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Fury as Boris Johnson says best way to honour Jo Cox is to deliver Brexit – live news Fury as Boris Johnson says best way to honour Jo Cox is to deliver Brexit – live news
(32 minutes later)
The Commons session has now been adjourned.
Boris Johnson has given ITV’s Peston a pre-recorded interview, which has aired at 10:45pm.
Here some excerpts from the transcript:
Boris Johnson: “60 days ago, nobody said that we could change the withdrawal agreement in the EU Treaty”
Robert Peston: “But you haven’t changed it”
BJ: “Nobody said everybody – on the contrary…Everybody around the EU. Now accepts that it must be changed”
RB: “But it may be changed. It hasn’t happened.”
BJ: “Nobody said that we could change the, uh, the backstop that is,”
RP: “But has it been done?”
BJ: “That is now under serious negotiation.”
RP: “t’s under discussion but when I talk to people in European capitals. They are very sceptical. You’ll get anything like what you want.”
BJ: “Well, it is certainly true, Robert, that uh, the British negotiating position has been undermined by the so-called surrender bill. Well not ‘so called’ It is a surrender bill. Uh, the, the, the bill that says that we’d have to rule out no deal. They’ve tried to wreck our negotiating position, but we’re not going to let them do it,
We’re going to get on and negotiate a deal if we possibly can. And if we can’t get up to you, then we’re going to come out of the EU on October the 31st come what may.”
RP: “But you did say something that I thought was very interesting to MPs, which is, that you believe now that EU are agreeing to some mechanism. You’ve got it, the principle of consent whereby whatever arrangements, if any arrangements to replace the backstop are agreed, they will be a way for Northern Ireland to get out of those arrangements. How would that work?”
BJ: “Well, I mean, this is, this is kind of where the rubber is hitting the road. Okay. The, the, the, the, the problem with the backstop is, is it, it’s the, it’s the arrangement, right?
Exactly. It’s the arrangement that keeps the UK locked in the, uh, EU’s legal order, the customs union and the single market with the EU having the say about our ability to exit. That’s the problem with it. And it’s just never going to go through the House of Commons. So we need to get rid of that.
RP: “But do you get any sense, you were saying to some MPs that you think the EU will move on that. Genuinely?”
BJ: “Yes, I do. And they already genuinely have moved in the sense that they’re willing to consider other ways that allow us to work with our Irish friends to accomplish several things. Number one, we need to avoid any kind of border checks.”
[...]
RP: “...the attorney general said today that you would abide by the so called Benn act, which says if you can’t get a deal, you’ve got to write to the EU requesting an extension. So you’re going to write this letter, are you?
BJ: “Well we’re going to go for a deal”
RP: “No! No! He said you would abide by this law, that means you would have to write the letter if there is no deal?”
BJ: “That of course only kicks in. If we fail to get a deal”
RP: “But you’re conceding there’s a reasonable prospect you’re not going to get a deal.”
BJ: “And under these circumstances, what I can say to you is that we will respect the law and we will come out on October the 31st”
RP: “But those two statements, many would say are completely incompatible”
BJ: “Well we will respect the law and we will come out on October 31st”
RP: “How?”
BJ: “Well. Obviously we’ve got some, some tough negotiations ahead and if you’ll forgive me, I don’t want to tip the hand of the UK government more than parliament is already required us to do so
RP: “The only reason I have the pleasure of seeing you here today is because you had to come back [inaudible]”
BJ: “No I was coming back anyway”
RP: [inaudible] many hours earlier than you would have expected.
BJ: “I fulfilled my commitments in New York.”
Rees-Mogg just promised “an exciting announcement” for tomorrow, and paraphrased the PM’s infamous “what’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander” line - which originally referred to equal treatment of the Tory MPs who might vote down a new deal and the Tory rebels who lost their whip for defying the government a few weeks ago.
