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Brexit weekly briefing: cabinet showdown after MPs reject all options Brexit weekly briefing: cabinet showdown after MPs reject all options
(about 1 hour later)
Welcome to the Guardian’s weekly Brexit briefing, trying to make sense of the nonsensical since June 2016. If you would like to receive this as a weekly email, please sign up here. And catch our monthly Brexit Means podcast here.Welcome to the Guardian’s weekly Brexit briefing, trying to make sense of the nonsensical since June 2016. If you would like to receive this as a weekly email, please sign up here. And catch our monthly Brexit Means podcast here.
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Another eventful week, but we’re no further forward. Which, with the EU having demanded a Brexit decision from Britain one way or another by 12 April – less than a fortnight away – is just the tiniest bit alarming. Another eventful week, but we’re no further forward. Which, with the EU having demanded a decision from Britain one way or another by 12 April – less than a fortnight away – is just the tiniest bit alarming.
So what happened? After backing an amendment allowing indicative votes in a bid to to find parliament’s preferred Brexit solution, MPs rejected all eight options before them (though one, committing the government to negotiate a UK-wide customs union with the EU in any Brexit deal, nearly made it). So what happened? After backing an amendment allowing indicative votes in a bid to to find parliament’s preferred Brexit solution, MPs rejected all eight options before them last Wednesday (though one, committing the government to negotiate a UK-wide customs union with the EU in any Brexit deal, nearly made it).
True to form, the government took this as an invitation to bring Theresa May’s twice-defeated deal back to the Commons, albeit in slightly different form: to get round John Bercow’s ban on another vote on the same matter, this was just the withdrawal agreement, shorn of its accompanying political declaration.True to form, the government took this as an invitation to bring Theresa May’s twice-defeated deal back to the Commons, albeit in slightly different form: to get round John Bercow’s ban on another vote on the same matter, this was just the withdrawal agreement, shorn of its accompanying political declaration.
It didn’t make any difference. Despite the prime minister’s offer to resign before the next phase of Brexit if her MPs would vote for the deal (opening up the prospect of a hardline Brexiter leading the talks on the UK’s future relationship with the EU), parliament rejected it a third time, by 344 votes to 286. It made no difference. Despite the prime minister’s offer to resign before the next phase of Brexit if her MPs voted for the deal (opening up the prospect of a hardline Brexiter leading the talks on the UK’s future relationship with the EU), parliament rejected it a third time, by 344 votes to 286.
The EU responded rapidly, with the European council president, Donald Tusk, calling an emergency summit for 10 April and giving the British government until then to find a solution or crash out of the bloc two days later. The EU27 also began setting its terms for talks with the UK on avoiding economic meltdown after a no-deal Brexit. The EU responded rapidly, with the European council president, Donald Tusk, calling an emergency summit for 10 April and giving the British government until then to find a solution, or it would crash out of the bloc two days later. The EU27 also began setting its terms for talks with the UK on avoiding economic meltdown after a no-deal Brexit.
As parliament readied for a second round of indicative votes on Monday, May’s divided cabinet appeared on the verge of meltdown as ministers clashed over whether to back plans for a possible lengthy delay and softer Brexit based on some form of customs union. As parliament prepared for a second round of indicative votes on Monday, May’s divided cabinet appeared on the verge of meltdown as ministers clashed over whether to back plans for a possible lengthy delay and softer Brexit based on some form of customs union.
The justice secretary, David Gauke, said the prime minister would have to “look closely” at a customs union if MPs voted for it; Liz Truss, the chief secretary to the Treasury, described the idea as “incredibly problematic”. The EU did not hide its preferred option, saying if Britain opted for a customs union it could be out by 22 May.The justice secretary, David Gauke, said the prime minister would have to “look closely” at a customs union if MPs voted for it; Liz Truss, the chief secretary to the Treasury, described the idea as “incredibly problematic”. The EU did not hide its preferred option, saying if Britain opted for a customs union it could be out by 22 May.
To add to the excitement, Labour said it was considering calling another vote of no confidence in the government. And the Democratic Unionist party again swore there was no way it would ever support May’s deal in any future meaningful vote, making it highly unlikely it would pass. To add to the excitement, Labour said it was considering calling another vote of no confidence in the government. And the Democratic Unionist party again swore there was no way it would support May’s deal in any future meaningful vote, making it highly unlikely it would pass.
Then, in a second round of indicative votes in the Commons on Monday, MPs once again failed to coalesce behind any alternative to the prime minister’s rejected Brexit deal, rejecting a common market, a customs union and a second referendum. Then, in a second round of indicative votes in the Commons on Monday, MPs once again failed to coalesce behind any one alternative to the prime minister’s rejected Brexit deal, rejecting a common market, a customs union and a second referendum.
