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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 – as it happened
(32 minutes later)
I will wrap this blog up now.
The first Commons session since parliament was prorogued by prime minister Boris Johnson with the intention to keep it suspended for 5 weeks on September 9 was as intense as anticipated.
Furious MPs confronted the PM, after the Supreme Court had found that the suspension had been “unlawful”.
Boris Johnson and Jacob-Rees Mogg told MPs repeatedly that they believe the Supreme Court verdict to be “wrong”.
Labour’s Jeremy Corbyn called for the PM’s resignation and Plaid Cymru for his impeachment.
The PM mocked the opposition for voting against a general election and No 10 Downing Street challenged them to table a motion of no confidence tonight or “shut up”. Tory MPs reacted with standing ovations to the PM’s attack on the opposition front bench - which is, strictly speaking, forbidden in the Commons.
Widespread condemnation erupted after Boris Johnson shrugged off emotional comments by an MP about the murder of remain-campaigner and Labour MP Jo Cox with the word “humbug”; shortly after, the PM said Cox was best remembered by getting Brexit done, which further fuelled the outrage.
Various MPs and pundits clamoured for the elimination of inflammatory language in parliament, and pointed out examples where such language has incited violence and endangered MPS and their families.
The shadow Brexit secretary Matthew Pennycook has resigned, citing his wish to campaign full time for remain in a second referendum and the imminent birth of his second child as factors.
Jacob Rees-Mogg said he would be making an “exciting announcement” in the Commons tomorrow.
That’s everything from me, goodnight.
This from the Mail on Sunday’s Dan Hodges:This from the Mail on Sunday’s Dan Hodges:
I think the referendum result has to be respected. But at any price? Literally nothing else matters? The rule of law. Basic decency towards the family and friends of a murdered MP. Respect for our fundamental principles and institutions. By any means necessary now?I think the referendum result has to be respected. But at any price? Literally nothing else matters? The rule of law. Basic decency towards the family and friends of a murdered MP. Respect for our fundamental principles and institutions. By any means necessary now?
And this from Tory MP Tobias Ellwood:And this from Tory MP Tobias Ellwood:
Reflecting on Parliament today:Not sure we can look the nation in the eye & say that was a good day at the office.The maths is simple. This is a minority Gov. We need a couple dozen friends to support a Brexit deal. There was nothing friendly about today. Let’s learn from this pic.twitter.com/JFYkLOU4qiReflecting on Parliament today:Not sure we can look the nation in the eye & say that was a good day at the office.The maths is simple. This is a minority Gov. We need a couple dozen friends to support a Brexit deal. There was nothing friendly about today. Let’s learn from this pic.twitter.com/JFYkLOU4qi
The sentiment that the increasingly irresponsible use of hazardous language is endangering MPs, judges and democracy itself has pervaded the evening and is even being uttered by Tory MPs now, here by cabinet minister Nicky Morgan:The sentiment that the increasingly irresponsible use of hazardous language is endangering MPs, judges and democracy itself has pervaded the evening and is even being uttered by Tory MPs now, here by cabinet minister Nicky Morgan:
I know the PM is aware of & sympathetic about the threats far too many of us have received because I shared with him recently the threats I am getting. But at a time of strong feelings we all need to remind ourselves of the effect of everything we say on those watching us.I know the PM is aware of & sympathetic about the threats far too many of us have received because I shared with him recently the threats I am getting. But at a time of strong feelings we all need to remind ourselves of the effect of everything we say on those watching us.
Here my colleagues Heather Stewart and Kate Proctor with a summary of tonight’s Commons debate.Here my colleagues Heather Stewart and Kate Proctor with a summary of tonight’s Commons debate.
No apologies. MPs' fury as Boris Johnson goes on the attackNo apologies. MPs' fury as Boris Johnson goes on the attack
Boris Johnson addresses MPs after supreme court ruling and clashes with Corbyn – videoBoris Johnson addresses MPs after supreme court ruling and clashes with Corbyn – video
What a night it’s been.What a night it’s been.
Dominic Grieve told Peston he found the PM “terrifying” tonight, who received standing ovations from Conservative MPs for what Grieve describes as “total populism”.Dominic Grieve told Peston he found the PM “terrifying” tonight, who received standing ovations from Conservative MPs for what Grieve describes as “total populism”.
Dominic Grieve says he was appalled by applause in Parliament today and that Boris Johnson is a “pathological liar” with “no moral compass of any kind at all” #Peston pic.twitter.com/KcSQ2d8r7NDominic Grieve says he was appalled by applause in Parliament today and that Boris Johnson is a “pathological liar” with “no moral compass of any kind at all” #Peston pic.twitter.com/KcSQ2d8r7N
Here a reaction from the former Labour leader Ed Miliband:Here a reaction from the former Labour leader Ed Miliband:
In my 4+ years opposing David Cameron I never saw a parliamentary performance like tonight’s from Boris Johnson: deeply irresponsible, stoking division, using dangerous, inflammatory language, fanning the flames of hatred. This is not about right and left but right and wrong.In my 4+ years opposing David Cameron I never saw a parliamentary performance like tonight’s from Boris Johnson: deeply irresponsible, stoking division, using dangerous, inflammatory language, fanning the flames of hatred. This is not about right and left but right and wrong.
The Commons session has now been adjourned.The Commons session has now been adjourned.
Boris Johnson has given ITV’s Peston a pre-recorded interview, which has aired at 10:45pm.Boris Johnson has given ITV’s Peston a pre-recorded interview, which has aired at 10:45pm.
Here some excerpts from the transcript:Here some excerpts from the transcript:
Boris Johnson: “60 days ago, nobody said that we could change the withdrawal agreement in the EU Treaty”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”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”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.”RB: “But it may be changed. It hasn’t happened.”
BJ: “Nobody said that we could change the, uh, the backstop that is,”BJ: “Nobody said that we could change the, uh, the backstop that is,”
RP: “But has it been done?”RP: “But has it been done?”
BJ: “That is now under serious negotiation.”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.”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,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.”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?”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?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.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?”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.”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?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”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?”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”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.”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”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”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”BJ: “Well we will respect the law and we will come out on October 31st”
RP: “How?”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 soBJ: “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]”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”BJ: “No I was coming back anyway”
RP: [inaudible] many hours earlier than you would have expected.RP: [inaudible] many hours earlier than you would have expected.
BJ: “I fulfilled my commitments in New York.”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.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