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Brexit: DUP won't vote for deal that 'drives coach and horses' through Good Friday agreement – live news Brexit deal: Juncker says EU won't back further extension – live news
(31 minutes later)
Jean-Claude Juncker, the European commission president, has said the EU will grant another Brexit extension. This is what Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European commission, said about ruling out a Brexit extension. He was speaking to reporters on the “red carpet” where leaders speak to journalists as they arrive for the summit.
This is hugely significant, because, if the rest of the EU27 agree - and it is not clear yet whether he is speaking on their behalf - it means MPs will effectively be faced with a choice between this deal and no deal Asked if he thought the deal would pass parliament, he said: “It has to.”
Then he added:
Anyway, there will be no prolongation.
He went on:
We have concluded a deal. So there is not an argument for delay. It has to be done now.
Asked by another journalist if he would rule out an extension if Boris Johnson asked for that, Juncker replied:
I gave a brief doorstop with Boris Johnson ... half an hour ago and I was ruling out that there will be any kind of prolongation. If we have a deal, we have a deal, and there is no need for prolongation. That is not only the British view; that is my view too.
Asked again if he would officially rule out an extension, he replied:
Yes. We have a deal. So why should we have a prolongation?
But, as my colleague Jennifer Rankin points out, it is questionable whether, in practice, the EU27 would rule out another extension if the alternative were no deal.
Not surprising that Jean-Claude Juncker wants to quash talk of an extension. EU dearly wants Brexit over and done with.In reality, if UK asked for delay, under Benn Act, hard to see that the EU would say no.
Jean-Claude Juncker, the European commission president, has said the EU will not grant another Brexit extension.
This is hugely significant, because, if the rest of the EU27 agree – and it is not clear yet whether he is speaking on their behalf – it means MPs will effectively be faced with a choice between this deal and no deal.
Sinn Fein has welcomed Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal. In a statement its president, Mary Lou McDonald, said:Sinn Fein has welcomed Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal. In a statement its president, Mary Lou McDonald, said:
I welcome the fact that an agreement has been reached between the European Union and the British government.I welcome the fact that an agreement has been reached between the European Union and the British government.
There is no such thing as a good Brexit. Brexit is being foisted on the north of Ireland against the democratic wishes of the people.There is no such thing as a good Brexit. Brexit is being foisted on the north of Ireland against the democratic wishes of the people.
As a party, Sinn Féin has worked to defend Irish interests from the worst impacts of Brexit.As a party, Sinn Féin has worked to defend Irish interests from the worst impacts of Brexit.
It was Sinn Féin who first made the case for a ‘designated special status for the north within the EU’ and it was Sinn Féin who insisted on the protection of the Good Friday agreement and no hard border on the island of Ireland as bottom lines.It was Sinn Féin who first made the case for a ‘designated special status for the north within the EU’ and it was Sinn Féin who insisted on the protection of the Good Friday agreement and no hard border on the island of Ireland as bottom lines.
We have also insisted that no veto can be given to Unionism. We have also insisted that no veto can be given to unionism.
But she also said any deal was a “least worst option” that would “only mitigate the worst effects of Brexit”.But she also said any deal was a “least worst option” that would “only mitigate the worst effects of Brexit”.
Boris Johnson has just given a brief statement to the press at the EU summit alongside Jean-Claude Juncker, the European commission president. Juncker said the deal was fair and balanced. He said:Boris Johnson has just given a brief statement to the press at the EU summit alongside Jean-Claude Juncker, the European commission president. Juncker said the deal was fair and balanced. He said:
This is a fair, a balanced agreement. It is testament to our commitment to finding solutions. It provides certainty where Brexit creates uncertainty.This is a fair, a balanced agreement. It is testament to our commitment to finding solutions. It provides certainty where Brexit creates uncertainty.
And Johnson said this was a very good deal for both sides. He said:And Johnson said this was a very good deal for both sides. He said:
I do think this deal represents a very good deal for the EU and the UK.I do think this deal represents a very good deal for the EU and the UK.
I think it is a reasonable, fair outcome and reflected the large amount of work undertaken by both sides ... I think it is a reasonable, fair outcome and reflects the large amount of work undertaken by both sides ...
I agree very much with Jean-Claude about what he said about protecting the peace process on the island of Ireland and Northern Ireland.I agree very much with Jean-Claude about what he said about protecting the peace process on the island of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Of course, for us in the UK it means we can deliver a real Brexit that achieves our objectives.Of course, for us in the UK it means we can deliver a real Brexit that achieves our objectives.
It means the UK leaves whole and entire on October 31 and it means that Northern Ireland and every part of the UK can take part in not just free trade deals, offering our tariffs, exporting our goods around the world, but it also means we can take, together as a single United Kingdom, decisions about our future - our laws, our borders, our money and how we want to run the UK. It means the UK leaves whole and entire on 31 October and it means that Northern Ireland and every part of the UK can take part in not just free trade deals, offering our tariffs, exporting our goods around the world, but it also means we can take, together as a single United Kingdom, decisions about our future - our laws, our borders, our money and how we want to run the UK.
