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/sep/25/boris-johnson-flies-to-uk-as-parliament-returns-after-court-ruling-politics-live

The article has changed 31 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 9 Version 10
Brexit: Boris Johnson to address MPs as minister brands parliament 'dead' with 'no moral right to sit' – live news Brexit: Boris Johnson to address MPs as minister brands parliament 'dead' with 'no moral right to sit' – live news
(30 minutes later)
Phillip Lee, the Tory MP who defected to the Lib Dems, told Cox he should be showing more humility. He asks him if he can say if he has given Downing Street legal advice on bypassing the Benn Act. In the Commons Matt Warman, the culture minister, is answering an urgent question about the £100,000 grant to Hacker House - a company run by Jennifer Arcuri, a close friend of Boris Johnson’s.
He confirms that Hacker House has had a grant. He says the culture department is reviewing whether this grant was properly awarded.
The Lib Dem MP Layla Moran, who tabled the UQ, says she is not interested in Johnson’s personal life. But she is interested in ensuring that the rules are followed. She says these grants are supposed to go to UK companies, but that this firm does not seem to be genuinely based in the UK. And she asks if Johnson was involved in the award of the grant.
Warman says Johnson and his staff were not involved in the decision to award this grant.
He says Hacker House is registered with Companies House as being based in the UK.
He says he is happy to answer questions about whether this grant was properly awarded. But he says Moran should not be using this issue to “spread tittle-tattle”.
Cox has just finished.
At this rate, Boris Johnson is unlikely to be starting his statement before 5pm.
Cox has just implied that the government will bring forward another motion calling for a general election.
It tried twice earlier in the month, but on both occasions failed to get get the support of two-thirds of MPs, as required under the Fixed-term Parliaments Act for an early election to happen.
Phillip Lee, the former Tory MP who defected to the Lib Dems, told Cox he should be showing more humility. He asks him if he can say if he has given Downing Street legal advice on bypassing the Benn Act.
Cox said that he was not allowed to say whether he had given legal advice on a topic or not. But he said Lee was not in a position to urge him to show more humility. Having been elected for one party, and now sitting for another without holding a byelection, Lee should be “on his knees” begging for forgiveness from his constituents, Cox said.Cox said that he was not allowed to say whether he had given legal advice on a topic or not. But he said Lee was not in a position to urge him to show more humility. Having been elected for one party, and now sitting for another without holding a byelection, Lee should be “on his knees” begging for forgiveness from his constituents, Cox said.
Amber Rudd, the former Tory work and pensions secretary who now sits as an independent having resigned over Brexit, tells Cox she objects to him calling this a “dead” parliament. She says it was only elected in 2017. She says, if it is divided, that is because it reflects the divisions in Britain.Amber Rudd, the former Tory work and pensions secretary who now sits as an independent having resigned over Brexit, tells Cox she objects to him calling this a “dead” parliament. She says it was only elected in 2017. She says, if it is divided, that is because it reflects the divisions in Britain.
Cox replies:Cox replies:
If I had not been driven to this language, I would not have used it.If I had not been driven to this language, I would not have used it.
But he was driven to use this language, he says. No one worked harder than he did to get a compromise deal through parliament, he says. He goes on:But he was driven to use this language, he says. No one worked harder than he did to get a compromise deal through parliament, he says. He goes on:
I have now reached a sad conclusion that this parliament is no longer worth sitting. It should be gone, for any good it is doing.I have now reached a sad conclusion that this parliament is no longer worth sitting. It should be gone, for any good it is doing.
Here is a full version of what Geoffrey Cox said about parliament being a “disgrace” with “no moral right to sit”. He was responding to a question from Rory Stewart, the former international development secretary who lost the Tory whip after rebelling over Brexit. Cox said:Here is a full version of what Geoffrey Cox said about parliament being a “disgrace” with “no moral right to sit”. He was responding to a question from Rory Stewart, the former international development secretary who lost the Tory whip after rebelling over Brexit. Cox said:
I would agree with him that parliament has to determine the terms on which we leave, but this parliament has declined three times to pass a withdrawal act, with which the opposition – in relation to the withdrawal act – had absolutely no objection.I would agree with him that parliament has to determine the terms on which we leave, but this parliament has declined three times to pass a withdrawal act, with which the opposition – in relation to the withdrawal act – had absolutely no objection.
Then we now have a wide number of this house setting its face against leaving at all. And when this government draws the only logical inference from that position, which is that it must leave therefore without any deal at all, it still sets its face, denying the electorate the chance of having its say in how this matter should be resolved.Then we now have a wide number of this house setting its face against leaving at all. And when this government draws the only logical inference from that position, which is that it must leave therefore without any deal at all, it still sets its face, denying the electorate the chance of having its say in how this matter should be resolved.
