This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2019/apr/11/may-to-address-commons-after-eu-sets-october-brexit-deadline-politics-live

The article has changed 18 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 7 Version 8
Brexit: May to address Commons after EU sets October deadline – live news Brexit: May to address Commons after EU sets October deadline – live news
(32 minutes later)
Speaking at an Institute for Government event this morning, Carolyn Fairbairn, the director general of the CBI, said that businesses would not be “dancing in the streets” over the Brexit delay until 31 October. She said the new delay would provide “brief relief” for businesses worried about the “cliff edge” of a no deal. But she went on:
It will be quickly followed by frustration, exasperation, we’re still here. Six months will come around extremely quickly and I think members will already be thinking ‘but that’s the run-up to Christmas’.
I’m afraid there will be no dancing in the streets around this and I wouldn’t expect much in the way of ramming down of no-deal planning.
Fairbairn also said that the government should use the next fews months to set up a process to find an acceptable Brexit compromise. And that had to involve more than just Labour and the government holding talks, she said.
Our huge hope off the back of this six-month reprieve is that it’s used to set up a process and it’s not just people locked in a room on their own which we’ve seen in the last few days.
She said there should be a three to four-month initiative bringing together civic society and wider stakeholders to discuss Brexit.
It could ask the question ‘what kind of Brexit do we want?’ We should have done it two years ago, why don’t we do it now? Me personally, I might have liked a slightly longer extension to enable that to happen, but actually this focuses minds.
This sounds a bit like Gordon Brown’s proposal for a people’s royal commission to find a version of Brexit acceptable to the country.
Arlene Foster, the DUP leader, had a meeting in Brussels today with Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator. She was accompanied by the Tory Brexiters Owen Paterson and Iain Duncan Smith. Afterwards she said:
We wanted to have the unionist voice heard so that he could hear the impact of the backstop and what it will do to the balance in Northern Ireland. We had good engagement around that issue today.
Duncan Smith said they had told Barnier about “alternative arrangements” to the backstop, and “what possibilities there were around the border”
Asked if she still had confidence in Theresa May, Foster said:
As you know the confidence and supply agreement that we signed was with the Conservative party and whoever the leader of the party is we will work with. We believe in national stability. We want to see Brexit delivered.
This is from my colleague Jessica Elgot.This is from my colleague Jessica Elgot.
Mood in Westminster feels a lot like the pressure valve has been released. They can't force May out, cabinet seemed resigned rather than resigning. Everyone desperate for a break. But will tone change when May stands up at 1?Mood in Westminster feels a lot like the pressure valve has been released. They can't force May out, cabinet seemed resigned rather than resigning. Everyone desperate for a break. But will tone change when May stands up at 1?
During questions in the Commons earlier, Geoffrey Cox, the attorney general, said the government was willing to “listen” to requests for a second referendum.During questions in the Commons earlier, Geoffrey Cox, the attorney general, said the government was willing to “listen” to requests for a second referendum.
The SNP’s Joanna Cherry asked him what discussions the cabinet had had about holding a second referendum. Cox said he would not comment on what came up at cabinet, but he went on:The SNP’s Joanna Cherry asked him what discussions the cabinet had had about holding a second referendum. Cox said he would not comment on what came up at cabinet, but he went on:
What I can say is this; the discussions that are currently going forward, with the Labour Party, with the opposition, are being pursued in good faith, there are no preconditions to it.What I can say is this; the discussions that are currently going forward, with the Labour Party, with the opposition, are being pursued in good faith, there are no preconditions to it.
And of course we will listen to any suggestions that are made, whether it be about a second referendum or any other matter, to see if we can find common ground in the interest of the country to leave the European Union as swiftly as possible.And of course we will listen to any suggestions that are made, whether it be about a second referendum or any other matter, to see if we can find common ground in the interest of the country to leave the European Union as swiftly as possible.
After the Commons business statement there will be a statement on discrimination in football. The prime minister’s statement on Brexit will come after that, which means it begin at some point after 1pm.After the Commons business statement there will be a statement on discrimination in football. The prime minister’s statement on Brexit will come after that, which means it begin at some point after 1pm.