Those decisions will be taken in the UK by elected representatives of the people in the UK.Those decisions will be taken in the UK by elected representatives of the people in the UK.
The government has lost the first vote on the Saturday sitting. Sir Oliver Letwin’s amendment (see 1.29pm) was passed by 287 votes to 275 - a majority of 12. The government has lost the first vote on the Saturday sitting. Sir Oliver Letwin’s amendment (see 1.29pm) was passed by 287 votes to 275 – a majority of 12.
Explaining his amendment in the debate Letwin said this would allow the government motion on Saturday to be amended. He implied it would allow MPs to insist on Boris Johnson requesting an extension anyway, and only withdrawing that request when the legislation for his deal has passed.Explaining his amendment in the debate Letwin said this would allow the government motion on Saturday to be amended. He implied it would allow MPs to insist on Boris Johnson requesting an extension anyway, and only withdrawing that request when the legislation for his deal has passed.
The purpose of the amendment here is very simple, it is to permit amendments to be moved, if selected by [the Speaker], on Saturday, and be voted upon.The purpose of the amendment here is very simple, it is to permit amendments to be moved, if selected by [the Speaker], on Saturday, and be voted upon.
And that will enable those of us, like me, who wish to support and carry through and eventually see the ratification of this deal, not to put us in the position of allowing the government off the Benn Act hook on Saturday, but only at a time when the bill has been taken through both Houses of Parliament and legislated on. And that will enable those of us, like me, who wish to support and carry through and eventually see the ratification of this deal, not to put us in the position of allowing the government off the Benn act hook on Saturday, but only at a time when the bill has been taken through both Houses of Parliament and legislated on.
Letwin was referring to a loophole in the Benn Act which means Johnson only has to send a letter requesting an extension if MPs fail to pass a motion backing a deal by Saturday. In theory they could pass that motion, but then fail to pass the withdrawal agreement legislation, which would mean the UK leaving without a deal on 31 October. Letwin was referring to a loophole in the Benn act which means Johnson only has to send a letter requesting an extension if MPs fail to pass a motion backing a deal by Saturday. In theory they could pass that motion, but then fail to pass the withdrawal agreement legislation, which would mean the UK leaving without a deal on 31 October.
The Letwin amendment should also make it possible for MPs to table an amendment saying Johnson’s deal should be subject to a second referendum. (See 9.13am.)The Letwin amendment should also make it possible for MPs to table an amendment saying Johnson’s deal should be subject to a second referendum. (See 9.13am.)
After the vote on the amendment, the motion as amended was approved without a vote.After the vote on the amendment, the motion as amended was approved without a vote.
Iain Duncan Smith, the Tory Brexiter and former party leader, told the BBC’s Daily Politics that he had not decided yet whether he would vote for this deal. As the BBC reports, he explained:Iain Duncan Smith, the Tory Brexiter and former party leader, told the BBC’s Daily Politics that he had not decided yet whether he would vote for this deal. As the BBC reports, he explained:
I want to know how quickly can we get to a free trade agreement, how quickly can we therefore get out, what incentive is there for the EU to do this quickly? And is the political declaration exclusively for free trade?I want to know how quickly can we get to a free trade agreement, how quickly can we therefore get out, what incentive is there for the EU to do this quickly? And is the political declaration exclusively for free trade?
MPs are now voting on the motion to sit on Saturday.MPs are now voting on the motion to sit on Saturday.
In the Commons MPs are now debating the government business motion saying they sit on Saturday.In the Commons MPs are now debating the government business motion saying they sit on Saturday.
Opening the debate Jacob Rees-Mogg, the leader of the Commons, said that Boris Johnson would make a statement to MPs on Saturday about the new Brexit agreement. Only after that statement would MPs start the debate on it.Opening the debate Jacob Rees-Mogg, the leader of the Commons, said that Boris Johnson would make a statement to MPs on Saturday about the new Brexit agreement. Only after that statement would MPs start the debate on it.
Rees-Mogg said MPs would then vote either on a motion to back the deal, or on one to approve no deal. He explained: Rees-Mogg said MPs would then vote either on a motion to back the deal or on one to approve no deal. He explained:
The debate that follows will be a motion to either approve a deal or to approve a no-deal exit.The debate that follows will be a motion to either approve a deal or to approve a no-deal exit.
That debate on one or other of those motions would run for up to 90 minutes under the existing rules of this House. That debate on one or other of those motions would run for up to 90 minutes under the existing rules of this house.