And here an interesting comment from Tim Bale, politics professor at Queen Mary, University of London:And here an interesting comment from Tim Bale, politics professor at Queen Mary, University of London:
What does this even mean? There's no substance whatsoever to the idea that if the Opposition doesn't table a confidence motion then, implicitly, it supports the government's policy. If the Tories want an election, then they have the option of voting no confidence in themselves. pic.twitter.com/cARC2bPwj9What does this even mean? There's no substance whatsoever to the idea that if the Opposition doesn't table a confidence motion then, implicitly, it supports the government's policy. If the Tories want an election, then they have the option of voting no confidence in themselves. pic.twitter.com/cARC2bPwj9
While a somewhat deflated debate rumbles on about the PM’s conduct tonight and around the prorogation, I’m turning my attention briefly to this from Sky’s Beth Rigby:While a somewhat deflated debate rumbles on about the PM’s conduct tonight and around the prorogation, I’m turning my attention briefly to this from Sky’s Beth Rigby:
As I understood it PM would not ask for extension. But publicly his cabinet has always stuck to the line he’ll comply with law. Cat’s out of the bag now. What will @Geoffrey_Cox & @RobertBuckland do/say. Direct contradiction to what they have said publicly https://t.co/nJHQBASZIHAs I understood it PM would not ask for extension. But publicly his cabinet has always stuck to the line he’ll comply with law. Cat’s out of the bag now. What will @Geoffrey_Cox & @RobertBuckland do/say. Direct contradiction to what they have said publicly https://t.co/nJHQBASZIH
Rees-Mogg now responds to a question by the shadow leader of the house Valerie Vaz, who quoted Rees-Mogg’s alleged remark about the Supreme Court ruling representing a “constitutional coup”. Rees-Mogg says this quote was attributed to him after a cabinet meeting, and that cabinet meetings are meant to be confidential, to much laughter.Rees-Mogg now responds to a question by the shadow leader of the house Valerie Vaz, who quoted Rees-Mogg’s alleged remark about the Supreme Court ruling representing a “constitutional coup”. Rees-Mogg says this quote was attributed to him after a cabinet meeting, and that cabinet meetings are meant to be confidential, to much laughter.
He says it’s a reasonable thing to disagree with somebody while also respecting them, like it is the case with himself and Bercow, and repeats the PM’s stance that he believes the judgment was “wrong”.He says it’s a reasonable thing to disagree with somebody while also respecting them, like it is the case with himself and Bercow, and repeats the PM’s stance that he believes the judgment was “wrong”.
This is what’s on tomorrow’s Common’s agenda:This is what’s on tomorrow’s Common’s agenda:
Tomorrow’s Commons business: pic.twitter.com/pAMWNYwlvaTomorrow’s Commons business: pic.twitter.com/pAMWNYwlva
Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Leader of the House, is now making his business statement.Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Leader of the House, is now making his business statement.
He opens by picking up the topic of the evening: Language that can have dire consequences for members of the house and their families. Says while he personally has only been subjected to “minor” affronts, incidents relating to other members have been more severe.He opens by picking up the topic of the evening: Language that can have dire consequences for members of the house and their families. Says while he personally has only been subjected to “minor” affronts, incidents relating to other members have been more severe.
A short while ago, Jeremy Cobyn called on the Speaker to get the leaders of all parties to issue a joint declaration “opposing any form of abusive language or threats”.A short while ago, Jeremy Cobyn called on the Speaker to get the leaders of all parties to issue a joint declaration “opposing any form of abusive language or threats”.
Rees-Mogg then congratulates Bercow for sitting in his chair for more than 10 hours.Rees-Mogg then congratulates Bercow for sitting in his chair for more than 10 hours.
Amidst the turmoil in parliament tonight, the Brexit shadow secretary, Matthew Pennycook MP, has resigned, citing his desire to focus his efforts on campaigning “unequivocally” for remain in a second referendum and the imminent arrival of his second child.Amidst the turmoil in parliament tonight, the Brexit shadow secretary, Matthew Pennycook MP, has resigned, citing his desire to focus his efforts on campaigning “unequivocally” for remain in a second referendum and the imminent arrival of his second child.