Two Government Statements today after Business Questions:1. Discrimination in Football @DCMS_SecOfState 2. European Council @theresa_mayTwo Government Statements today after Business Questions:1. Discrimination in Football @DCMS_SecOfState 2. European Council @theresa_may
There will be a further ministerial statement on the arrest of Julian Assange after the PMs statement (Javid / Abbott)There will be a further ministerial statement on the arrest of Julian Assange after the PMs statement (Javid / Abbott)
Andrea Leadsom, the leader of the Commons, has just confirmed that, if MPs a motion on the order paper today, the house will rise for the Easter recess this afternoon and not return until Tuesday 23 April.Andrea Leadsom, the leader of the Commons, has just confirmed that, if MPs a motion on the order paper today, the house will rise for the Easter recess this afternoon and not return until Tuesday 23 April.
And she has just announced the business for the first week after Easter, which does not include any Brexit indicative votes, or the introduction of the long-awaited EU withdrawal agreement bill.And she has just announced the business for the first week after Easter, which does not include any Brexit indicative votes, or the introduction of the long-awaited EU withdrawal agreement bill.
What should happen next with Brexit? Here is a Guardian Opinion panel, with answers from Simon Jenkins, Sonia Sodha, Stella Creasy and Henry Newman.What should happen next with Brexit? Here is a Guardian Opinion panel, with answers from Simon Jenkins, Sonia Sodha, Stella Creasy and Henry Newman.
Brexit is delayed, so what needs to happen now? Our panel responds | Simon Jenkins and othersBrexit is delayed, so what needs to happen now? Our panel responds | Simon Jenkins and others
This is from the Conservative MP Johnny Mercer. Mercer is the backbencher who last year described his own government as a “shitshow”, and so you can understand why he might not be enormously popular with the whips.This is from the Conservative MP Johnny Mercer. Mercer is the backbencher who last year described his own government as a “shitshow”, and so you can understand why he might not be enormously popular with the whips.
Third one of these I’ve had of late, from an old Army contact. Contrast the values and ethos of that institution vs Parliament, and you’ll start to find answers of how we got the UK politically into such a mess. Values, integrity, ethos - never been more important, or more scarce pic.twitter.com/Xfdg2GSz4gThird one of these I’ve had of late, from an old Army contact. Contrast the values and ethos of that institution vs Parliament, and you’ll start to find answers of how we got the UK politically into such a mess. Values, integrity, ethos - never been more important, or more scarce pic.twitter.com/Xfdg2GSz4g
There is no formal process available to Conservative MPs if they want to remove Theresa May as leader in the immediate future because under party rules a new no confidence vote is not allowed until December. But Francis Elliott, the Times’ political editor, argues that with a new Queen’s speech due in the spring, May does face an existential threat.There is no formal process available to Conservative MPs if they want to remove Theresa May as leader in the immediate future because under party rules a new no confidence vote is not allowed until December. But Francis Elliott, the Times’ political editor, argues that with a new Queen’s speech due in the spring, May does face an existential threat.
There will be a lot of huff and puff about May's departure date today but as far as I can see she faces just one immediate existential threat - passing a Queen's Speech - and it's much closer than many realise https://t.co/mMm978Eqf9There will be a lot of huff and puff about May's departure date today but as far as I can see she faces just one immediate existential threat - passing a Queen's Speech - and it's much closer than many realise https://t.co/mMm978Eqf9
Here is an extract from his Times article (paywall).Here is an extract from his Times article (paywall).
The end of the parliamentary session also triggers a review of the Conservative government’s confidence and supply agreement with the Democratic Unionist Party, which was struck after the 2017 snap election in which the Tories lost their overall majority. The deal states that both parties are required to review its “aims, principles and implementation”.The end of the parliamentary session also triggers a review of the Conservative government’s confidence and supply agreement with the Democratic Unionist Party, which was struck after the 2017 snap election in which the Tories lost their overall majority. The deal states that both parties are required to review its “aims, principles and implementation”.
The break clause was one reason why Mrs May decided to announce that the parliamentary session would last for two years, rather than the usual one year, in June 2017.The break clause was one reason why Mrs May decided to announce that the parliamentary session would last for two years, rather than the usual one year, in June 2017.
In the present climate, with the DUP implacably opposed to the Brexit deal as it stands, it is all but impossible to see the party issuing another guarantee to support a government led by Mrs May.In the present climate, with the DUP implacably opposed to the Brexit deal as it stands, it is all but impossible to see the party issuing another guarantee to support a government led by Mrs May.