This parliament is a dead parliament. It should no longer sit. It has no moral right to sit on these green benches ...This parliament is a dead parliament. It should no longer sit. It has no moral right to sit on these green benches ...
They don’t like to hear it Mr Speaker. Twice they have been asked to let the electorate decide upon whether they should be allowed to sit in their seats, while they block 17.4 million people’s vote. This parliament is a disgrace.They don’t like to hear it Mr Speaker. Twice they have been asked to let the electorate decide upon whether they should be allowed to sit in their seats, while they block 17.4 million people’s vote. This parliament is a disgrace.
Given the opportunity, since I am asked, let me tell them the truth: they could vote no confidence at any time, but they are too cowardly. They could agree to a motion to allow this house to dissolve but they are too cowardly.Given the opportunity, since I am asked, let me tell them the truth: they could vote no confidence at any time, but they are too cowardly. They could agree to a motion to allow this house to dissolve but they are too cowardly.
This parliament should have the courage to face the electorate. But it won’t, because so many of them are really all about preventing us leaving the European Union at all.This parliament should have the courage to face the electorate. But it won’t, because so many of them are really all about preventing us leaving the European Union at all.
But the time is coming, the time is coming Mr Speaker, when even these turkeys won’t be able to prevent Christmas.But the time is coming, the time is coming Mr Speaker, when even these turkeys won’t be able to prevent Christmas.
Cox has just told MPs that in future it might make sense for appointments to the supreme court to be approved by parliament.Cox has just told MPs that in future it might make sense for appointments to the supreme court to be approved by parliament.
In response to a question about whether allowing MPs to confirm judicial appointments would be necessary if the courts became more political, he said MPs might have to “reflect” on that. He said Brexit would mean “we are going to have to look again at our constitutional arrangements”. As the UK left the EU, a “great gap” would open up in the law, he said.In response to a question about whether allowing MPs to confirm judicial appointments would be necessary if the courts became more political, he said MPs might have to “reflect” on that. He said Brexit would mean “we are going to have to look again at our constitutional arrangements”. As the UK left the EU, a “great gap” would open up in the law, he said.
One matter may very well be whether there needs to be parliamentary scrutiny of judicial appointments in some manner.One matter may very well be whether there needs to be parliamentary scrutiny of judicial appointments in some manner.
But Cox said that he personally would not be “enthusiastic” about the idea.But Cox said that he personally would not be “enthusiastic” about the idea.
Jacob Rees Mogg, the leader of the House of Commons, is expected to lay out government business this afternoon. He is expected to request a short break for Conservative Party conference - a proposal which Jeremy Corbyn said they could oppose.Jacob Rees Mogg, the leader of the House of Commons, is expected to lay out government business this afternoon. He is expected to request a short break for Conservative Party conference - a proposal which Jeremy Corbyn said they could oppose.
The Conservative party has indicated it will continue with conference, scheduled to take place in Manchester from Sunday to Wednesday next week, whatever is decided by Parliament. James Cleverly, the party’s co-chairman, has Tweeted that it will go ahead.The Conservative party has indicated it will continue with conference, scheduled to take place in Manchester from Sunday to Wednesday next week, whatever is decided by Parliament. James Cleverly, the party’s co-chairman, has Tweeted that it will go ahead.
A debate could be held on any proposed break as early as Thursday. If the government loses that vote, it could give the Conservatives a real headache.A debate could be held on any proposed break as early as Thursday. If the government loses that vote, it could give the Conservatives a real headache.
Conference is a highly lucrative event for the party. If a break is not formally supported, it could force Tory ministers and MPs to return from conference events for votes.Conference is a highly lucrative event for the party. If a break is not formally supported, it could force Tory ministers and MPs to return from conference events for votes.
One option for the government would be to table non-controversial bills for next week, which would take up most of the day. However, they might still have to return for major votes.One option for the government would be to table non-controversial bills for next week, which would take up most of the day. However, they might still have to return for major votes.
It has also emerged that the government’s opponents in parliament could apply to the high court asking for a civil servant to go to Brussels if Boris Johnson has not brought back a deal by October 19th and refuses to request an article 50 extension.It has also emerged that the government’s opponents in parliament could apply to the high court asking for a civil servant to go to Brussels if Boris Johnson has not brought back a deal by October 19th and refuses to request an article 50 extension.
It is understood that an application would be made at the Royal Courts of Justice to direct a high ranking civil servant, possibly the cabinet secretary Mark Sedwill, to carry out parliament’s duty.It is understood that an application would be made at the Royal Courts of Justice to direct a high ranking civil servant, possibly the cabinet secretary Mark Sedwill, to carry out parliament’s duty.
The Queen’s speech, scheduled for October 14, is where the government will set out its agenda and forthcoming priorities.The Queen’s speech, scheduled for October 14, is where the government will set out its agenda and forthcoming priorities.
