She congratulates John Bercow on his election. “At least someone got a landslide,” she jokes.
She says he is the first speaker since the war to be re-elected three times.
And she welcomes the return of Ken Clarke as an MP.
May says she wants to break with tradition, and welcome the mother of the House back too, Harriet Harman. She says Harman has been a great champion of women. There are a record number of female and BME MPs, she says, and more gay and disabled MPs too. She welcomes the fact we have the most diverse Commons in history.
She says MPs come here because they want to serve the public. Elections are about our democracy and values, the values terrorists sought to attack.
She says this is the first time the Commons has met since the terrorist attacks. Defeating Islamist extremism is one of the main challenges the Commons faces, she says, along with Brexit and tackling social divisions.
Politics is how we face these challenges. It is a noble calling, she says. She says MPs in this parliament should tackle these problems in a way that tries to bring people together.
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at 3.22pm BST
3.03pm BST
15:03
John Bercow has now been “dragged to the chair” to take up his post.
He says being speaker is the greatest honour the Commons can give an MP.
He says 87 MPs have been elected for the first time.
2.59pm BST
14:59
The Conservative MP Cheryl Gillan is giving a speech now paying generous tribute to Bercow in the Commons.
2.56pm BST2.56pm BST
14:5614:56
John Bercow’s comment about “testing times” was a reference to how he has decided to stay on until 2022. When he was elected speaker in 2009, he said that he would just stay until 2018.John Bercow’s comment about “testing times” was a reference to how he has decided to stay on until 2022. When he was elected speaker in 2009, he said that he would just stay until 2018.
Explaining his U-turn recently, he suggested that, if Theresa May was allowed to change her mind over an early election, he was allowed to change his mind too. As Sky News reports, he said last month:Explaining his U-turn recently, he suggested that, if Theresa May was allowed to change her mind over an early election, he was allowed to change his mind too. As Sky News reports, he said last month:
I had originally indicated an intention to serve for approximately nine years. If I may legitimately say so, I made that commitment eight years ago, it was before the Fixed Term Parliament Act, it was before the EU referendum.I had originally indicated an intention to serve for approximately nine years. If I may legitimately say so, I made that commitment eight years ago, it was before the Fixed Term Parliament Act, it was before the EU referendum.
We’re in a very different situation … the Prime Minister very properly is entitled to change her view about whether the national interest would be served by an earlier election rather than a later one,” Mr Bercow said.We’re in a very different situation … the Prime Minister very properly is entitled to change her view about whether the national interest would be served by an earlier election rather than a later one,” Mr Bercow said.
I made no criticism or complaint about that whatsoever.I made no criticism or complaint about that whatsoever.
So if people are entitled to change their minds over a relatively short period of time I think I’m entitled to take a somewhat different view now to the one I took back in 2009.So if people are entitled to change their minds over a relatively short period of time I think I’m entitled to take a somewhat different view now to the one I took back in 2009.
2.52pm BST2.52pm BST
14:5214:52
John Bercow agrees to serve as speakerJohn Bercow agrees to serve as speaker
Ken Clarke, as father of the House, asks if John Bercow is willing to be chosen as speaker of the Commons.Ken Clarke, as father of the House, asks if John Bercow is willing to be chosen as speaker of the Commons.
John Bercow starts by congratulating Clarke on adding father of the House to his many achievements. He says next Sunday Clarke will have been an MP for 47 years.John Bercow starts by congratulating Clarke on adding father of the House to his many achievements. He says next Sunday Clarke will have been an MP for 47 years.
Bercow is willing to serve as speaker, he says.Bercow is willing to serve as speaker, he says.
He welcomes the fact that this House is more diverse than any of its predecessors.He welcomes the fact that this House is more diverse than any of its predecessors.
He says he will champion the rights of backbenchers, and help them hold to account the government of the day.He says he will champion the rights of backbenchers, and help them hold to account the government of the day.
He says it will come as a relief to MPs to hear that he does not intend to serve for 47 years, either as a parliamentarian or as speaker.He says it will come as a relief to MPs to hear that he does not intend to serve for 47 years, either as a parliamentarian or as speaker.