In the event of a motion to approve a deal, that motion, if passed, will meet the terms both of the European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 2) Act [aka, the Benn Act] and of section 13 of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act. In the event of a motion to approve a deal, that motion, if passed, will meet the terms both of the European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 2) Act [aka, the Benn act] and of section 13 of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act.
The government has not published the motion it is tabling for Saturday.The government has not published the motion it is tabling for Saturday.
The debate is scheduled to last 90 minutes.The debate is scheduled to last 90 minutes.
Sir Oliver Letwin, the Tory former cabinet minister who has been leading efforts to ensure MPs block a no-deal Brexit, has tabled an amendment to the business motion allowing the debate on Saturday to last longer and also allowing more amendments to be put to a vote.Sir Oliver Letwin, the Tory former cabinet minister who has been leading efforts to ensure MPs block a no-deal Brexit, has tabled an amendment to the business motion allowing the debate on Saturday to last longer and also allowing more amendments to be put to a vote.
Rees-Mogg claimed that the Letwin amendment could actually shorten the debate because, if Johnson’s statement went on for hours, under the Letwin procedure there would be less than 90-minutes left for the main debate.Rees-Mogg claimed that the Letwin amendment could actually shorten the debate because, if Johnson’s statement went on for hours, under the Letwin procedure there would be less than 90-minutes left for the main debate.
But John Bercow, the Speaker, contradicted Rees-Mogg. He said he had the discretion to allow the debate to over-run and he said there was “no way on Earth” he would let it be shortened in the way Rees-Mogg was suggesting.But John Bercow, the Speaker, contradicted Rees-Mogg. He said he had the discretion to allow the debate to over-run and he said there was “no way on Earth” he would let it be shortened in the way Rees-Mogg was suggesting.
Here is the key extract from the DUP’s statement.Here is the key extract from the DUP’s statement.
These arrangements will become the settled position in these areas for Northern Ireland. This drives a coach and horses through the professed sanctity of the Belfast agreement.These arrangements will become the settled position in these areas for Northern Ireland. This drives a coach and horses through the professed sanctity of the Belfast agreement.
For all of these reasons it is our view that these arrangements would not be in Northern Ireland’s long-term interests. Saturday’s vote in parliament on the proposals will only be the start of a long process to get any withdrawal agreement bill through the House of Commons.For all of these reasons it is our view that these arrangements would not be in Northern Ireland’s long-term interests. Saturday’s vote in parliament on the proposals will only be the start of a long process to get any withdrawal agreement bill through the House of Commons.
The DUP has just issued this statement.The DUP has just issued this statement.
DUP statement in full: #Brexit pic.twitter.com/xNjw4iLrz0DUP statement in full: #Brexit pic.twitter.com/xNjw4iLrz0
Here is the text of Michel Barnier’s opening statement at his press conference earlier. And here are the key points from the opening and the Q&A.Here is the text of Michel Barnier’s opening statement at his press conference earlier. And here are the key points from the opening and the Q&A.
Barnier said that the new deal could be ratified before 31 October. That would be necessary for Boris Johnson to be able to fulfil his pledge to take the UK out of the EU on 31 October. Barnier stressed that the agreement was only a draft, and that it would not be ratified at the summit today. But he also said:Barnier said that the new deal could be ratified before 31 October. That would be necessary for Boris Johnson to be able to fulfil his pledge to take the UK out of the EU on 31 October. Barnier stressed that the agreement was only a draft, and that it would not be ratified at the summit today. But he also said:
I am confident [the agreement] can be supported and ratified in the time between now and 31 October.I am confident [the agreement] can be supported and ratified in the time between now and 31 October.
He confirmed that the DUP would not have a veto on whether the new arrangements for Northern Ireland came into force. (See 11.16am.) Explaining what the agreement now says about the issue of consent, which is different from what Johnson was proposing earlier this month, Barnier said:He confirmed that the DUP would not have a veto on whether the new arrangements for Northern Ireland came into force. (See 11.16am.) Explaining what the agreement now says about the issue of consent, which is different from what Johnson was proposing earlier this month, Barnier said:
Four years after the entry into force of the protocol, the elected representatives of Northern Ireland will be able to decide, by simple majority, whether to continue applying relevant Union rules in Northern Ireland or not.Four years after the entry into force of the protocol, the elected representatives of Northern Ireland will be able to decide, by simple majority, whether to continue applying relevant Union rules in Northern Ireland or not.
He said Johnson told Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European commission, he was confident MPs would pass his deal. Barnier said:He said Johnson told Jean-Claude Juncker, the president of the European commission, he was confident MPs would pass his deal. Barnier said:
Mr Johnson said to President Juncker this morning he has faith in his ability to convince the majority he needs in the House of Commons. He said, based on this agreement and the explanations he intends to give, he has confidence in his ability to win that vote.Mr Johnson said to President Juncker this morning he has faith in his ability to convince the majority he needs in the House of Commons. He said, based on this agreement and the explanations he intends to give, he has confidence in his ability to win that vote.