I have today stepped down as a Shadow Brexit Minister. Thank you to my brilliant colleagues @Keir_Starmer @PaulBlomfieldMP @JennyChapman @EmmaHardyMP @Jessicamordenmp and @hayteratlords for their support over the past three years and @jeremycorbyn for the opportunity to serve. pic.twitter.com/Ui6EaCL0ZAI have today stepped down as a Shadow Brexit Minister. Thank you to my brilliant colleagues @Keir_Starmer @PaulBlomfieldMP @JennyChapman @EmmaHardyMP @Jessicamordenmp and @hayteratlords for their support over the past three years and @jeremycorbyn for the opportunity to serve. pic.twitter.com/Ui6EaCL0ZA
Anna Soubry is now speaking, again making the point that the use of inflammatory language in politics is vitally important to reflect on. She words such as “traitor”, “surrender” and “treason” are dangerous if deployed by politicians, and that the fact that MPs and their families are getting death threats because of such language could have grave consequences for parliamentary democracy.Anna Soubry is now speaking, again making the point that the use of inflammatory language in politics is vitally important to reflect on. She words such as “traitor”, “surrender” and “treason” are dangerous if deployed by politicians, and that the fact that MPs and their families are getting death threats because of such language could have grave consequences for parliamentary democracy.
Boris Johnson has now left the chambers, which has caused some opposition MPs to complain to the Speaker.Boris Johnson has now left the chambers, which has caused some opposition MPs to complain to the Speaker.
Bercow asked Johnson to stay and “sit down” on his way out, and told him it would be “courteous”, for him to stay, but then says he has been in the Commons for many hours and answered many, at times repetitive, questions, and that he does not think that the PM’s departure represents a breech of the stipulations set out by the Supreme Court ruling.Bercow asked Johnson to stay and “sit down” on his way out, and told him it would be “courteous”, for him to stay, but then says he has been in the Commons for many hours and answered many, at times repetitive, questions, and that he does not think that the PM’s departure represents a breech of the stipulations set out by the Supreme Court ruling.
This from Brendan Cox, Jo Cox’ widower, on the PM’s remarks about his late wife tonight:This from Brendan Cox, Jo Cox’ widower, on the PM’s remarks about his late wife tonight:
Feel a bit sick at Jo’s name being used in this way. The best way to honour Jo is for all of us (no matter our views) to stand up for what we believe in, passionately and with determination. But never to demonise the other side and always hold onto what we have in common.Feel a bit sick at Jo’s name being used in this way. The best way to honour Jo is for all of us (no matter our views) to stand up for what we believe in, passionately and with determination. But never to demonise the other side and always hold onto what we have in common.
Boris Johnson is now answering questions from a half empty chambers, more than 3 hours after he first appeared at the despatch box to address the Commons.Boris Johnson is now answering questions from a half empty chambers, more than 3 hours after he first appeared at the despatch box to address the Commons.
Speaker John Bercow seems not bothered.Speaker John Bercow seems not bothered.
“The hour is still quite early,” he just told MPs.“The hour is still quite early,” he just told MPs.
Lib Dem MP Wera Hobhouse made Johnson a rather extraordinary offer in the Commons.Lib Dem MP Wera Hobhouse made Johnson a rather extraordinary offer in the Commons.
She said she will vote for his new deal, with the proviso that he promises to let the people make the ultimate decision in a second referendum.She said she will vote for his new deal, with the proviso that he promises to let the people make the ultimate decision in a second referendum.
This, she said, would “guarantee him” a majority.This, she said, would “guarantee him” a majority.
Johnson’s response is that this remark shows the Lib Dems can’t be trusted, as party leader Jo Swinson pledged to revoke article 50 and scrap Brexit altogether.Johnson’s response is that this remark shows the Lib Dems can’t be trusted, as party leader Jo Swinson pledged to revoke article 50 and scrap Brexit altogether.