But “we appear to be destined for testing times”, he says. He offers himself to the Commons as a “tested speaker”.But “we appear to be destined for testing times”, he says. He offers himself to the Commons as a “tested speaker”.
2.46pm BST2.46pm BST
14:4614:46
Alastair Campbell, Tony Blair’s former communications chief, has welcomed Sir John Major’s decision to speak out about the Tory/DUP deal.Alastair Campbell, Tony Blair’s former communications chief, has welcomed Sir John Major’s decision to speak out about the Tory/DUP deal.
Very glad that John Major has spoken out about this deal May is doing with the DUP. wrong in principle and dangerous to the peace processVery glad that John Major has spoken out about this deal May is doing with the DUP. wrong in principle and dangerous to the peace process
2.43pm BST2.43pm BST
14:4314:43
Talks between May and Foster over Tory/DUP deal 'going well'Talks between May and Foster over Tory/DUP deal 'going well'
Talks between Theresa May and the DUP over a deal that would prop up the Conservative government have been “constructive” and are “going well”, the Press Association reports.Talks between Theresa May and the DUP over a deal that would prop up the Conservative government have been “constructive” and are “going well”, the Press Association reports.
The discussions, which have so far lasted nearly two hours, have moved from Number 10 to Parliament to allow the prime minister to speak in the Commons.The discussions, which have so far lasted nearly two hours, have moved from Number 10 to Parliament to allow the prime minister to speak in the Commons.
May, who will address MPs after the Speaker’s election, left for the Commons without answering reporters questions about how negotiations were progressing.May, who will address MPs after the Speaker’s election, left for the Commons without answering reporters questions about how negotiations were progressing.
Foster said on Twitter: “Discussions are going well with the government and we hope soon to be able to bring this work to a successful conclusion.”Foster said on Twitter: “Discussions are going well with the government and we hope soon to be able to bring this work to a successful conclusion.”
And a Downing Street source said the talks had been “constructive”.And a Downing Street source said the talks had been “constructive”.
The prime minister may not be present as the talks continue because she is heading to Paris for a meeting with newly-elected President Emmanuel Macron.The prime minister may not be present as the talks continue because she is heading to Paris for a meeting with newly-elected President Emmanuel Macron.
Discussions are going well with the government and we hope soon to be able to bring this work to a successful conclusion.Discussions are going well with the government and we hope soon to be able to bring this work to a successful conclusion.
2.40pm BST2.40pm BST
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In his World at One interview Sir John Major suggested that the DUP would demand extra money for Northern Ireland as the price for a deal with the Tories.In his World at One interview Sir John Major suggested that the DUP would demand extra money for Northern Ireland as the price for a deal with the Tories.
On Twitter yesterday Nick Macpherson, the former Treasury permanent secretary, said that “the sky’s the limit” when it comes to how much money the DUP can extract from a minority government in these circumstances.On Twitter yesterday Nick Macpherson, the former Treasury permanent secretary, said that “the sky’s the limit” when it comes to how much money the DUP can extract from a minority government in these circumstances.
you will recall from HMT days, DUP's ability to wrest money from a nervous PM. If DUP play it long, the sky's the limit.you will recall from HMT days, DUP's ability to wrest money from a nervous PM. If DUP play it long, the sky's the limit.
2.37pm BST2.37pm BST
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MPs are now proceeding to the House of Lords, where they will hear a royal commission being read out asking them to elect a Speaker.MPs are now proceeding to the House of Lords, where they will hear a royal commission being read out asking them to elect a Speaker.
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at 2.41pm BSTat 2.41pm BST
2.36pm BST2.36pm BST
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Election of speakerElection of speaker
MPs are now gathered in the Commons chamber for the first time. Their only job today is to elect a Speaker.MPs are now gathered in the Commons chamber for the first time. Their only job today is to elect a Speaker.
Jeremy Corbyn received a standing ovation when he arrived in the chamber.Jeremy Corbyn received a standing ovation when he arrived in the chamber.