A vote is scheduled to take place five days later on October 21, where MPs will debate the measures put forward by the government.A vote is scheduled to take place five days later on October 21, where MPs will debate the measures put forward by the government.
Nick Boles, the former Conservative who now sits as an independent, asked Cox if he could give MPs an assurance that the government would abide by the Benn Act in the event of the government not agreeing a Brexit deal. In those circumstances, the act says, the PM must request a three-month Brexit extension.Nick Boles, the former Conservative who now sits as an independent, asked Cox if he could give MPs an assurance that the government would abide by the Benn Act in the event of the government not agreeing a Brexit deal. In those circumstances, the act says, the PM must request a three-month Brexit extension.
Cox gave a clear answer: “Yes.”Cox gave a clear answer: “Yes.”
Twice now Geoffrey Cox has challenged the opposition to agree to back an early general election by backing a one-line bill amending the Fixed-term Parliaments Act and allowing one.Twice now Geoffrey Cox has challenged the opposition to agree to back an early general election by backing a one-line bill amending the Fixed-term Parliaments Act and allowing one.
This mechanism could have been used in early September to hold a general election before 31 October. Although Labour said it wanted an early election, it argued that it could not risk this approach because it could not be sure that the PM would not change the date of the election, to hold it after 31 October.This mechanism could have been used in early September to hold a general election before 31 October. Although Labour said it wanted an early election, it argued that it could not risk this approach because it could not be sure that the PM would not change the date of the election, to hold it after 31 October.
Cox seemed to be implying that the government would back a one-line bill that would specify a particular date for the election. But it is now too late. Under electoral law an election has to take place at least 25 working days after dissolution, and so even if parliament were to pass a law and dissolve today, it would be impossible to hold an election before 31 October.Cox seemed to be implying that the government would back a one-line bill that would specify a particular date for the election. But it is now too late. Under electoral law an election has to take place at least 25 working days after dissolution, and so even if parliament were to pass a law and dissolve today, it would be impossible to hold an election before 31 October.
Attack is the best form of defence, they often say. And Geoffrey Cox, who has faced considerable criticism during this UQ, has just retaliated with remarkable attack on the opposition, and the authority of parliament.Attack is the best form of defence, they often say. And Geoffrey Cox, who has faced considerable criticism during this UQ, has just retaliated with remarkable attack on the opposition, and the authority of parliament.
He said that parliament was “dead” and had “no moral right to sit”, but that the opposition were afraid of an election.He said that parliament was “dead” and had “no moral right to sit”, but that the opposition were afraid of an election.
This parliament is a dead parliament. It should no longer sit. It has no moral right to sit on these green benches.This parliament is a dead parliament. It should no longer sit. It has no moral right to sit on these green benches.
This generated an uproar from the opposition. But Cox went on, saying the opposition did not like to hear what he had to say.This generated an uproar from the opposition. But Cox went on, saying the opposition did not like to hear what he had to say.
Twice MPs have been asked to approve a general election, he said. But they would not allow one, he went on.Twice MPs have been asked to approve a general election, he said. But they would not allow one, he went on.
This parliament is a disgrace ...This parliament is a disgrace ...
They could vote no confidence at any time. But they are too cowardly ...They could vote no confidence at any time. But they are too cowardly ...
This parliament should have the courage to face the electorate. But it won’t because so many of them are about preventing us leaving the European Union. But the time is coming when even these turkeys won’t be able to prevent Christmas.This parliament should have the courage to face the electorate. But it won’t because so many of them are about preventing us leaving the European Union. But the time is coming when even these turkeys won’t be able to prevent Christmas.
Here is LBC’s Theo Usherwood on Cox’s answer to Letwin. (See 12.09am.)Here is LBC’s Theo Usherwood on Cox’s answer to Letwin. (See 12.09am.)
Oliver Letwin question could prove important. Asks A-G to rule out further prorogation. He doesn’t do that. There’s potentially a gap for the Government. Prorogue Parliament c 10/10. Queen’s Speech 14/10. It falls, government falls. General election. Poll post Brexit day.Oliver Letwin question could prove important. Asks A-G to rule out further prorogation. He doesn’t do that. There’s potentially a gap for the Government. Prorogue Parliament c 10/10. Queen’s Speech 14/10. It falls, government falls. General election. Poll post Brexit day.
Sir Oliver Letwin, the former Tory Cabinet Office minister who lost the whip after rebelling over Brexit earlier this month, asks Cox for an assurance that there will be no further prorogation, other than a short one ahead of a possible Queen’s speech, before the end of October.Sir Oliver Letwin, the former Tory Cabinet Office minister who lost the whip after rebelling over Brexit earlier this month, asks Cox for an assurance that there will be no further prorogation, other than a short one ahead of a possible Queen’s speech, before the end of October.