The ability to win a Commons vote approving a Queen’s Speech is a necessary condition for a viable government, but without a formal deal with the DUP Mrs May could not be certain it would pass.The ability to win a Commons vote approving a Queen’s Speech is a necessary condition for a viable government, but without a formal deal with the DUP Mrs May could not be certain it would pass.
Mujtaba Rahman, the former European commission official who writes well-regarded Brexit analyis for the Eurasia Group consultancy, thinks that as a result of last night’s EU decison, the chances of a delayed no-deal have increased, ‘perhaps substantially”. He makes a persuasive argument, in this short Twitter thread.Mujtaba Rahman, the former European commission official who writes well-regarded Brexit analyis for the Eurasia Group consultancy, thinks that as a result of last night’s EU decison, the chances of a delayed no-deal have increased, ‘perhaps substantially”. He makes a persuasive argument, in this short Twitter thread.
Back in Paris. Latest #Brexit piece will be out later, after chats with all sides so please watch this space. Instinctively, however, hard to argue risk of no deal hasn't risen - & perhaps substantially. Why? A very short threadBack in Paris. Latest #Brexit piece will be out later, after chats with all sides so please watch this space. Instinctively, however, hard to argue risk of no deal hasn't risen - & perhaps substantially. Why? A very short thread
Assume there'll be little/no progress in UK by Oct. Either because @theresa_may has managed to cling on but can't get deal through, or because (more likely) she's been replaced by a more €sceptic PM who's committed to Canada or managed no-deal. Blockage with Commons remains 1/Assume there'll be little/no progress in UK by Oct. Either because @theresa_may has managed to cling on but can't get deal through, or because (more likely) she's been replaced by a more €sceptic PM who's committed to Canada or managed no-deal. Blockage with Commons remains 1/
In this situ, there'll be more MS on the Macron side of table come Oct #EUCO (eg @MinPres) probs others. Those who've been invested in deal for personal/legacy reasons (eg @eucopresident & @JunckerEU) will have less agency - basically out of the door or in full transition mode 2/In this situ, there'll be more MS on the Macron side of table come Oct #EUCO (eg @MinPres) probs others. Those who've been invested in deal for personal/legacy reasons (eg @eucopresident & @JunckerEU) will have less agency - basically out of the door or in full transition mode 2/
MS are members states.MS are members states.
It's not even clear Merkel's coalition will survive EP elex if SPD do v badly (we've 45% prob Govt collapses this year). EU will also have had 7 more months to prep for no deal. Will stress test all in talks today; but think too easy to assume EU will simply keep rolling ext /ENDIt's not even clear Merkel's coalition will survive EP elex if SPD do v badly (we've 45% prob Govt collapses this year). EU will also have had 7 more months to prep for no deal. Will stress test all in talks today; but think too easy to assume EU will simply keep rolling ext /END
Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Tory Brexiter and chair of the European Research Group, which is pushing for a harder Brexit, was asked by reporters about the latest Brexit delay as he left home. He told them:Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Tory Brexiter and chair of the European Research Group, which is pushing for a harder Brexit, was asked by reporters about the latest Brexit delay as he left home. He told them:
I thought the prime minister said a few weeks ago that she wouldn’t agree to any extension and now we are getting quite a long one. I don’t think it’s a good idea and it is not delivering on the referendum result.I thought the prime minister said a few weeks ago that she wouldn’t agree to any extension and now we are getting quite a long one. I don’t think it’s a good idea and it is not delivering on the referendum result.
People expected to leave on March 29 and here we are heading towards Halloween. There’s some symbolism in that I think.People expected to leave on March 29 and here we are heading towards Halloween. There’s some symbolism in that I think.
He also said both main parties were not honouring the promises they made at the last election.He also said both main parties were not honouring the promises they made at the last election.
We should have left the European Union already and that’s what we need to deliver on.We should have left the European Union already and that’s what we need to deliver on.
The Conservative party was elected on a mandate of leaving the customs union, leaving the single market, and the prime minister needs to remember the votes that she won in that election, that gave her her mandate.The Conservative party was elected on a mandate of leaving the customs union, leaving the single market, and the prime minister needs to remember the votes that she won in that election, that gave her her mandate.