MPs backing a soft Brexit were furious at second referendum campaigners, blaming colleagues demanding a people’s vote for parliament’s failure to reach a consensus. The Conservative MP Nick Boles dramatically announced his departure from the party over its refusal to compromise. MPs backing a soft Brexit were furious at second-referendum campaigners, blaming colleagues demanding a people’s vote for parliament’s failure to reach a consensus. And the Conservative MP Nick Boles dramatically announced his departure from the party over its refusal to compromise.
What next?What next?
The prime minister has summoned her warring cabinet to Downing Street for a five-hour showdown during which it will have to decide on a way forward. The prime minister has summoned her warring cabinet to Downing Street for a five-hour showdown during which it will have to find a way forward.
Ministers will now have to decide whether to shift course towards a closer future relationship with the EU in an attempt to build a majority; head for a no-deal Brexit on 12 April; or give May’s twice-rejected deal a final shot this week. Ministers must decide whether to shift course towards a closer future relationship with the EU in an attempt to build a majority; head for a no-deal Brexit on 12 April; or give May’s thrice-rejected deal a final shot this week.
The first option would put May in conflict with a significant group of ministers who would prefer no deal, and risk splitting the Tory party. The second would see her lose a string of different ministers – some of whom might even be ready to back a Labour motion of no confidence.The first option would put May in conflict with a significant group of ministers who would prefer no deal, and risk splitting the Tory party. The second would see her lose a string of different ministers – some of whom might even be ready to back a Labour motion of no confidence.
One Downing Street adviser said a snap election fronted by May was being “tested” and that it was viewed by some in the No 10 bunker as “the least worst option”. One Downing Street adviser said a snap election fronted by May was being “tested” and that it was viewed by some in No 10 as “the least worst option”.
If the deal does come back, it is likely to be tabled with an an amendment submitted last week by the Labour MPs Gareth Snell and Lisa Nandy allowing parliament a greater say in the next stage of the Brexit negotiations. If the deal does return, it is likely to be tabled with an an amendment submitted last week by the Labour MPs Gareth Snell and Lisa Nandy allowing parliament a greater say in the next stage of the Brexit negotiations.
Then the last chance of avoiding a no-deal exit would be Eurosceptic MPs finally dropping their resistance to the plan rather than risking an early election, a second referendum or a softer Brexit.Then the last chance of avoiding a no-deal exit would be Eurosceptic MPs finally dropping their resistance to the plan rather than risking an early election, a second referendum or a softer Brexit.
Best of the restBest of the rest
UK manufacturers buoyed by Brexit stockpiling as eurozone slumps.UK manufacturers buoyed by Brexit stockpiling as eurozone slumps.
Jacob Rees-Mogg defends promotion of German far-right AfD video.Jacob Rees-Mogg defends promotion of German far-right AfD video.
Anger in Whitehall as Brexit strife delays key policies and legislation.Anger in Whitehall as Brexit strife delays key policies and legislation.
Article 50 petition to cancel Brexit passes 6m signatures.Article 50 petition to cancel Brexit passes 6m signatures.
‘One Nation’ Tories form group to counter pro-Brexit leadership candidates.‘One Nation’ Tories form group to counter pro-Brexit leadership candidates.
Hundreds gather for anti-Brexit protests along Irish border.Hundreds gather for anti-Brexit protests along Irish border.
Grieve accuses ex-Ukip opponent of insurgency after confidence vote loss.Grieve accuses ex-Ukip opponent of insurgency after confidence vote loss.
Vote Leave drops appeal against fine for electoral offences.Vote Leave drops appeal against fine for electoral offences.
Brexit backers block Westminster roads chanting Bye-bye, EU’.Brexit backers block Westminster roads chanting Bye-bye, EU’.
Third vote on May deal exposes splits among Tory Brexiters.Third vote on May deal exposes splits among Tory Brexiters.
Brexit fatigue: business leaders fed up of paying price of uncertainty.Brexit fatigue: business leaders fed up of paying price of uncertainty.
At least 10 cabinet ministers considering prime ministerial bids.At least 10 cabinet ministers considering prime ministerial bids.
No-deal Easter holiday bonanza as companies cut prices to Europe.No-deal Easter holiday bonanza as companies cut prices to Europe.
‘We’re ready no matter what’: Eurotunnel all set for no-deal Brexit.‘We’re ready no matter what’: Eurotunnel all set for no-deal Brexit.
Efta countries wary of UK’s interest in ‘Norway’ option.Efta countries wary of UK’s interest in ‘Norway’ option.
Dominic Cummings found in contempt of parliament.Dominic Cummings found in contempt of parliament.
UK manufacturers buoyed by Brexit stockpiling as eurozone slumps.UK manufacturers buoyed by Brexit stockpiling as eurozone slumps.
Jacob Rees-Mogg defends promotion of German far-right AfD video.Jacob Rees-Mogg defends promotion of German far-right AfD video.
