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Theresa May appoints hardliner Steve Baker as Brexit minister - politics live Theresa May appoints hardliner Steve Baker as Brexit minister - politics live
(35 minutes later)
5.10pm BST
17:10
The Lib Dems have criticised the appointment of Steve Baker has a Brexit minister. (See 4.24pm.) This is from the Lib Dem MP Alistair Carmichael.
Far from softening her stance on Brexit, Theresa May is doubling down by appointing an arch Brexiteer to help lead the negotiations.
It flies in the face of last week’s election in which the British people clearly rejected her extreme version of Brexit.
She is putting a fox in charge of guarding the henhouse.
That is one interpretation. It is just as likely, or perhaps even more likely, that Theresa May has appointed Baker in the hope that he will be able to persuade his fellow hardline Tory Brexiteers to accept the compromises that DExEU is likely to end up negotiating.
4.46pm BST
16:46
Guy Verhofstadt, the European parliament’s Brexit coordinator, has been using Twitter today to urge Britain to get on with clarifying its Brexit position.
We are impatiently waiting for the negotiating position of the UK gov. The current uncertainty cannot continue.
He expanded on this point earlier today during a press conference.
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4.39pm BST4.39pm BST
16:3916:39
Lisa O'CarrollLisa O'Carroll
The Department for Exiting the European Union (DExEU) is not just taking on new ministers. It has also in the past week advertised for spin doctors to help in “shaping government messages” in Brexit talks.The Department for Exiting the European Union (DExEU) is not just taking on new ministers. It has also in the past week advertised for spin doctors to help in “shaping government messages” in Brexit talks.
In an advert for press officers, it says it’s “not often an opportunity comes along to work on a subject as big as Brexit”.In an advert for press officers, it says it’s “not often an opportunity comes along to work on a subject as big as Brexit”.
It also says that “it’s arguably the greatest issue facing the country for a generation” and that DExEU is looking at hiring on a two-year timeframe. Which might be a tad optimistic ...It also says that “it’s arguably the greatest issue facing the country for a generation” and that DExEU is looking at hiring on a two-year timeframe. Which might be a tad optimistic ...
4.28pm BST4.28pm BST
16:2816:28
It is probably worth reminding readers what Dominic Cummings, the Vote Leave campaign director, once said about Steve Baker and his colleagues. This is from Tim Shipman’s excellent book about the EU referendum campaign, All Out War.It is probably worth reminding readers what Dominic Cummings, the Vote Leave campaign director, once said about Steve Baker and his colleagues. This is from Tim Shipman’s excellent book about the EU referendum campaign, All Out War.
After Michael Heseltine’s attack on Boris Johnson, [Paul] Stephenson [VL’s communications director] remembered a conversation he had had with Cummings weeks before about how some of the more hotheaded Eurosceptics would have their uses at points in the campaign. Cummings, with his usual delicacy where MPs were concerned, had said, ‘We just need to kick the flying monkeys in the cage and release them at the right point.’ Now Stephenson went in search of a flying monkey to turn up the pressure on Cameron. He called Steve Baker [chair of Conservatives for Britain] ...After Michael Heseltine’s attack on Boris Johnson, [Paul] Stephenson [VL’s communications director] remembered a conversation he had had with Cummings weeks before about how some of the more hotheaded Eurosceptics would have their uses at points in the campaign. Cummings, with his usual delicacy where MPs were concerned, had said, ‘We just need to kick the flying monkeys in the cage and release them at the right point.’ Now Stephenson went in search of a flying monkey to turn up the pressure on Cameron. He called Steve Baker [chair of Conservatives for Britain] ...
4.24pm BST4.24pm BST
16:2416:24
Leading Tory Brexiteer Steve Baker appointed Brexit ministerLeading Tory Brexiteer Steve Baker appointed Brexit minister
Good job I got that last post up in time. No 10 has just announced that Steve Baker, the shop steward of the hardline Tory Brexiteers, has been made a Brexit minister.Good job I got that last post up in time. No 10 has just announced that Steve Baker, the shop steward of the hardline Tory Brexiteers, has been made a Brexit minister.
This is from the No 10 news releaseThis is from the No 10 news release
The Queen has been pleased to approve the appointment of Steve Baker MP as parliamentary under-secretary of state at the Department for Exiting the EU.The Queen has been pleased to approve the appointment of Steve Baker MP as parliamentary under-secretary of state at the Department for Exiting the EU.
Baker replaced David Jones, who has been sacked as a Brexit minister. As the Telegraph reports, Jones was also a hardcore Brexiteer.Baker replaced David Jones, who has been sacked as a Brexit minister. As the Telegraph reports, Jones was also a hardcore Brexiteer.
Baker’s appointment may help to explain his tweeting earlier. (See 4.12pm.)Baker’s appointment may help to explain his tweeting earlier. (See 4.12pm.)