Jeremy Corbyn receiving rapturous applause from Opposition benches, as bemused Conservatives watch on as Commons returns: pic.twitter.com/bPe8QvVqDIJeremy Corbyn receiving rapturous applause from Opposition benches, as bemused Conservatives watch on as Commons returns: pic.twitter.com/bPe8QvVqDI
UpdatedUpdated
at 2.41pm BSTat 2.41pm BST
2.27pm BST
14:27
Sir John Major's World at One interview - Summary
Here are the main points from Sir John Major’s World at One interview.
Major warned that a Tory/DUP deal could threaten the Northern Ireland peace process. (See 1.39pm.) He even suggested not having the Westminster government as a neutral arbiter in Northern Ireland affairs could in some circumstances risk violence returning.
We have seen in Northern Ireland over very many years that events always don’t unwind as you expect them to unwind. Here, with the peace process, we need to be prepared of the unexpected. We need to hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
The last thing anybody wishes to see is one or other of the communities so aggrieved that the hard men, who are still there lurking in the corners of the community, decide that they wish to return to some form of violence. We really need to do everything we conceivably can to make sure that doesn’t happen.And that does require an impartial UK government.
He said that Theresa May did not need a deal with the DUP anyway.
I can’t believe that every other party in Westminster would want another election at the present time and I’m absolutely stone-cold certain that nobody in the country would like another general election and would not forgive anybody who triggered it. So I don’t think an immediate general election is really the point.
And, in any event, she’s a tiny minority in the event that everybody lined up against her. Well, I can’t see the DUP, with or without a deal, taking part in a vote that would create a general election with a possibility of a Labour government. That isn’t remotely likely to happen. So I’m not entirely convinced that, although a deal would make parliamentary votes easier, that it is absolutely necessary for Mrs May to remain as prime minister and for the government to continue with its work.
He said that the Tories would lose votes “by the bucketload” at the next election if people saw Northern Ireland getting more money as a result of the Tory/DUP deal.
The DUP, entirely understandably, are going to ask for a great deal in for supporting the government, predominantly, I suspect, they will ask for money.
If they ask for money, how is that going to be received in Wales, or in Scotland, or amongst the just about managing everywhere across the UK? It is going to create friction amongst them. They would see it as the government paying cash for votes in parliament, and in doing so I think that could well cost votes in the country for the Conservative party, by the bucketload, at a subsequent election. So I have that political concern.
He said a Tory/DUP deal would put a strain on relations with Dublin.
He said it would be “trebly important” to consult widely on Brexit if there were a Tory/DUP deal.
If the government do form a deal with the DUP, and I can see that well might feel that they have to, then it is doubly important, trebly important, to consult on Brexit widely, both in and out of parliament. I think if that were a joint announcement with any deal with the DUP, I think it would be very helpful, because people would see that there isn’t going to be disproportionate pressure from one part of the United Kingdom.
He said a hard Brexit was “increasingly unsustainable” because people did not vote for it at the election.
I think the concept of what we crudely call a hard Brexit is becoming increasingly unsustainable. The views of those who wish to stay in are going to have to be born in mind to a much greater extent after this election. A hard Brexit was not endorsed by the electorate in this particular election.
He said the government should consult much more widely on Brexit.
It would be very wise indeed to bring in much wider parliamentary opinion so that when the prime minister has a deal, she can be certain that she’s going to have parliamentary and public support for that deal.
He also suggested that the government should be “more generous” on immigration, and consider remaining in the single market.
Updated
at 2.41pm BST
2.19pm BST
14:19
Theresa May has left Downing Street for the Commons, where she will be in the chamber for the election of the Speaker when MPs meet for the first time.
The talks with the DUP have, at least temporarily, broken up. According to Sky, Arlene Foster, the DUP leader, has left No 10 by a side entrance, avoiding the TV cameras.
Updated
at 2.34pm BST
1.39pm BST
13:39
John Major warns May that Tory/DUP deal could threaten Northern Ireland peace process
This is what Sir John Major, the Conservative former prime minister, said on The World at One about how a Tory/DUP pact could undermine the Northern Ireland peace process.