Anger in Whitehall as Brexit strife delays key policies and legislation.Anger in Whitehall as Brexit strife delays key policies and legislation.
Article 50 petition to cancel Brexit passes 6m signatures.Article 50 petition to cancel Brexit passes 6m signatures.
‘One Nation’ Tories form group to counter pro-Brexit leadership candidates.‘One Nation’ Tories form group to counter pro-Brexit leadership candidates.
Hundreds gather for anti-Brexit protests along Irish border.Hundreds gather for anti-Brexit protests along Irish border.
Grieve accuses ex-Ukip opponent of insurgency after confidence vote loss.Grieve accuses ex-Ukip opponent of insurgency after confidence vote loss.
Vote Leave drops appeal against fine for electoral offences.Vote Leave drops appeal against fine for electoral offences.
Brexit backers block Westminster roads chanting Bye-bye, EU’.Brexit backers block Westminster roads chanting Bye-bye, EU’.
Third vote on May deal exposes splits among Tory Brexiters.Third vote on May deal exposes splits among Tory Brexiters.
Brexit fatigue: business leaders fed up of paying price of uncertainty.Brexit fatigue: business leaders fed up of paying price of uncertainty.
At least 10 cabinet ministers considering prime ministerial bids.At least 10 cabinet ministers considering prime ministerial bids.
No-deal Easter holiday bonanza as companies cut prices to Europe.No-deal Easter holiday bonanza as companies cut prices to Europe.
‘We’re ready no matter what’: Eurotunnel all set for no-deal Brexit.‘We’re ready no matter what’: Eurotunnel all set for no-deal Brexit.
Efta countries wary of UK’s interest in ‘Norway’ option.Efta countries wary of UK’s interest in ‘Norway’ option.
Dominic Cummings found in contempt of parliament.Dominic Cummings found in contempt of parliament.
Top commentTop comment
In the Guardian, Charles Grant writes of the despair in Brussels at the “incompetence, ignorance and irresponsibility” of the UK political class over Brexit:In the Guardian, Charles Grant writes of the despair in Brussels at the “incompetence, ignorance and irresponsibility” of the UK political class over Brexit:
The EU expects no deal because it does not trust British politicians not to screw up … Key officials despair at the inability of many leading British commentators and politicians to learn about how the EU works or what it wants from the negotiations. Remainers should not assume everyone in the EU wants another British referendum. Many senior figures worry that if the UK prevaricates or stays it will distract the EU from other pressing challenges, contaminate European politics with its weird Eurosceptic attitudes. Donald Tusk, the European council president, argues that doors should be left open to the UK, lest it reconsider Brexit. The Dutch, Germans, Irish, Poles and Swedes lean in that direction. But many other governments, and senior figures in the commission, are keen to excise the British cancer from the European body politic. The EU expects no deal because it does not trust British politicians not to screw up … Key officials despair at the inability of many leading British commentators and politicians to learn about how the EU works or what it wants from the negotiations. Remainers should not assume everyone in the EU wants another British referendum. Many senior figures worry that if the UK prevaricates or stays it will distract the EU from other pressing challenges, contaminate European politics with its weird Eurosceptic attitudes and block further integration. Donald Tusk, the European council president, argues that doors should be left open to the UK, lest it reconsider Brexit. The Dutch, Germans, Irish, Poles and Swedes lean in that direction. But many other governments, and senior figures in the commission, are keen to excise the British cancer from the European body politic.
And Zoe Williams rejoiced that aside from Theresa’s Commons defeat, the main event of Brexit Day, 29 March 2019, was Nigel Farage causing a slight traffic jam: And Zoe Williams rejoiced that, aside from May’s Commons defeat, the main event of Brexit Day, 29 March 2019, was Nigel Farage causing a slight traffic jam:
Nobody could have seen Theresa May’s learning strategies unfold in the way that they have. If you’d said in advance that a prime minister would behave like this, it would have been more than Project Fear. This is basically “strong point” strategy in the first world war: attack the strongest point and see what happens. Then in 1917 it was found that bad things happen, and it hasn’t been tried since … It was obviously never going to be easy, Brexit. The people with the competence didn’t have the enthusiasm, and the people with the enthusiasm didn’t have the competence. But seriously, in all of our defence, who could possibly have seen any of this coming?Nobody could have seen Theresa May’s learning strategies unfold in the way that they have. If you’d said in advance that a prime minister would behave like this, it would have been more than Project Fear. This is basically “strong point” strategy in the first world war: attack the strongest point and see what happens. Then in 1917 it was found that bad things happen, and it hasn’t been tried since … It was obviously never going to be easy, Brexit. The people with the competence didn’t have the enthusiasm, and the people with the enthusiasm didn’t have the competence. But seriously, in all of our defence, who could possibly have seen any of this coming?
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