Boris Johnson news – live: Major blow for prime minister as Commons vote paves way for bill preventing no-deal Brexit
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Rebel Tories have defied Boris Johnson's threats of deselection to align with opposition MPs and derail his Brexit plans in a historic Commons vote.
MPs voted to seize control of the house agenda, paving the way for a bill to be tabled tomorrow that would prevent the prime minister from crashing the country out of the EU on October 31.
The prime minister's statement to the House earlier this evening was upstaged when Tory MP Dr Phillip Lee dramatically crossed the floor to sit with the Liberal Democrats, depriving him of his majority.
Mr Johnson said he would put in train a motion calling for a general election next month.
Labour have said they may vote in favour of such a poll, but only if they could be certain Mr Johnson would not move the date until after Britain is due to leave on October 31, in effect bringing about a no-deal by default.
Government ministries are being told to clear their decks by Thursday in the expectation that parliament won’t be sitting after that, according to The Telegraph.
Asked if Boris Johnson still believed he had a majority, the spokesman said: “The prime minister is the prime minister and will continue to set out the government’s negotiating position and work to secure a deal.”
Pressed on whether Mr Johnson was the prime minister on the basis he has a majority in the Commons, the spokesman said: “I haven’t seen any change in the prime minister’s status.”
Nicholas Soames has said he will vote against the government tonight "with a heavy heart".
"I don't doubt Boris wants to get a deal, but I do not believe he has the means to will the end. His demands are unreal and I cannot condone no-deal Brexit," the Mid Sussex MP was quoted as saying by The Sun.
Sir Nicholas retweeted the quote.
Boris Johnson has said that Tories failing to vote with the government tonight will be sacked and barred from standing as Conservative candidates at the next election.
Peter Bone's attempt to derail proceedings on a procedural note has failed, because John Bercow says he was informed in plenty of time of the nature of tonight's motion.
From our political correspondent Lizzy Buchan, some news from the Labour Party meeting:
Steel yourselves for a three-hour emergency debate tonight, then...
More than a dozen Tories helped get the debate over its first hurdle, it seems:
Oliver Letwin says he is bringing his motion because, over the past six weeks, the government has failed to show it has any viable proposals for the Brexit deal.
Boris Johnson is being irresponsible in his conduct of the negotiations, Sir Oliver says.
Crispin Blunt appears to be wearing Ken Clarke's favourite tie.
(Credit: Parliament.tv)
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