Barnier refused to speculate on whether the EU would be willing to make a fresh offer to the UK if MPs voted down this plan.Barnier refused to speculate on whether the EU would be willing to make a fresh offer to the UK if MPs voted down this plan.
From Bloomberg’s Kitty DonaldsonFrom Bloomberg’s Kitty Donaldson
EXC: @duponline won't vote for @BorisJohnson Brexit deal: sourceshttps://t.co/4KIILhZN39EXC: @duponline won't vote for @BorisJohnson Brexit deal: sourceshttps://t.co/4KIILhZN39
A view in Northern Ireland is that the DUP have been totally shafted, or “run over by a convoy of juggernauts”, and for once lost out in their hallmark brinkmanship.A view in Northern Ireland is that the DUP have been totally shafted, or “run over by a convoy of juggernauts”, and for once lost out in their hallmark brinkmanship.
This could rise to further tensions in the region, making it vital that there is “no crowing in Dublin”, one source said.This could rise to further tensions in the region, making it vital that there is “no crowing in Dublin”, one source said.
The DUP, which had been the lynchpin in Theresa May’s government, have seen their powerful position rubbed out this morning in Brussels and some in Northern Ireland are saying they believe that this was Boris Johnson’s calculation all along: get a deal and have a general election whether he gets it through parliament or not.The DUP, which had been the lynchpin in Theresa May’s government, have seen their powerful position rubbed out this morning in Brussels and some in Northern Ireland are saying they believe that this was Boris Johnson’s calculation all along: get a deal and have a general election whether he gets it through parliament or not.
“This has not gone well for the DUP. This is a huge moment for the DUP, and it is going to create huge tensions on the unionist side. Northern Ireland continues to be collateral damage in Brexit,” said the source.“This has not gone well for the DUP. This is a huge moment for the DUP, and it is going to create huge tensions on the unionist side. Northern Ireland continues to be collateral damage in Brexit,” said the source.
Some believe that the DUP’s statement this morning was about forcing further concessions from Boris Johnson. But the moment the deal was done the door was closed in their face. That said it may well be that Johnson lavishes the DUP/Northern Ireland with a jacuzzi of cash in the next two days to bring them back on board.Some believe that the DUP’s statement this morning was about forcing further concessions from Boris Johnson. But the moment the deal was done the door was closed in their face. That said it may well be that Johnson lavishes the DUP/Northern Ireland with a jacuzzi of cash in the next two days to bring them back on board.
The Northern Ireland secretary, Julian Smith, was in Derry recently to discuss the establishment of a new medical school and there has been repeated talk of money for a motorway from Derry to Belfast. But sources say “this is of no interest to the DUP because that is Sinn Féin territory”.The Northern Ireland secretary, Julian Smith, was in Derry recently to discuss the establishment of a new medical school and there has been repeated talk of money for a motorway from Derry to Belfast. But sources say “this is of no interest to the DUP because that is Sinn Féin territory”.
So if the DUP have been sold a dummy pass, how did that happen? Could Dominic Cummings have come up with a cunning plan to persuade them to drop regulatory alignment in exchange for a veto on the deal, a veto that he knew would never get through? That is a question yet to be answered.So if the DUP have been sold a dummy pass, how did that happen? Could Dominic Cummings have come up with a cunning plan to persuade them to drop regulatory alignment in exchange for a veto on the deal, a veto that he knew would never get through? That is a question yet to be answered.
Others point out that the DUP took a huge step agreeing to yield on regulatory alignment with the EU and this was not matched by the EU/Dublin.Others point out that the DUP took a huge step agreeing to yield on regulatory alignment with the EU and this was not matched by the EU/Dublin.
They felt that this was not recognised by Dublin and they were “very annoyed” when Leo Varadkar made an off-the-cuff remark in Sweden days later that the British public actually wanted to stay in the EU but it was politically impossible.They felt that this was not recognised by Dublin and they were “very annoyed” when Leo Varadkar made an off-the-cuff remark in Sweden days later that the British public actually wanted to stay in the EU but it was politically impossible.
Michael Gove, the Cabinet Office minister in charge of no-deal planning, told Sky News that this deal was not a betrayal of the DUP. Asked if the government had thrown the DUP under the bus, he replied: “Absolutely not, this is a great deal.”Michael Gove, the Cabinet Office minister in charge of no-deal planning, told Sky News that this deal was not a betrayal of the DUP. Asked if the government had thrown the DUP under the bus, he replied: “Absolutely not, this is a great deal.”
Asked what would happen if MPs rejected the deal on Saturday, he said: “We don’t contemplate defeat.”Asked what would happen if MPs rejected the deal on Saturday, he said: “We don’t contemplate defeat.”