Cox says he can assure Letwin that the government will comply with the supreme court judgment.Cox says he can assure Letwin that the government will comply with the supreme court judgment.
Labour’s Angela Eagle asks Cox how Jacob Rees-Mogg can stay as leader of the Commons if he has accused the supreme court of a constitutional coup.Labour’s Angela Eagle asks Cox how Jacob Rees-Mogg can stay as leader of the Commons if he has accused the supreme court of a constitutional coup.
Cox says there is “nothing wrong with expressing robust, critical views about a judgment”.Cox says there is “nothing wrong with expressing robust, critical views about a judgment”.
But imputing improper motive is wrong, he says.But imputing improper motive is wrong, he says.
He says he thought Rees-Mogg’s remark, as he saw it reported, was just robust criticism.He says he thought Rees-Mogg’s remark, as he saw it reported, was just robust criticism.
Cox says it is acceptable to be critical of judgments. But it is not acceptable to attack the motives of judges, he says.Cox says it is acceptable to be critical of judgments. But it is not acceptable to attack the motives of judges, he says.
Hilary Benn, the Labour chair of the Brexit committee, asked Cox if he agreed that the supreme court ruling was a constitutional coup. (See 10.26am.)Hilary Benn, the Labour chair of the Brexit committee, asked Cox if he agreed that the supreme court ruling was a constitutional coup. (See 10.26am.)
Cox implied that Jacob Rees-Mogg, the leader of the Commons, did not really mean it when he used that phrase. Cox said:Cox implied that Jacob Rees-Mogg, the leader of the Commons, did not really mean it when he used that phrase. Cox said:
I don’t think it was a constitutional coup ... I don’t think anybody does ... These things can be said in the heat of rhetorical and poetic licence.I don’t think it was a constitutional coup ... I don’t think anybody does ... These things can be said in the heat of rhetorical and poetic licence.
In response to a question from Dominic Grieve, a former Tory who now sits as an independent, Cox says he would not have been able to support a decision to prorogue parliament until the end of October. If the PM had proposed that, Cox would have resigned, he suggests.In response to a question from Dominic Grieve, a former Tory who now sits as an independent, Cox says he would not have been able to support a decision to prorogue parliament until the end of October. If the PM had proposed that, Cox would have resigned, he suggests.
Nick Thomas-Symonds, the shadow solicitor general, says the supreme court judgment amounts to “the most damning judicial indictment of a government in modern times”.Nick Thomas-Symonds, the shadow solicitor general, says the supreme court judgment amounts to “the most damning judicial indictment of a government in modern times”.
He says the government “stands shamed – tendering illegal advice to Her Majesty”.He says the government “stands shamed – tendering illegal advice to Her Majesty”.
He says the legal advice should be published in full.He says the legal advice should be published in full.
And he points out that, although Cox is saying he accepts the supreme court judgment, Michael Gove told the BBC this morning that the government still thought it had done nothing wrong. (See 8.09am.)And he points out that, although Cox is saying he accepts the supreme court judgment, Michael Gove told the BBC this morning that the government still thought it had done nothing wrong. (See 8.09am.)
He says the government has already been found in contempt of parliament. Now it has been found in contempt of law.He says the government has already been found in contempt of parliament. Now it has been found in contempt of law.
Cox says there is nothing unusual about a lawyer having his opinion rejected by a court.Cox says there is nothing unusual about a lawyer having his opinion rejected by a court.
He says courts in Scotland and in England backed his view. If people think Cox should resign, should the lord chief justice and the master of the rolls (who both said prorogation was lawful) resign too?He says courts in Scotland and in England backed his view. If people think Cox should resign, should the lord chief justice and the master of the rolls (who both said prorogation was lawful) resign too?
He accuses Thomas-Symonds of a “shameless piece of cynical opportunism”.He accuses Thomas-Symonds of a “shameless piece of cynical opportunism”.
He says his advice was sound at the time. The supreme court took a different view, he says. He says it was entitled to do that. But it was making new law.He says his advice was sound at the time. The supreme court took a different view, he says. He says it was entitled to do that. But it was making new law.
The SNP’s Joanna Cherry told Cox she was not calling for his resignation – yet.The SNP’s Joanna Cherry told Cox she was not calling for his resignation – yet.
But she asked him if he could confirm what Amber Rudd said – that cabinet ministers asked to see the prorogation legal advice, but that they were not shown it.But she asked him if he could confirm what Amber Rudd said – that cabinet ministers asked to see the prorogation legal advice, but that they were not shown it.
In reply, Cox repeated the point he had made about considering what more might be published, but he did not address the point about ministers being denied access to it.In reply, Cox repeated the point he had made about considering what more might be published, but he did not address the point about ministers being denied access to it.