Here a video of Paula Sherriff’s emotional speech about her friend Jo Cox, the Labour MP who was fatally shot and stabbed in June 2016 by a far-right extremist in the run up to the Brexit referendum. Cox was a passionate remain campaigner. Johnson’s response of “Humbug” to Sherriff’s speech is also being condemned.Here a video of Paula Sherriff’s emotional speech about her friend Jo Cox, the Labour MP who was fatally shot and stabbed in June 2016 by a far-right extremist in the run up to the Brexit referendum. Cox was a passionate remain campaigner. Johnson’s response of “Humbug” to Sherriff’s speech is also being condemned.
An MP makes an emotional plea to tone down the language - citing death of her friend Jo Cox. The prime minister responds saying “humbug”. pic.twitter.com/RbZsHRFyNFAn MP makes an emotional plea to tone down the language - citing death of her friend Jo Cox. The prime minister responds saying “humbug”. pic.twitter.com/RbZsHRFyNF
This from Channel 4’s Ciaran Jenkins:This from Channel 4’s Ciaran Jenkins:
Video here. Never seen anything like it. https://t.co/QaJFFHRK1TVideo here. Never seen anything like it. https://t.co/QaJFFHRK1T
And this from the Spectator’s Isabel Hardman:And this from the Spectator’s Isabel Hardman:
Did he even listen to what she was saying?Did he even listen to what she was saying?
Outrage about the PM’s earlier suggestion that the best way to honour the murdered MP Jo Cox is to get Brexit done is widespread and growing.Outrage about the PM’s earlier suggestion that the best way to honour the murdered MP Jo Cox is to get Brexit done is widespread and growing.
Here Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon:Here Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon:
As of tonight, there’s a gaping moral vacuum where the office of Prime Minister used to be. I didn’t know Jo Cox but I’m certain this man is not fit to speak her name. https://t.co/fg4FlbhP5xAs of tonight, there’s a gaping moral vacuum where the office of Prime Minister used to be. I didn’t know Jo Cox but I’m certain this man is not fit to speak her name. https://t.co/fg4FlbhP5x
The Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson:The Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson:
This Prime Minister is a disgrace.@paulasherriff made heartfelt plea for him to stop using inflammatory words like "surrender". She pointed at the plaque for murdered MP Jo Cox, and regular death threats MPs face, quoting such language. Johnson said "humbug". Utter disgrace.This Prime Minister is a disgrace.@paulasherriff made heartfelt plea for him to stop using inflammatory words like "surrender". She pointed at the plaque for murdered MP Jo Cox, and regular death threats MPs face, quoting such language. Johnson said "humbug". Utter disgrace.
And this from Labour’s Jess Phillips:And this from Labour’s Jess Phillips:
I get death threats and still I stand up, I don't surrender to fear & aggression. I don't surrender to lowest common denominator of fear to votes. I don't surrender to bullies who call me names. It is not I who have surrendered it is Boris Johnson he has surrendered his dignity.I get death threats and still I stand up, I don't surrender to fear & aggression. I don't surrender to lowest common denominator of fear to votes. I don't surrender to bullies who call me names. It is not I who have surrendered it is Boris Johnson he has surrendered his dignity.
Just a little reminder that it’s worth refreshing the blog every once in a while, as sometimes posts are added to or changed.Just a little reminder that it’s worth refreshing the blog every once in a while, as sometimes posts are added to or changed.
And here a true nugget of gold, courtesy of Boris Johnson, here reported by the Independent’s John Rentoul:And here a true nugget of gold, courtesy of Boris Johnson, here reported by the Independent’s John Rentoul:
Extraordinary Q from Jeremy Lefroy, Con, urging PM not to use language of “surrender” or “traitor” – Johnson says he didn’t say itExtraordinary Q from Jeremy Lefroy, Con, urging PM not to use language of “surrender” or “traitor” – Johnson says he didn’t say it
Boris Johnson just said, when pressed on whether he’ll go for a second prorogation, that the government will look closely at the provisions in the Supreme Court judgment to find a way forward.Boris Johnson just said, when pressed on whether he’ll go for a second prorogation, that the government will look closely at the provisions in the Supreme Court judgment to find a way forward.