I am concerned about the deal, I am wary about it, I am dubious about it, both for peace process reasons, and for other reasons as well ...
My main concern is the peace process. A fundamental part of that peace process is that the UK government needs to be impartial between all the competing interests in Northern Ireland. And the danger is that however much any government tries, they will not be seen to be impartial if they are locked into a parliamentary deal at Westminster with one of the Northern Ireland parties. And you never know in what unpredictable way events will turn out. And we cannot know if that impartiality is going to be crucial at some stage in the future.
If there difficulties with the Northern Ireland executive or with any one of a number of things that might well arise during the Brexit negotiations, it is very important that there’s an honest broker. And the only honest broker can be the UK government.
And the question arises, if they cease to be seen as such by part of the community in Northern Ireland, then one can’t be quite certain how events will unwind. And that worries me a great deal about the peace process.
Updated
at 1.51pm BST
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13:27
Here is the audio of Sir John Major’s World at One interview.
1.24pm BST
13:24
Major says voters did not support hard Brexit at election
Major says the government did not get a mandate for hard Brexit at the election.
He says the government now needs to consult widely about a revised Brexit strategy.
Echoing what William Hague says in his Telegraph column (see 9.08am), he says the government should consult much more with other parties.
The interview is now over.
It’s worth a full summary, and I will post one shortly.
1.20pm BST
13:20
John Major says he is 'dubious' of proposed Tory/DUP pact
Sir John Major, the Conservative former prime minister, is on the World at One now talking about the proposed Tory/DUP deal.
He says he is “wary” and “dubious” about it. The deal could undermine the Northern Ireland peace process, he says.
He says he does not think it is necessary, because he says the DUP would never bring down a minority Conservative government anyway.
And he says other parts of the UK will be angered if the deal involves Northern Ireland getting extra funding.
1.15pm BST
13:15
On the Today programme this morning Lord Trimble, who was one of the architects of the Good Friday agreement as Ulster Unionist leader and who went on to become first minister of Northern Ireland, said he did not accept the argument that a Tory/DUP deal would undermine the peace process.
It has been argued that a deal would stop the UK government being a neutral arbiter in negotiations between unionists and nationalists. But Trimble claimed that “a fair amount of scaremongering” was going on and he said the Tory/DUP talks would not put the Good Friday agreement at risk.
Instead, he argued, the deal posed a risk to the DUP.
The DUP, by doing this, are putting themselves in a position where they may have to take responsibility for unpopular actions ... so they are taking a significant risk in going in.
Asked if any deal should go ahead, he said:
They are perfectly entitled to do it, this is not in any way different to what [James] Callaghan did in his arrangements with the liberals way back in the 70s, it’s not any different to what Nick Clegg did.
1.03pm BST
13:03
The Sun’s political editor Tom Newton Dunn says there is no guarantee we will get a Tory/DUP deal today.
Latest: I understand that a deal with the DUP today is by no means guaranteed. Quite a bit of hard ball is being played.
1.03pm BST
13:03
Here is the No 10 read-out from today’s cabinet meeting. This is from a spokesperson.
In the first cabinet meeting since the election, ministers discussed the forthcoming Queen’s speech, including the legislative programme required to deliver the best possible Brexit deal for the whole United Kingdom.
Ministers also received an update on the appalling terrorist attacks in Manchester and London during the general election campaign. The home Secretary and the health secretary praised the extraordinary response of the police and emergency services to both incidents.
Cabinet also discussed the ongoing talks with the DUP to secure a confidence and supply arrangement.
12.55pm BST
12:55
DUP leader Arlene Foster arrives at No 10 for talks with Theresa May
Arlene Foster, the DUP leader, and her deputy Nigel Dodds, the leader of the DUP group at Westminster, have arrived at No 10 for talks with Theresa May about the Tory/DUP “confidence and supply agreement”. This is the deal that will keep the minority Conservative government in power by ensuring that the 10 DUP MPs vote with it on confidence motions and key budget votes.