And the Labour party said at the same time it was committed to implementing the result of the referendum, so I think we are in a difficult political situation.And the Labour party said at the same time it was committed to implementing the result of the referendum, so I think we are in a difficult political situation.
But Rees-Mogg also said he was not calling for Theresa May to resign. He explained:But Rees-Mogg also said he was not calling for Theresa May to resign. He explained:
I was involved in the vote of no confidence last year and I lost that, so I accept she is the leader of the Conservative party and the prime minister. I am not involved in any leadership efforts to remove her.I was involved in the vote of no confidence last year and I lost that, so I accept she is the leader of the Conservative party and the prime minister. I am not involved in any leadership efforts to remove her.
Here is a sensible question from BTL.Here is a sensible question from BTL.
I've heard several times that it would take approximately 6 months to organise a referendum. Why would it take this long if a General Election can be organised in 6 weeks?I've heard several times that it would take approximately 6 months to organise a referendum. Why would it take this long if a General Election can be organised in 6 weeks?
There are two main reasons.There are two main reasons.
First, you need to pass legislation for a referendum, but not for a general election. This can take several months, and time needs to be allowed for the Electoral Commission to test the question being asked.First, you need to pass legislation for a referendum, but not for a general election. This can take several months, and time needs to be allowed for the Electoral Commission to test the question being asked.
Second, under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act (PPERA), there is a minimum 10-week period for the campaign. This allows time for the Electoral Commission to appoint a lead campaign group on either side - not something required in a general election.Second, under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act (PPERA), there is a minimum 10-week period for the campaign. This allows time for the Electoral Commission to appoint a lead campaign group on either side - not something required in a general election.
This paper (pdf), from the Constitution Unit, explains it all in a lot more detail.This paper (pdf), from the Constitution Unit, explains it all in a lot more detail.
Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, said the EU had fulfilled its fundamental obligation to safeguard the unity of the 27 while also working to build the best possible relationship with the UK after Brexit.Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, said the EU had fulfilled its fundamental obligation to safeguard the unity of the 27 while also working to build the best possible relationship with the UK after Brexit.
Sánchez said his government had “done its homework” when it came to preparing for a no-deal Brexit, and renewed his criticism of the Brexit campaign. He said:Sánchez said his government had “done its homework” when it came to preparing for a no-deal Brexit, and renewed his criticism of the Brexit campaign. He said:
The most important lesson we need to learn from what’s happening in the UK is that when decision-making processes, based on lies, are put in the hands of the people, societies – in this case British society – wind up down a blind alley.The most important lesson we need to learn from what’s happening in the UK is that when decision-making processes, based on lies, are put in the hands of the people, societies – in this case British society – wind up down a blind alley.
We in the EU need to be conscious of the scale of the challenge British society is facing and we need to try to help it reach an agreement. Dates may vary, but the important thing is to give British politics the time it needs to find its way out of a situation that stems from a referendum held three years ago.We in the EU need to be conscious of the scale of the challenge British society is facing and we need to try to help it reach an agreement. Dates may vary, but the important thing is to give British politics the time it needs to find its way out of a situation that stems from a referendum held three years ago.
On Sky’s All Out Politics Maria Caulfield, a Tory Brexiter who reluctantly supported Theresa May’s deal in the last Commons vote, said she did not think May would be able to win over any more Tories. Caulfield said:On Sky’s All Out Politics Maria Caulfield, a Tory Brexiter who reluctantly supported Theresa May’s deal in the last Commons vote, said she did not think May would be able to win over any more Tories. Caulfield said:
Talking to colleagues, those who are going to cross over and vote for the deal have done so ... As many MPs that were going to vote for the deal have done so. I think bringing it back for another time I don’t think is going to get us any further. And if we think Labour, with their cross-party talks, have any interest in resolving this matter, we are fooling ourselves.Talking to colleagues, those who are going to cross over and vote for the deal have done so ... As many MPs that were going to vote for the deal have done so. I think bringing it back for another time I don’t think is going to get us any further. And if we think Labour, with their cross-party talks, have any interest in resolving this matter, we are fooling ourselves.
Like David Davis earlier (see 9.01am), she also said the government should try again to get the EU to change the backstop.Like David Davis earlier (see 9.01am), she also said the government should try again to get the EU to change the backstop.
