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Brexit: DUP won't vote for deal that 'drives coach and horses' through Good Friday agreement – live news Brexit: DUP won't vote for deal that 'drives coach and horses' through Good Friday agreement – live news
(32 minutes later)
Jean-Claude Juncker, the European commission president, has said the EU will 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:
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.
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.
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”.
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.
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 think it is a reasonable, fair outcome and reflected 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
Nigel Farage, the Brexit party leader, says the new deal does not amount to proper Brexit.
The commitment to regulatory alignment in this agreement means that the “new deal” is not Brexit, despite improvements on the customs union.
Here is the revised text of the political declaration (pdf). It runs to 27 pages.
And here is some comment on it from journalists and other commentators
From ITV’s Joel Hills
Political Declaration is out. Much of it is unchanged but gone is commitment to “a trading relationship on goods that is as close as possible”. Instead a “free trade agreement”. This matters. Higher trade barriers = greater economic cost. pic.twitter.com/C3D2fbMg2T
Commitment to “single customs territory” has been scrapped, confirming the need for checks at the border. Plan is that goods will not attract tariffs (as part of free trade agreement) but only if they satisfy “rules of origin” checks. This will make some UK/EU trade more costly. pic.twitter.com/fKwQN3OXBZ
Commitments around fishing access are unchanged. UK will be “independent coastal state” but commits to an agreement offering “access to waters and quotas”. At least 7 EU states fish in UK waters. EU unlikely to agree to a trade deal unless its happy with ongoing access. pic.twitter.com/fWld6FzPJf
From Stuart Wood, a Labour peer and former EU adviser to Gordon Brown
Pic 1: 2018 Political Declaration commits to customs arrangements that “obviate the need for checks on rules of origin”Pic 2: 2019 Political Declaration envisages an FTA “with appropriate & modern accompanying rules of origin”Any thoughts from the UK car industry? pic.twitter.com/hJhkg7KJic
From Sam Lowe from the Centre for European Reform
There's going to be lots of talk about level playing field. Firm obligations have moved from the withdrawal agreement and become looser words in the political declaration.
The thing to understand is that the EU has kicked the can. It has decided that it can bring back its level playing field concerns when negotiating the future relationship. i.e. "We will only sign off on an FTA if you commit to x, y and z". Lpf will return. pic.twitter.com/jAZVq1RCi4
From MLex’s Matthew Holehouse
Level playing field. NB effective enforcement and implementation of “union standards”. Prediction: the Johnson FTA will contain near-as identical provisions on LPF to the May backstop, with inferior market access to show for it. pic.twitter.com/qmIwUcG690
From Politics.co.uk’s Ian Dunt
Level playing field conditions on workers rights & environmental standards is indicative of weird half-truth world this debate is conducted in.
They've been moved out of legal withdrawal agreement document and into non-legal political declaration, as a condition for a future trade deal.
What difference does that make in objective reality? None really. The UK will want an FTA. These are the conditions it will have to accept for having it.
This is from Sky’s Beth Rigby.
NEW: Am told by govt source that Johnson will tell EU leaders that it’s this deal or no deal - but no delays. He will not ask for a extension and will not accept one if offered
These are from my colleague Rajeev Syal, who was at the No 10 lobby briefing.
Boris Johnson is taking a Brexit deal to the EU without DUP support. "He strongly believes it is the best deal for the UK and believes the whole of the UK will support it, says the PM's spox.
Not even all of the cabinet had seen the deal before it was published - just Javid, Raab, Gove, Barclay and Cox. "The intention is to put the document forward for a vote on Saturday," said PM's spox.
PM spoke to Juncker on the phone at 9am. He then called the EU exit strategy committee - his closest cabinet colleagues. Johnson then spoke to Juncker again on the phone after 10am to seal the deal.
The PM will arrive in Brussels at 1330pm, Brussels time, 1230pm UK time. Meaningful vote is published on Saturday. Legal advice will be published later today
Q: What happens if the Northern Ireland assembly wants to stop accepting EU rules? And what is the solution on VAT?
On VAT, Barnier says an agreement was reached overnight. There was an issue with the need for consistency on VAT rates. A mechanism to ensure this was agreed. The EU system would apply in Northern Ireland. For businesses, it is logical to have consistency, as with the single market for goods.
On consent, he says the new protocol would be supported democratically. At the end of the transition period there would be a four-year period for the new arrangements to be in force. At the end of that the members of the Northern Ireland assembly would vote, on the basis of a simple majority, for the arrangement to continue for another four years. If there were a cross-community vote in favour, it would continue for eight years. If there were a vote to end the arrangements, there would be a two-year cooling off period.
He says this new approach has nothing to do with the old backstop. It sets up a system in Northern Ireland that is sustainable. It is linked to regular, democratic verification. There is ownership of this in Northern Ireland. We now must place our trust in the system, he says.
And that’s it. The press conference is over.
Q: The UK authorities will be able to apply their own tariffs, as long as there is no risk of goods entering the single market. How will that be established?
Barnier says there is a possibility that goods arriving from GB, or from a third country via GB, might not stay in the customs territory of NI. That risk exists. That is why both sides have come up with a mechanism to assess this risk. The assessment will be based on a number of criteria, overseen by a joint committee. What is the destination of the goods? Are they consumer goods or industrial goods? What is the value of the goods? What is the risk of an infringement?
Q: What was key turning point in the last week?
Barnier says the taoiseach had a special responsibility. The Irish government is a co-guarantor of the Good Friday agreement. He met Boris Johnson in Liverpool. And after that meeting the UK and the EU were able to make headway. They agreed there would be no customs checks in Ireland or Northern Ireland.
He says this new solution must be sustainable.
Q: If this does not get through parliament, is this as far as the EU goes?
Barnier says that is a hypothetical question.
He says Boris Johnson thinks it will pass.
He says he has always avoided talking on the basis of emotion and passion. He works on the basis of fact and objectivity. He has looked for practical solutions to the problems posed by Brexit.
He says in Northern Ireland a joint committee will have a mandate.
This is a balanced agreement, he says. He says it is “the best possible one”.
The backstop has been replaced with a new approach.
This justifies the consent procedure, he says.
He says this is a dynamic compromise between the UK and the EU.
Q: Did you get an assurance that Johnson would get a majority for this?
Barnier says, when Boris Johnson spoke to Jean-Claude Juncker this morning, he presumes Johnson had faith in his ability to get a majority. He has said he has confidence in his ability to win the vote.
Boris Johnson has said he is confident he can get his deal through parliament, says Barnier.
Q: MPs have voted against a deal three times. Has Boris Johnson assured you he can get this through?
Barnier says he has some experience here. That is why is is being “cautious”.
The House of Commons will have to take its decision.
Barnier says he was an MP. He knows what it means to be a parliamentarian.
He says the agreement is “fair and reasonable”, to use Boris Johnson’s words. (See 10.36am.)
He says has never wanted to give a commentary on British political debate.
Q: Can the deal be ratified at this summit? Or will there need to be another one?
Barnier says there will be “no ratification at the council” today.
The council will be able to give a favourable opinion on the recommendation, and on the draft agreement. It is a draft, he stresses.
He says the council has to formally agree the agreement after the European parliament has ratified it.
He says there should be “no surprises” here.
He says he has done what he has done to ensure member states are well informed.
He says he believes it can be ratified by 31 October.