4.12pm BST4.12pm BST
16:1216:12
The Conservative MP Steve Baker has been tweeting about the “whither Brexit?” debate going on within his party. Baker is effectively leader of hardline Tory anti-European MPs (or “flying monkeys”, as Vote Leave’s Dominic Cummings once called them) and heads the European Research Group, a caucus of Tory MPs. The ERG are generally seen as champions of a hard Brexit, but Baker is trying to reclaim the language, saying what he wants is the “softest” version of a real Brexit.The Conservative MP Steve Baker has been tweeting about the “whither Brexit?” debate going on within his party. Baker is effectively leader of hardline Tory anti-European MPs (or “flying monkeys”, as Vote Leave’s Dominic Cummings once called them) and heads the European Research Group, a caucus of Tory MPs. The ERG are generally seen as champions of a hard Brexit, but Baker is trying to reclaim the language, saying what he wants is the “softest” version of a real Brexit.
1. The language of "hard" vs "soft" Brexit is so misleading. We need a good, clean exit which minimises disruption and maximises opportunity1. The language of "hard" vs "soft" Brexit is so misleading. We need a good, clean exit which minimises disruption and maximises opportunity
2. In other words, we need the "softest" exit consistent with actually leaving and controlling laws, money, borders and trade2. In other words, we need the "softest" exit consistent with actually leaving and controlling laws, money, borders and trade
3. (of 3) and that means delivering on the whitepaper so @tradegovuk can get on with improving UK and global trade https://t.co/SXGuwKNLES3. (of 3) and that means delivering on the whitepaper so @tradegovuk can get on with improving UK and global trade https://t.co/SXGuwKNLES
Baker’s tweet suggest he thinks the term “hard” Brexit is pejorative. But there is evidence from focus groups suggesting that some leave supporters like the idea of “hard” Brexit because that implies a firm stance on immigration. This is from a Britain Thinks presentation (pdf) based on the findings of focus groups earlier this year.Baker’s tweet suggest he thinks the term “hard” Brexit is pejorative. But there is evidence from focus groups suggesting that some leave supporters like the idea of “hard” Brexit because that implies a firm stance on immigration. This is from a Britain Thinks presentation (pdf) based on the findings of focus groups earlier this year.
3.44pm BST3.44pm BST
15:4415:44
Downing Street has announced another series of appointments.Downing Street has announced another series of appointments.
Here are the promotions. These five have all been made minister of state (a middle-ranking minister – better than parliamentary under-secretary, not cabinet rank).Here are the promotions. These five have all been made minister of state (a middle-ranking minister – better than parliamentary under-secretary, not cabinet rank).
Foreign Office – Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (previously a more junior minister) and Mark Field (previously a Conservative party vice-chairman).Foreign Office – Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (previously a more junior minister) and Mark Field (previously a Conservative party vice-chairman).
Communities department – Alok Sharma (previously a more junior minister).Communities department – Alok Sharma (previously a more junior minister).
Defence – Mark Lancaster (previously a more junior minister).Defence – Mark Lancaster (previously a more junior minister).
Foreign Office and International Development (joint post) – Alistair Burt (a minister of state until last summer).Foreign Office and International Development (joint post) – Alistair Burt (a minister of state until last summer).
This is the fourth time Burt has joined a government as a minister. His three previous ministerial careers came to an end when he was sacked by the electorate (in 1997), by David Cameron (in 2013) and by himself (he stood down voluntarily last summer).This is the fourth time Burt has joined a government as a minister. His three previous ministerial careers came to an end when he was sacked by the electorate (in 1997), by David Cameron (in 2013) and by himself (he stood down voluntarily last summer).
This is from the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg.This is from the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg.
V interesting - Mark Field and Alistair Burt, two Remainers have gone back into govtV interesting - Mark Field and Alistair Burt, two Remainers have gone back into govt
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3.29pm BST3.29pm BST
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The Commons has now adjourned. It meets again tomorrow, when MPs will start being sworn in.The Commons has now adjourned. It meets again tomorrow, when MPs will start being sworn in.
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3.26pm BST3.26pm BST
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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.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.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.
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3.17pm BST3.17pm BST
15:1715:17
Jeremy Corbyn is speaking now.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 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 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 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 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.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.
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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 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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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.
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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 BST
14:56
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.
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.
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.
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.
Updated
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2.52pm BST
14:52
John 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.
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.
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 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”.
Updated
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2.46pm BST
14:46
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 process
2.43pm BST
14:43
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.
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.
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”.
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.
2.40pm BST
14:40
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.
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 BST
14:37
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.
Updated
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2.36pm BST
14:36
Election of 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 receiving rapturous applause from Opposition benches, as bemused Conservatives watch on as Commons returns: pic.twitter.com/bPe8QvVqDI
Updated
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