But the EU has repeatedly ruled this out, and the EU communique issued last night (pdf) explicitly said that the withdrawal agreement would not be reopened. It said:But the EU has repeatedly ruled this out, and the EU communique issued last night (pdf) explicitly said that the withdrawal agreement would not be reopened. It said:
The European council reiterates that there can be no opening of the withdrawal agreement, and that any unilateral commitment, statement or other act should be compatible with the letter and the spirit of the withdrawal agreement and must not hamper its implementation.The European council reiterates that there can be no opening of the withdrawal agreement, and that any unilateral commitment, statement or other act should be compatible with the letter and the spirit of the withdrawal agreement and must not hamper its implementation.
David Davis, who resigned as Brexit secretary last summer because he opposed Theresa May’s Chequers plan, told the BBC this morning that the pressure on May to resign would “increase dramatically” following last night’s agreement. He told the BBC:David Davis, who resigned as Brexit secretary last summer because he opposed Theresa May’s Chequers plan, told the BBC this morning that the pressure on May to resign would “increase dramatically” following last night’s agreement. He told the BBC:
I think what is likely to happen is the pressure for her to go will go up. The pressure on her to go will increase dramatically, I suspect, now. Whether it will come to anything - who knows?I think what is likely to happen is the pressure for her to go will go up. The pressure on her to go will increase dramatically, I suspect, now. Whether it will come to anything - who knows?
Asked if May would still be PM at the time of the party conference in the autumn, he replied:Asked if May would still be PM at the time of the party conference in the autumn, he replied:
I think it is going to be difficult because by that time we will have had a European election which will become a plebiscite, really, on Brexit. And I suspect you will see a very successful rise of a, sort of, Brexit movement, the Nigel Farage thing, and so on. So, that will be quite difficult. I think it will be very difficult for her.I think it is going to be difficult because by that time we will have had a European election which will become a plebiscite, really, on Brexit. And I suspect you will see a very successful rise of a, sort of, Brexit movement, the Nigel Farage thing, and so on. So, that will be quite difficult. I think it will be very difficult for her.
Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon has expressed her relief that the UK will not be exiting the EU with no deal, adding that a second referendum on Brexit was now “imperative”. She tweeted:Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon has expressed her relief that the UK will not be exiting the EU with no deal, adding that a second referendum on Brexit was now “imperative”. She tweeted:
It is a relief that - thanks to the patience of the EU - we will not be crashing out tomorrow. But the UK must not waste this time - allowing people to decide if they still want to leave is now imperative. And Scotland’s interests must be protected.It is a relief that - thanks to the patience of the EU - we will not be crashing out tomorrow. But the UK must not waste this time - allowing people to decide if they still want to leave is now imperative. And Scotland’s interests must be protected.
It is a relief that - thanks to the patience of the EU - we will not be crashing out tomorrow. But the UK must not waste this time - allowing people to decide if they still want to leave is now imperative. And Scotland’s interests must be protected.It is a relief that - thanks to the patience of the EU - we will not be crashing out tomorrow. But the UK must not waste this time - allowing people to decide if they still want to leave is now imperative. And Scotland’s interests must be protected.
Holyrood’s Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh has meanwhile confirmed that the Scottish parliament will not be recalled this afternoon: he had previously warned MSPs they would be recalled from 1pm on Thursday if the UK was due to leave the EU without a deal on Friday.Holyrood’s Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh has meanwhile confirmed that the Scottish parliament will not be recalled this afternoon: he had previously warned MSPs they would be recalled from 1pm on Thursday if the UK was due to leave the EU without a deal on Friday.
The SNP’s Europe spokesperson Stephen Gethins MP told BBC Radio Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland that there was “plenty time” to hold a referendum before Hallowe’en, pointing out that when Labour won the general election in 1997 the referendum to establish a Scottish parliament took place 133 days after that, and there are 204 days until the end of October.The SNP’s Europe spokesperson Stephen Gethins MP told BBC Radio Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland that there was “plenty time” to hold a referendum before Hallowe’en, pointing out that when Labour won the general election in 1997 the referendum to establish a Scottish parliament took place 133 days after that, and there are 204 days until the end of October.
Later on the same programme, Scottish secretary David Mundell insisted that Theresa May will lead her party into the European elections, adding that the government was open to discussing a customs union with Labour.Later on the same programme, Scottish secretary David Mundell insisted that Theresa May will lead her party into the European elections, adding that the government was open to discussing a customs union with Labour.